Fall Color at Mt. Gwanaksan

Although I’m completely unqualified to do so, here’s a quick Korean language lesson.

The word “san” (산) in Korean more or less means mountain. That’s why every mountain in Korea has the “-san” suffix, e.g. Seoraksan, Bukhansan, Jirisan, etc. Trouble is, living here I’ve become familiar calling Korea’s peaks by their Korean names (fancy that!), so calling Jirisan “Mount Jiri” just doesn’t feel right. When translating to English, however, it’s unclear that it’s a mountain without the obligatory “Mt.” title. So what’s my awkward compromise? Mount (Mountain Name)-mountain… something tells me my opinion on this will change shortly.

Anyhow, given that autumn color has started here in Seoul, I wanted to put up some photos from a quick trip last year to, ahem, Mt. Gwanaksan (관악산), located in Southern Seoul.

These dual rock towers greet hikers at the trail head near Seoul National University.

As I’ve mentioned previously, Seoul is surrounded by mountains, and at just 629 meters, Gwanaksan isn’t as tall as Bukhansan and Dobongsan to the north. That said, it’s a decent hike with great views. Plus, like the aforementioned peaks, you can reach it via Seoul Metro (subway).

The view from the top looking northward toward downtown Seoul, with Mount Namsan and the Han River.

Gwanaksan is located on Seoul’s southern tip, straddling the Geumcheon and Gwanak districts and the Gyeonggi Province suburb of Gwacheon. Designated a city park back in 1968, the area is probably best known as the home to Korea’s most famous institute of higher ed., Seoul National University. SNU’s campus is cradled between two mountain ridges, and is the most popular starting point for hikers.

Yeonjudae is a Buddhist hermitage on a dramatic perch.

Not surprisingly, the mountain is home to several Buddhist sites, namely Yeonjuam and its favorite hermitage, Yeonjudae (연주대). Founded in 677 during the reign of the Silla Dynasty King Munmu (문무왕), it was renamed by Goryeo loyalists who fled here after the Joseon Dynasty toppled Goryeo in 1392. According to lore, the site seemed fitting since Yeonjudae’s dramatic perch faces northward toward the old Goryeo capital of Gaeseong (now part of North Korea).

A geodesic weather dome sits atop Mount Gwanaksan.

Also up on top is a number of radio towers. Most notable is a large white geodesic sphere (well, almost a full sphere) that’s actually a weather radar facility. Speaking of weather, meteorologists have said that this year’s color should be even more spectacular than when I shot these pics last October, so pick a nice day and head down to Gwanaksan.

Seoul National University’s Museum of Art.

And, if you have some extra time on your hands, why not check out the Museum of Art at Seoul National University?

Getting There:
→ From Seoul, take subway line 2 to Seoul National University Station (not the Seoul National University of Education Station, also on line 2). From there, take a green “Maeul” bus into the university campus.

→ Or, take subway line 4 to Gwacheon Station and head in the direction of the Gwanaksan trail.