Mountain trail closed for nearly 60 years opens in Seoul

For nearly six decades, a stretch of mountain behind Cheong Wa Dae, Korea's presidential compound, remained off-limits to the public.

Starting Saturday at 9 a.m., visitors will be able to explore the last restricted section of Bugaksan, a forested peak north of central Seoul, along a trail offering sweeping views of the city.

The newly opened 1.32-kilometer route winds along the mountain's southwestern slopes in Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu. From four newly built viewing areas, hikers can look out toward Inwangsan and Namsan mountains, as well as the grounds of Cheong Wa Dae, nearby palace Gyeongbokgung and the streets of Seoul.

The route begins at Dolgorae Shelter, the first rest stop on the path from Changuimun toward Bugaksan's summit. Hikers pass rocky outcrops and pine groves before reaching Manse Dongbang, a spring beside a rock inscribed with words wishing the king a long life. Farther along stands the Jan. 21 Incident Pine, marked by bullet holes from a 1968 clash between South Korean security forces and North Korean armed commandos who had approached the presidential compound in an attempted raid. The incident, also known as the Kim Shin-jo Incident after one of the raiders who was captured, led authorities to bar civilian access to the area on security grounds.

Public access to Bugaksan has since been restored in stages.

In 2020, the first phase opened 2.2 kilometers of trails along the mountain's northern section. Two years later, a second phase added 3 kilometers of trails on its southeastern slopes. The latest opening makes the remaining southwestern section accessible, completing the phased reopening of the mountain.