DAY HIKE: MT. INWANGSAN
THE INWANGSAN TRAIL: DAY HIKE
April 11 (Saturday) was a packed day—it was the second day of the BTS Arirang concert, the schedule of my live screen viewing, and my second attempt at hiking Inwangsan—this time during the day, expecting heavier foot traffic.
Instead of starting from the same entry point, I got off at the bus stop near Gwanghwamun Station, just past the Seoul Museum of History.
The original plan was to hike up Inwangsan Peak from Gwanghwamun Square and exit via Bugaksan Trail.
From the starting area, Bugaksan was clearly visible—it was officially the start of summer in Seoul, and although it still felt a bit cool when I left around 11 AM, by the time I began hiking at 1:30 PM, the summer heat had fully set in.
FINDING THE TRAIL
From Gwanghwamun Square, I walked back toward the same starting point I used during my night hike... after snapping a quick photo at these beautiful spring flowers.
Heunghwamun Gate, the starting point during the Night Hike to Inwangsan Peak:
From here, the route was simple:
- go to the cute building...(read the Night Hike: Inwangsan Peak story to know how find this bldg.)
- Day Time
THE ASCENT
As expected, the climb started with… stairs. Lots of them.
And it was hot... very hot.
Hikers were already removing layers, and I honestly wished I had brought lighter running clothes. Good thing I had my umbrella—I may come from a tropical country, but I still don’t enjoy direct sunlight that much.
Since it was a Saturday, the trail was crowded—traffic was real.
AT THE PEAK
I reached the summit around 2:50 PM, only to find it packed—mostly with group tours.
Given the time and the crowd, I decided not to continue toward Bugaksan. I didn’t want to risk dealing with curfew restrictions and possibly retracing the same route.
Finding a clear photo spot at the peak was nearly impossible, so I went searching—and thankfully found a quieter corner for a quick selfie.
DESCENT + COOL FIND
On my way down, I came across an interesting piece of equipment.
Because parts of the trail are sandy, they installed a blower station that helps remove dust and debris from your shoes and clothes. Simple—but very thoughtful.
BLOOPER MOMENT
After blowing the sand off my shoes, I headed back toward the park and to 7/11. I was happily munching on the different varieties of peanut bread I’d picked up from the train station earlier.
A few meters from the main gate, I spotted an elderly lady in a blue coat with a red vest, half-hidden behind a bush. She looked very focused, carefully picking something off a plant. Naturally, I assumed she was pruning the plant.
She reminded me of another senior lady I had seen earlier cruising around the park on an electric scooter, feeding cats. It was already very hot, and since I had an extra bottle of juice and way too much bread—the vendor had generously given about ten different pieces for free, I figured I’d share them with her.
So, I approached her and offered some snacks.
She looked surprised—more amused than anything—and politely declined. She asked where I was from (in English), and when I said the Philippines, she responded in full Korean, smiling the entire time as we walked a bit together. I had no idea what she was saying, but it felt like a wholesome exchange anyway.
After a short moment with my new random “friend,” I told her I had to head out since I needed to be in Gangnam by 5:30 PM. As I walked away, I glanced back—and that’s when the plot twist hit.
She joined a group of other senior ladies sitting on a bench, and they all started laughing and chatting… probably about " the tourist who just tried to feed her like she was part of a park maintenance crew."
Turns out, she wasn’t pruning anything at all. She was just there with friends, hiking the Inwangsan Trail like the rest of us. If anything, she might’ve been collecting seeds for her garden—not maintaining the park.
Lesson learned: not everyone near a bush is working. Some are just living their best hiking life… and occasionally getting offered free bread by confused tourists.
HEADING BACK
Instead of walking back to the bus stop near the Seoul Museum of History, I took a green bus near a 7-Eleven by the park entrance. It dropped me off at Jahamun-ro 1-gil—an area filled with traditional Korean food spots.
At the end of the alley: Gyeongbokgung Station
Across it: Gyeongbokgung Palace
This was actually where, during a previous trip, I discovered a different version of my favorite dish—Kimchi jjigae... tuna variety.
Between pork and tuna, I’ll always choose pork kimchi jjigae—it just blends perfectly with everything.
BTS, ARIRANG, AND A DIFFERENT KIND OF CROWD
I arrived in Gangnam about 30 minutes early for the live screening.
Even without being at the stadium, I still felt how special BTS and the Arirang album were—especially for older Koreans. Surprisingly, most of the audience in the cinema were seniors.
Watching them sing, chant, and even dance in their seats was unforgettable.
But the most touching moment? When the Arirang segment played.
At first, there was silence—like they were confirming what they were hearing. Then slowly, they began to sing along. Not loudly, but softly… almost just mouthing the words. It felt like they were holding back emotions—trying not to cry.
Good the imaginary jungkook suddenly appeared and cheered them up with this...
FINAL THOUGHTS
This trip was originally all about BTS.
Even when I knew there was still a chance to get a ticket while in Seoul, I wasn’t as eager anymore. I had already found something else—something that made my trip just as meaningful, exciting, and even more fulfilling.
Hiking gave me a new way to experience Korea—and a new way to connect with myself.
And in a way, BTS still played a big part in that.
Hopefully, one day, I’ll finally get that soundcheck ticket.
But until then, I’ll keep supporting BTS—and keep exploring trails.
Borahae! 💜
