Cheonggyesan

Cheonggyesan sits on the boundary between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, its forested ridges straddling Seocho-gu and Seongnam City. At 618 m (Manggyeongdae peak), it is not the tallest mountain in the Seoul area, but its combination of dense woodland, granite outcrops, and multiple clearly marked trails makes it one of the most enjoyable medium-difficulty hikes in the region.

The mountain is beloved by Seoul residents for its proximity to the Gangnam and Seocho districts — you can be at the trailhead in 30 minutes from central Seoul and feel completely immersed in forest within another 20 minutes of walking.

Recommended Routes

Manggyeongdae Summit Route (8 km round trip · ~3.5 hrs)

Cheonggyesan Station (Exit 5) → Wonsaegol trailhead → ridge trail → Manggyeongdae (618 m) → return via Maebong side trail

The lower section follows a gentle stream valley shaded by mixed deciduous forest — cool in summer and spectacular in autumn when the maples turn. The gradient steepens above the mid-mountain shelter hut, with some rocky sections before the open summit at Manggyeongdae.

Oknyeobong Short Route (5 km round trip · ~2 hrs)

For a shorter outing, Oknyeobong (375 m) offers pleasant ridge views with a more manageable ascent — a good option for families with older children.

Tip: Cheonggyesan connects to Gwanaksan along the southern ridge. Experienced hikers can combine both mountains in a single long-distance traverse (approx. 15 km, 6–7 hrs).

How to Get There

Subway Shinbundang Line to Cheonggyesan Station (청계산입구역), Exit 5 → follow the signs to Wonsaegol trailhead (20 min walk or short bus ride).

Alternatively, Line 2 to Yangjae Station (양재역), Exit 5 → bus 461 → Cheonggyesan trailhead.

Bus Route 461 from Yangjae Station → Cheonggyesan trailhead (청계산입구).

What to Bring

• Trail runners or light hiking boots (grip needed on rocky summit sections)
• 1.5 L of water (water fountains at trailhead; none reliably on the upper trail)
• Sunscreen (the upper ridge is exposed)
• Light windproof layer (the summit ridge can be breezy even on warm days)
• Trekking poles (helpful on the steeper descent)