The hiking trail connecting Cheong Wa Dae and Bukaksan Mountain was once off-limits to the public due to its proximity to the area behind Cheong Wa Dae, characterized by strict security. However, with the opening of Cheong Wa Dae in 2022, unrestricted access was finally allowed. In May 2022, with the complete opening of Cheong Wa Dae, the entire Bukaksan Mountain area, including the Cheong Wa Dae to Baekakjeong to Chilgung Palace section, was made fully accessible to all.

Baekakjeong is the starting point for climbing Bukaksan Mountain. A 20-minute walk alongside the wall of Chunchugwan will take you there. You can alsodepart on the same route from Chilgung Palace. The path from Chunchugwan or Chilgung Palace to Baekakjeong is well-paved but steep, and may leave you breathless. Comfortable footwear and attire are recommended.

After passing Baekakjeong, a natural forest opens up before you. A fork soon appears where the right path leads up to the observatory and the left one descends from it. Just before Daetongmun, there are stairs to the observatory with views of Cheong Wa Dae's blue roof, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, Namsan Mountain, and even Gwanaksan Mountain in the distance. Even those unfamiliar with geomancy can appreciate the prime geographical placement of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae.

Daetongmun closes at 6 p.m. during the summer, so you must pass through before then to reach Bukaksan Mountain. The trail has many pine trees and is surrounded by various other trees, creating an experience so deeply immersed in the forest that the dense foliage and the cheerful chirping of birds seem to lighten your steps. You will see a rock engraved with the words ““Mansedongbang Seongsunamgeuk”“ about 10 minutes from Daetongmun. While the engraver's identity and time remain a mystery, it appears to wish for the nation's prosperity and the emperor's longevity. From here, steep stairs lead to Cheongundae Observatory.

After enjoying the southern view from Cheongundae Observatory you can head to Sukjeongmun, the northern gate of Hanyangdoseong. From the Hanyangdoseong wall stretching from Sukjeongmun to Gokjang you will find yourself in a dense pine forest. Gokjang has panoramic views of Bukhansan Moutain, downtown Seoul, and Baekakmaru.

After climbing the stairs and reaching the ridge, ”you will find yourself facinge the wall of Hanyangdoseong. The visible Cheongundae stands at an altitude of 293 meters and signifies a gathering place for blue clouds. It provides the most exceptional view in Hanyangdoseong, showcasing Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun, and Sejong-ro. There are passageways and stairs to go to the opposite side, with views of the Buam-dong area and the peaks of Bukhansan Moutain.

Baekakmaru is the name for the summit of Bukaksan Mountain. Although not very high at 342 meters, it is the most prominent peak in the vicinity and overlooks the heart of Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae. When Hanyangdoseong was first built in 1936, the construction areas were divided into 97 sections named in the sequence of the Thousand Character Classic. Baekakmaru corresponds to the section called “Cheon (天)” since it is the starting point of the fortress.

Between Baekakmaru and Cheongundae there is a pine tree with red marks. This 200-year-old pine tree has 15 bullet marks from a skirmish between North Korean special forces attempting to raid Cheong Wa Dae and South Korean military and police forces on January 21, 1968.

The highlight of the Hanyangdoseong Trail is the Changuimun Gate. Immediately after you pass Baekakmaru, the path descends steeply parallel to the fortress wall of Hanyangdoseong with wooden steps. We recommend catching your breath at the two available rest areas, Baekakmaru Rest Area and Dolphin Rest Area.

After passing the Baekakmaru Rest Area there is a vista with a refreshing view of the Buam-dong area. At the forest entrance, several tiled houses mark the location of Seokpajeong, the villa of Heungseon Daewongun. If you still have energy after visiting Changuimun Gate, you can also visit the Seokpajeong Seoul Art Museum.

Historically, Changuimun Gate was a vital passage leading northwest to Yangju and Goyang. Positioned between the Seodaemun (Donuimun) and the Bukdaemun (Sukjeongmun), it was also referred to as Buksomun. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions and was rebuilt in 1741 during the reign of King Yeongjo, and remains the only gate among the four small gates to retain its original Joseon Dynasty architecture. A signboard commemorates the rebels entering the capital through this gate during the Injo Rebellion.

”It is more commonly known as Jahamun, named for the resemblance of its surrounding landscape to Jahadong in Gaegyeong (currently Gaesong). This is also the reason why the tunnel connecting Cheongun-dong and Buam-dong is called Jahamun Tunnel. Below Changuimun Gate stands a statue commemorating the police officers who lost their lives in combat with North Korean infiltrators during the January 21 Incident.