MT. GWANAKSAN: Green Heights and Campus Sights.
BY: EDSEL E. JEON
GETTING THERE
Mt. Gwanaksan could be easily accessed by heading directly to Gwanak Station via the Sillim Line. If you ever plan to climb Mt. Gwanaksan, one thing you will immediately notice—especially while transferring to the Sillim Line en route to Gwanak Station—is that the majority of passengers are in the 19–25 age group.
But unlike you, all geared up in proper hiking attire and equipment, most of them are dressed casually, giving absolutely no hint whether they are heading for a climb or just going about a normal day. Or so it seems.
Yes, they are all going climbing too—but the peaks they are aiming for are on a completely different level of difficulty, the kind that doesn’t exactly invite random hikers.
I arrived at Gwanak Station at 7:35 AM and took Exit 1 via a long escalator. Just before the escalator reached the top, where it opened directly onto the sidewalk, a large traditional gate stood under the glaring summer sun—quietly welcoming my arrival.
STEPPING INTO THE WORLD OF THE 1%
The sign on the gate literally read “Gwanaksan Park.”
From that point onward, I noticed the passengers I had traveled with earlier slowly dispersing in different directions. Only a few entered the gate with me, while the rest went their separate ways.
If you are a fan of Korean dramas, you probably already know who the “1%” refers to. They are the top students who earned the privilege of studying at Seoul National University. It was a Monday, and the students were—as always—prepared, ready to pursue their goals and slowly but surely move closer to reaching the peaks they had set for their future.
And since the SNU campus sits at the base of Mt. Gwanaksan, climbing the mountain naturally begins by stepping—quite literally—into the world of the 1%... fortunately, an entrance exam wasn't required.
THE START OF THE TRAIL
At that moment, I really needed to pee.
There was a restroom outside—just a few meters to the right before the gate. But let’s just say it wasn’t exactly what you would expect to find in a developed country, especially near one of the nation’s top universities.
Thankfully, there was a CU convenience store nearby with a café on the entire second floor. It was the largest CU branch I had seen so far—and possibly the only one with a full café upstairs.
Also, I wasn’t entirely sure if it had something to do with being near a university, but the toilet had a button on the wall just above the water closet. And if you accidentally pressed it thinking it was the flush button… nothing would happen.
Because it wasn’t the flush button.
It was the emergency police call button. Imagine if you're busy with your phone... lol!
Anyway, I finished up at the restroom and went back to the café for an iced chocolate. I was the only customer at the time.
And just like that—after arriving early and taking my time—I finally found myself heading back to the gate at 9:34 AM to officially begin the hike.
Oh, and did I mention I had to go to Myeongdong to buy 2 boxes of HBAF almonds and needed to be at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 by 5 PM?
Time management is the key.
My DIY-map looked simple… or so I thought. That confidence lasted right up until I compared my DIY sketch with the massive official trail map posted near the gate.
Still, I stayed unbothered and decided to proceed confidently, because my map somehow resembled the official one… in terms of colors and design, at least.
The environment around SNU was incredibly refreshing—so peaceful and academically charged that it almost felt like it could make students even smarter just by walking through it.
Along the way, I saw both young adults and older locals going about their morning routines.
I passed a long stretch of trail lined with cherry blossoms, quietly adding to the atmosphere.
And eventually, I arrived at what I believed to be Yunjusaem Pond on my map.
At that moment, I didn’t even bother confirming whether I had actually passed the “4th Camp Ground” or the “Upper Engineering Building.” In my mind, if it looked like a pond, then it was a pond—and that meant I had probably already passed everything I was supposed to.
And there was another structure within the already vast-looking pond area.
Then came this—something that only added to the confusion. I asked myself: could the “4th Camp Ground” and the “4th Rest Area” actually be the same landmark? If so, then the “pond” I had passed earlier might not have been Yeonjusaem Pond after all.
That thought lingered, but I continued hiking to confirm things.
THE ASCENT TO THE PEAK
No surprise at this point—I was already getting used to climbing endless stairways.
The scorching heat of the sun had already started making its presence felt as I made my way up toward Yeonjudae Peak. So when I finally arrived, my first priority wasn’t taking photos or videos—it was grabbing a bottle of ice-cold Gatorade from, what I assumed, was a member of the ROKA.
The line for the “selfie stone marker” was long anyway.
So I waited.
Then it was time for the obligatory selfie.
After that, I went further up and took another one at the higher viewpoint.
Time check: 12:15 PM.
THE DESCENT… BACK TO GWANAK STATION
Before heading back down, I sat for a while to complete something important—checking in for my flights in both South Korea and the Philippines. The process took about 25 minutes, mostly because I had to properly scan my passport and take a few… very important selfies.
On my way down from Gwanaksan, I expected to return to the gate near Gwanak Station. But just a little over halfway, I noticed an exit sign pointing toward a bus stop.
Curious, I asked a young couple if that exit was for everyone—or if I could still continue hiking.
The guy said there was a bus there that goes to Gwanak Station… and that’s exactly where they were headed.
It was already almost 2 PM.
So… I followed them.
WHEN YOUR DIY MAP BETRAYS YOU
If yes… then my map needed a full revision.
The guy I met earlier started chatting with me. He got excited when he found out I’m from the Philippines—turns out he had just finished a two-month educational stay in Luzon. He shared how much he loved the experience.
I asked if he studied at Seoul National University.
He immediately said no—and explained in a way that made it clear just how serious and competitive getting into SNU really is. Even being mistaken for a student there seemed to require clarification.
THE BUS RIDE… THAT WENT TOO FAR
The bus arrived, and we hopped on. I stood so I could enjoy the view.
The SNU campus was massive—it felt like an entire city.
We passed multiple stops—each one seemingly a different college or department. Around 20 minutes in, I still didn’t think much of it… I was too busy admiring the scenery (and the cherry blossoms ).
Then, after what I think was the College of Dentistry stop, the bus paused at a corner—right across from where the Gwanaksan Gate was... as a matter of fact, it was already visible... like 250m away.
Some passengers got off.
I stayed.
I assumed the bus would continue to Gwanak Station.
It didn’t.
It turned right… and kept going.
A few stops later, I looked back.
At that moment, it hit me—I had missed my stop. That bus stop... 250m away from Gwanaksan Gate was supposed to be the stop for passengers going to Gwanak Station.
UNPLANNED CAMPUS TOUR
The bus continued far beyond the campus.
I remember passing by Soongsil University, then Chung-Ang University.
At that point, I knew—I was way off.
So I finally got off.
Time check: 2:30 PM.
PLAN B… OR NO PLAN AT ALL
Maybe I’d just buy HBAF almonds at the airport instead.
The nearest station was Heukseok Station, and according to Naver… it was about 15 km away from Gwanak Station.
Perfect.
Thankfully, there was a train going toward the Hongdae area.
AIRPORT RUSH MODE
I quickly retrieved my bags from 3 lockers at Hapjeong Station, reorganized everything, and headed to Hongik University Station to get a new AREX ticket.
Except… I accidentally entered the section for regular trains going to Incheon International Airport.
Same price. Different experience.
When the train arrived—it was packed.
Airport passengers. Locals. Luggage. And more luggage.
Since my ticket wasn’t for a reserved AREX seat, I had to stand the entire way to Terminal 1.
AIRPORT REALITY CHECK
I arrived around 6:10 PM, rearranged my bags again (to avoid excess baggage fees), and checked in my 28 kg luggage.
I even had my Korean Army (ROKA) shirt on—a $2 thrift find from South Korean bundles back home, where different ROKA styles are so common you could dress an entire platoon.
Next priority: freshen up.
Instead of going to the shower area (which was quite far), I used a spacious restroom cubicle. I brought out my clothes, towel, and a waterless wash solution.
I sat down…
…and somehow ended up scrolling through my photos and social media instead.
Good thing my Garmin beeped.
And then I remembered that during my previous trip—my boarding gate required a train transfer and a long walk.
FINAL CALL ENERGY
Thankfully, I had registered through SMART PASS, which made going to immigration much faster.
By the time I reached the gate—I was the last to board… but at least the line was still there.
The flight was full.
Middle seat.
(Not my favorite—I’m an aisle person. 😅)
IN-FLIGHT STRUGGLES 😂
Mid-flight, when everyone was asleep, I finally decided to freshen up properly.
I went to the restroom, changed clothes, cleaned up, and returned feeling refreshed… walking barefoot in new pair of socks like I was at home.
Finally ready to sleep.
Then…
Lights on.
Meal service.
HOME
I arrived in the Philippines on time, waited three more hours for my domestic flight, and finally made it home safely. Thank God.
Where my pet, Jimin, was waiting… for his presents. ( Me and imaginary Jungkook. )
Lollipop dog treat from Daiso.
REALIZATIONS
What started as a trip centered around BTS and their concert quickly turned into something far more meaningful. A spontaneous decision to explore the mountains opened the door to hiking and trekking—an experience that not only challenged me but also revealed how deeply Koreans value and love the outdoors. From solo climbs to shared trails with locals, I found myself completely drawn into the journey. What began as an unplanned detour became a passion—one I can truly see myself pursuing for years to come. Because of that, South Korea will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s where I learned the basics and discovered something genuinely meaningful.
I am now planning to explore trails and peaks around the Philippines. Starting in my region where the highest peaks are located.
But of course, this is just the beginning. There are still many trails and peaks across South Korea waiting to be explored as well. Most of all, I hope to return to Mt. Jirisan's Cheonwangbong Peak—this time fully informed of the do’s and don’ts, focusing more on achieving a personal best and less on documentation and selfies, having already experienced its beauty and wonders.
Thank you, South Korea—for being both my partner and the venue for my trekking debut. Saranghae!
See you again. Pohon!
