Seoul Dulle Gil Stage 8: Hiking Bukhansan and Dobongsan
Why Hike This Section
This is the most scenic section of the entire trail, with terrific views of South Korea’s tallest mountains, including Bukhansan and Dobongsan. The best views are at a lookout tower. Climb to the top for a 360 degree view, with signboards highlighting the major peaks visible. Like Section 5, the trail does not go to the top of the peaks in Bukhansan National Park. I highly recommend taking a few extra days to hike to Baegundae Peak and Juanbong Peak (Dobongsan), the highest peaks in the park. These are fun and challenging day hikes.
In this stage, you will also pass by the April 19th National Cemetery, a moving and expansive memorial. In this cemetery lie the bodies of students and labor workers killed in a protest against President Syngman Rhee in 1960. A total of 186 Korean citizens were killed by police and militia during multi-day demonstrations. Ultimately, the protests against Rhee’s corruption ad autocratic rule resulted in Rhee fleeing the country and resigning as the nation’s first president.
The section through Pyeongchang Neighborhood is cool. Pyeongchang-dong is described as the “Beverly Hills” of Seoul, where many Korean celebrities live on streets as steep as San Francisco. Unlike the typical high-rise apartment buildings that cover most of Seoul, this upscale neighborhood features multi-story single-family homes with some unique architectural designs. Pop into an art gallery or two, if you have the time.
Level of Difficulty and Type of Terrain
This stage has lots of hills! Be prepared to work up a sweat. The trail is mostly in forested areas with dirt paths, but the section through Pyeongchang neighborhood is pavement with steep hills. There are sections with lots of steps, as well.
Miles and Hours
The total course for Section 8 is about 21.5 miles (34.5 km), which does not include side trips up the amazing mountain peaks in Bukhansan National Park. There is so much to see in section 8. We recommend splitting this section up into three or four days so that you can take your time and enjoy some side hikes. If you don’t have time for side hikes, you can finish section 8 in two days (hiking approximately 11 hilly miles each day).
