🌄 Hiking the Dobongsan Trail: From Yeoseongbong to Obong Peak – The Hidden Gem of Bukhansan National Park
📍Location: Dobongsan, Bukhansan National Park, Seoul, South Korea
🚆 Nearest Station: Dobongsan Station (Subway Line 1 or Line 7)
⏱️ Hiking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours round trip
🗻 Difficulty: Moderate (Some steep rocky sections, but safe for beginners with basic fitness)
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🏙️ Getting There from Seoul Station
Getting to Dobongsan is surprisingly easy from central Seoul.
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🚇 Take Subway Line 1 (Blue Line) at Seoul Station heading toward Soyosan.
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Get off at Dobongsan Station (도봉산역) — about 45 minutes ride.
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Exit Exit 1, and you’ll find a street lined with small hiking gear shops, Korean food stalls, and cafés.
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Walk straight for about 10 minutes until you reach the Dobongsan entrance gate of Bukhansan National Park.
💡 Tip: Grab a bottle of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or gimbap for your post-hike celebration — the local shops near the entrance are famous for it!
🥾 Trail Overview: Yeoseongbong (여성봉) → Obong (오봉)
This route offers stunning views of granite peaks, pine forests, and panoramic views of Seoul.
📍 Course Summary:
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Start: Dobongsan Park Entrance (도봉산탐방지원센터)
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Stop 1: Cheonchuksa Temple (천축사)
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Stop 2: Yeoseongbong Peak (여성봉, 604m)
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Stop 3: Rest area between Yeoseongbong & Obong (flat ridge with benches)
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Stop 4: Obong (오봉, “Five Peaks”)
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End: Return same route or descend via Obong Mineral Spring Trail
⏰ Total Time: Around 4.5 hours round trip
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2 hours ascending to Yeoseongbong
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1 hour ridge walk to Obong
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1.5 hours descent
🌿 Step-by-Step Hiking Guide
🛕 1. From Entrance to Cheonchuksa Temple (~40 min)
The first section is an easy forest path. You’ll pass small waterfalls and streams along the way.
Cheonchuksa Temple is a peaceful spot to rest and take photos. The sound of temple bells blends beautifully with the mountain breeze.
🪨 2. Cheonchuksa → Yeoseongbong (~1 hr 20 min)
Here the trail becomes steeper and rockier. Rope sections are available for balance, but the climb is safe and rewarding.
Once you reach Yeoseongbong Peak, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking 360° view of northern Seoul and the sprawling granite formations of Dobongsan.
☕ 3. Ridge Rest Point (~20 min walk)
Between Yeoseongbong and Obong, there’s a flat ridge with benches and scenic resting spots. Many locals stop here for lunch (usually gimbap or cup noodles).
You can see hikers chatting, sharing snacks, and enjoying the mountain air.
🏔️ 4. Obong Peak (~40 min)
“Obong” literally means Five Peaks, and true to its name, five small peaks line up side by side.
The views are absolutely stunning — you can spot Uiam Rock and parts of Suraksan Mountain in the distance.
If you’re feeling adventurous, climb up to the 2nd or 3rd peak for the best photo spot.
🧘♀️ Descending & Relaxing
Descend via the same trail or take the Obong Mineral Spring route, a gentler path that reconnects to the main park gate.
At the bottom, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants serving:
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Pajeon (Korean pancake)
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Makgeolli (rice wine)
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Doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew)
Nothing tastes better after a mountain adventure!
📸 Why You’ll Love This Hike
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Perfect mix of rocky adventure and forest serenity
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Easy subway access from downtown Seoul
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Less crowded than the famous Baegundae Peak trail
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Ideal for photographers and first-time hikers
🧭 Useful Tips
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Bring enough water; refill spots are limited after the temple.
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Wear hiking shoes — some sections are rocky.
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Avoid weekends if you prefer quieter trails.
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Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this hike.
