Yongmasan Mountain (Hiking in Seoul #01)

Yongmasan Mountain in eastern Seoul is an easy hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views. It comes highly recommended for evening hikes, allowing visitors to experience the glittering display of lights and iconic landmarks such as Lotte Tower, Namsan Tower, and the Han River.

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Several starting points are available, including Yongma Waterfall, where you can see the tallest waterfall in eastern Seoul and the largest artificial waterfall in Asia.

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Yongma Waterfall Park offers a variety of outdoor sports facilities, such as a rock climbing wall, tennis courts, soccer fields, and more. There's a spacious Children's Playground covered in sand, making it a great spot for a family picnic and fun.

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To begin your hike from this point, walk towards the waterfall, past the rock climbing wall, and head up the wooden steps on the right. Follow the sign that says "Yongmabong (peak)" and continue past the basketball court in the park grounds to reach the hiking trail. If you feel lost, follow the crowd – they'll likely lead you to the right trail.

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From there, it's a 1.3km hike up stone paths and stairs to the peak, with several viewing points along the way. Follow the path marked 'Yongmasan Station' down, and this hiking route will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.

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The hiking trail may not always be clearly marked, with numerous smaller trails and paths intersecting along the way. To navigate through them, look out for pink or red ribbons, as these markers will guide you along the correct route to your destination.

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If you're feeling adventurous, the peak connects to Achasan Mountain for a longer hike, which can take up to 2-3 hours to complete. This route is popular among hikers, but be sure to pack water and a powerbar for the journey!

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Yongmasan Mountain

Elevation: 348 meters

Route: Yongma Waterfall Park → Yongmabong (peak) → Yongmasan Station

Length: ~4km

Duration: ~1 hour

Address: 250-12, Yongmasan-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul (Yongma Waterfall Park)

Public Transportation: Subway Line 7, Yongmasan Station, Exit 2

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