Hiking to the Golden Buddha in Seoul
By: Katie McGrain
TRAILS AROUND THE WORLD presents
Hiking to the Golden Buddha in Seoul
Granite peaks rise above the skyline to the north of Seoul, South Korea providing a stunning visual, and a reminder that nature is not too far from the busy city.
Bukhansan National Park, the most visited national park in the entire world, sits proudly in those mountains. The park has some fantastic hiking trails that wind their way up the craggy rock faces of the Bukhan Mountains. Incredible views of the entire city of Seoul are found at the peaks.
The problem with hiking in the busiest national park in the world is the amount of people. Korean’s take the sport of hiking quite seriously, and everyday of the week, every season of the year; you can anticipate hoards of people (clad in neon hiking gear) making their way up the mountain.
On a typical day, most of the trails are filled with hikers, and getting to the top is sometimes survival of the fittest. It can seriously take away the enjoyment that comes with cresting the summit of a mountain when you have to wait in line!
This is not the case for every trail!
Hidden amongst the popular trails in Bukhansan National Park is a path that is both beautiful, spiritual, and lacking in people. It is a trail that is not just stumbled upon, but a path that is sought out and easily missed if your eyes are not peeled.
It is called the Golden Buddha hike, and it is my favorite hike in Korea, and around the world!
Taking the Golden Buddha trail feels like you are doing something you are not supposed to be! You must slip off the main trail, through what appears to be somebody’s front yard, and follow small signs to the giant Buddha in the sky. I always feel like I am involved in a little secret that no one else knows about. A strange waygook (foreigner) who is diverting from the masses on a secret mission!
After trekking up steep, but manageable terrain for 30 minutes or so, the massive Golden Buddha appears. Sitting tall at 80feet (24meters), this guy is the largest Buddha statue in East Asia.
The coolest thing about this Golden Buddha is that he is not alone. Surrounding him are 10,000 more golden Buddha’s ranging in size from an inch to a couple of feet. With almost no people around, taking in the beauty of the mountains and the bustling city of Seoul with 10,001 Buddha’s is a pretty unique experience!
To find the Golden Buddha Trail
From the base of the mountain, follow the masses for about 2 kilometers. The trail splits after a well-placed bathroom stop and parking lot. To the right are some stairs…head up them following the signs for Daenammun (Castle Gate).
After about 15 minutes of trekking, you will come to an intersection. On the right, you will see a small house. You need to pass along the side of the house and around the back to get to the Golden Buddha Trail. It appears as if you are trespassing in somebody’s yard, fear not, it is the correct way!
Around the back of the house you will find another set of stairs. Follow the small signs to Guknyeong Temple all the way up. After about 1.5 kilometers you will be standing in front of the Golden Buddha.
Katie McGrain is the food loving, adventure seeking blogger behind Around the World in Katie Days. She recently packed up her life in Vermont and set off on a global journey in search of good food and epic adventures. When she is not eating, she can be found trekking up mountains, lifting heavy weights, and creating recipes in her own kitchen.
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