Buramsan

Buramsan (508 m) rises from the northeastern edge of Seoul, straddling the boundary between Nowon-gu and the city of Namyangju. It is less visited than the peaks of Bukhansan National Park to the west, making it a genuinely peaceful option for hikers who prefer a quieter mountain experience within easy reach of the subway.

The mountain’s upper section consists of exposed granite — smooth slabs and short rocky scrambles — that open onto panoramic views stretching from the Dobongsan ridgeline in the northwest to the Han River basin in the south. A small Buddhist hermitage, Buramsa, sits partway up the mountain and is a quiet resting point on the ascent.

Recommended Route

Buramsan Summit Loop (5.5 km · ~2.5 hrs)

Sanggye Station (Exit 1) → Buramsan Natural Recreation Forest entrance → Buramsa hermitage → summit (508 m) → north ridge descent → Hwarang Station

This loop route ascends through shaded woodland, passing Buramsa temple before the terrain opens onto the rocky summit area. The descent along the north ridge is gentler and brings you out near Hwarang Station (Line 6), making it easy to plan a point-to-point hike without backtracking.

Summit-only Out-and-Back (~3.5 km · ~1.5 hrs)

For a shorter hike, approach from Hwarang Station (Exit 2) and climb directly to the summit and back. This is the simplest and most popular route on the mountain.

Tip: The summit area has several open granite platforms ideal for a picnic. Arrive on weekday mornings for the best chance of having the views to yourself.

How to Get There

Subway (recommended) Line 7 to Sanggye Station (상계역), Exit 1 → follow signs for Buramsan Natural Recreation Forest (도보 25분).

Or Line 6 to Hwarang Station (화랑대역), Exit 2 → follow the signed trailhead path (20 min walk).

Bus Route 1155 to Buramsan trailhead (불암산입구).

What to Bring

• Trail runners or comfortable hiking shoes (rocky summit sections but no technical scrambling)
• 1 L of water (spring water available at Buramsa hermitage — not guaranteed year-round)
• Light snack for the summit
• Sunscreen (exposed granite on the upper section)