Residents have lived in the Buam-dong neighborhood for decades without ever imagining they would see this path open within their lifetimes, as the area remained restricted since the January 21 Incident in 1968. Now, after 59 years behind a veil of prohibition, the final section of the Bukhaksan Mountain (Baegaksan) hiking trail behind Seoul’s Blue House has officially opened its gates to the public.
The newly accessible 1.32-kilometer section near Cheongun-dong represents the third and final phase of a trail opening project that began in 2020. Located on the southwestern slopes of the nationally designated scenic site ‘Seoul Baegaksan Area,’ this route runs closer to the former presidential residence than any other trail segment.
A special commemorative event marked the opening, featuring traditional folk music, officials from the National Heritage Administration, and security personnel. Hikers can now utilize newly constructed wooden decks extending from Dolphin Shelter to the ‘Mansedongbang’ spring, connecting smoothly with previously opened trail networks.
Surrounded by dense pine, oak, and styrax trees, the wooden deck trail leads hikers to breathtaking vantage points just behind the Blue House. Visitors are treated to a sweeping, uninterrupted view stretching from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Boulevard all the way to Namsan Seoul Tower. The 3-stage route takes approximately 40 minutes for an average adult to walk.
Following the full opening, daily visitor numbers through the Changui-mun checkpoint nearly doubled compared to previous weeks, reflecting intense public interest in accessing these previously hidden historical landscapes.
