[K-TRAVEL ⑮] Bukhansan Uiryeong Trail… A guide to Seoul’s autumn garden amid the red foliage

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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[K-TRAVEL ⑮] Bukhansan Uiryeong Trail

As autumn deepens, Seoul gradually transforms into a watercolor painting of red and yellow hues. While numerous famous foliage spots in the city each showcase their own beauty, there is a secret forest trail that uniquely preserves a quiet, pristine autumn atmosphere. It is the “Woiryeong Trail,” which serves as the grand finale among the 21st sections of the Bukhansan Loop Trail.

The road connecting Uidong in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, and Gyoheon-ri in Janghyeong-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi Province, was once known as "Sogui Pass." Before the Korean War, it was a small path linking the two areas, and during the war, it served as a passage of sorrow for refugees carrying their grief. Subsequently, due to security concerns and historical pain, civilian access was restricted for a long period. However, this prolonged closure paradoxically became an opportunity to preserve one of Seoul's most pristine natural ecosystems. As a result, today we are gifted with the best autumn trekking destination where one can encounter untouched nature and a spectacular maple tunnel close to the urban center.

A gentle dirt path greeted by the scent of the forest and birdsong

Upon entering the Woori-ryeong Trail, the first things to awaken the senses are the clear, melodious songs of birds and the deep fragrance of the forest. A variety of mountain birds rarely seen in urban areas, such as nuthatches, woodpeckers, and tree creepers, greet visitors with their songs. Even a slight shift in one’s steps brings the rich scent of the deep forest to the nose, refreshing the body and mind weary from daily life.

The entire course is said to be the true Uiryeong Trail, stretching a total of 4.5 km from Gyoheon Visitor Support Center to Ui Visitor Support Center. However, if measured from the point where public transportation can be used, it totals approximately 6.8 km (3.7 km in the Yangju section and 3.1 km in the Seoul section), which is not particularly short.

The greatest appeal of the Woori-ryeong Trail lies in its ease of walking. The overall gradient is very gentle, allowing people of all ages and genders to walk without significant strain. In particular, most of the trail consists of fine dirt paths, so it is not uncommon to encounter visitors enjoying barefoot walking (earthing), a recent trend. It is an approachable course where one can fully enjoy an autumn stroll even in light sneakers, without necessarily wearing professional hiking shoes. Rest areas are well-equipped throughout the trail, providing places to stop and rest along the way, making it ideal for savoring nature at a leisurely pace. If you walk while chatting, taking in some gentle uphill sections followed by downhill stretches, the 6.8 km distance does not feel burdensome, and the light sweat from the walk makes it an excellent experience.

A "recommended course" that starts at Gyo-hyeon and descends to U-i

The Woori-ryeong Trail is accessible from both directions, but for those who wish to enjoy the natural flow of the terrain, it is recommended to start at the Gyeonggi Yangju Gyoheon Entrance (Gyoheon Visitor Support Center).

Starting from the Gyo-hyeon entrance, a relatively wide and gentle slope continues all the way to the crest of Uiryeong Pass (the summit), making the uphill walk considerably easier. From the Gyo-hyeon entrance to the three-way intersection leading to Seokguram, the path is spacious enough for two vehicles to pass each other with plenty of room. After walking along this route for a while, the "Obong" (Five Peaks), one of Bukhansan's famous landmarks, appears and disappears through the branches on the left, steadily building visitors' anticipation.

The path takes a turn as it passes the three-way intersection leading to Seokguram and heads toward the summit of the ridge. The once-wide trail begins to narrow, becoming cozy and intimate, while the dense surrounding forest canopy stretches overhead, forming a massive "forest tunnel." Walking through this forest tunnel, where autumn sunlight filters down in fragments between the leaves, offers a refreshing experience that can be considered the highlight of trekking the Uiryeong Trail.

In contrast, the route descending from Gogae Maru to the Seoul Uui Exploration Support Center is relatively steep. Therefore, a route that climbs gently from Gyohyeon and then descends comfortably in the direction of Uui-dong is far more advantageous for managing knee strain and physical stamina than walking up a steep incline.

A Spectacle Forged by 200 Million Years of Time: “Obong” and the Millennium-Old Temple “Seokguram”

There is a place where one must inevitably stop while walking the Woori-ryeong Trail: the Obong Observation Deck, located just before the ridge crest. The five massive rock spires of "Obong," which rise in a row along the western ridge of Dobongsan’s Sinseondae (Immortal’s Platform), are also affectionately known as the Five Brothers Peaks or the Five Fingers Peaks. The scenery of Obong is most striking not when viewed up close, but from a distance, such as from the Woori-ryeong Trail observation deck, where one can take in the unique arrangement of the five spires at a single glance.

These majestic rock spires began to form approximately 200 million years ago, during the intense "Daebao Orogeny" of the Jurassic period in the Mesozoic era, as Daebao granite uplifted toward the surface. Over long periods of time, they underwent weathering and differential erosion due to wind and rain, resulting in only the hardest rock sections miraculously surviving to emerge as five steeply sloped peaks. At the summits of the spires, distinctive rock formations known as "tors," created by prolonged weathering, have developed, offering a geologically valuable sight.

If you have a bit more stamina to spare, consider adding the path leading up to Seokguram, a millennium-old temple, from the intersection. The route to Seokguram is somewhat steep, but it offers an unparalleled reward: the chance to appreciate the overwhelming grandeur of Oubong (Five Peaks) from up close, as if the peaks are standing guard over you. The unique tranquility and poetic atmosphere of this historically significant temple further deepen the richness and enjoyment of an autumn hike on Uiryeong Trail.

The water flowing into the Han River, and the changing forest

An interesting fact is that the natural boundary is divided around the Uiryeong Pass. The stream flowing from the Gyoheon Visitor Support Center passes through the Yangju area in Gyeonggi Province, seeps into the Imjin River, and ultimately connects to the Han River. On the other hand, the stream on the side of the Uui Visitor Support Center forms the Uicheon Stream in the urban area, flows past Seokgye Station through the Seongbuk-gu district, and joins the main stem of the Han River. It is a modest pleasure to feel the natural order as the small streams flowing at one's feet meet in the single Han River after taking different paths.

The forest of Uiryeong is still vibrant and undergoing dynamic changes today. Currently, the Uiryeong Forest is experiencing a natural process of vegetation succession in which the once-dense pine trees are gradually yielding their ground to oak species. To avoid competition, the pines have migrated to slightly higher elevations, forming new, robust pine communities of their own. Observing how vast nature achieves harmony on its own is also an ecologically educational delight offered by the Uiryeong Trail.

Peak autumn foliage expected in late this month… leisurely weekday visits recommended

As autumn deepens, now is the perfect time to fully enjoy the fiery fall foliage at Bukhansan Mountain. This year, the leaves along the Uiryeong Trail are expected to reach peak color in late this month.

The total time required is approximately two and a half hours one way, or up to three and a half hours if taking it easy with breaks and including time for photography at the Orebong Observation Deck or Seokguram Grotto. This autumn course is recommended for couples, friends, or entire families who wish to walk together while engaging in casual conversation and strengthening their bonds. Coinciding with this, Seoul’s Gangbuk-gu district will also host the “2026 Bukhansan Festa Uireung Autumn Walk” on the 31st in the area around the Uireung Trail of Bukhansan Mountain, featuring various prizes and programs.

There are essential tips to keep in mind before your visit. The Uiryeong Trail strictly limits daily visitor numbers to protect the ecosystem. On weekends and public holidays, a reservation system is implemented, with total same-day admissions capped at 1,190 people. Entry is divided equally between the Yangju Gyo-hyeon direction and the Seoul Ui direction, allowing 595 visitors each.

Therefore, visitors planning to come on weekends must complete their reservations in advance through the National Park reservation system. In contrast, entry is relatively unrestricted without a reservation on weekdays. For those who wish to escape weekend crowds and fully immerse themselves in the quiet, pristine atmosphere of the forest trails, visiting on a weekday is strongly recommended. The permitted hours for entering the mountain are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and for safety reasons, visitors must complete their descent by 6:00 p.m. Additionally, as there is no dedicated parking space near either of the two visitor support centers, it is advisable to use public transportation when visiting.

The Uiryeong Trail is easily accessible by public transportation and features a difficulty level rated as "lowest," making it a gentle walk. This autumn, why not create a special memory by strolling through this secret maple tunnel—a place that has preserved the purity of nature despite historical hardships—and immersing yourself completely in the watercolor hues of the fall foliage?

How to Access by Public Transportation (Two-way parking not allowed; public transportation required)

△ Recommended departure point: ① Yangju direction in Gyeonggi Province (Gyohyeon Visitor Support Center). Take Subway Line 3 to Yeonsinnae Station or Gupabal Station. Board City Bus No. 704 or No. 34 from Exit 1 of Gupabal Station or at Yeonsinnae Station, and get off at the "Uiryeong/Obpsan Seokguram Entrance" stop. Then walk for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

② Using Yangju Station on Subway Line 1: Board Bus No. 37 or No. 203 at the bus stop in front of Yangju Station, get off at the "Uiryeong and Obongsan Seokguram Entrance" or "Gyohyeon-2ri Terminal" stop, then proceed on foot.

△Recommended Destination: ① Toward Seoul Gangbuk-gu (Wui Visitor Support Center). Take the Wui-Sinseol Line light rail and get off at 'Bukhansan Wui Station.' Exit through Gate 1 or Gate 2, then walk a gentle uphill path via the entrance to Wuiryeong Trail to reach the Wui Visitor Support Center (approximately 2.0 km, taking 30 to 40 minutes; taking a taxi from in front of the station is recommended to conserve energy).

② Using Suyu Station on Subway Line 4: Transfer to City Bus No. 120 or No. 153, or Neighborhood Bus Gangbuk No. 05 from Exit 3 or Exit 6 of Suyu Station, get off at the "Uidong Terminal," and then walk toward Uidong Forest Culture Village.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original