Suraksan
Mountains
Suraksan
Mountains
Just northwest of Seoul, there lies one of the city's most underrated mountains: Suraksan. Indeed, Bukhansan gets all the attention when it comes to mountain-recognition in Seoul; however, Suraksan should be considered a worthy adversary.
Please note, this is SUraksan (수락산), not Seoraksan (설악산). Seoraksan is an extremely popular national park near the east coast of Korea. Suraksan is a mountain in Seoul.
The Scouting Report
- Description
- Elephant Rock
- Breathtaking Views
- Culture
- The Ridge
- Extra Information
- Gallery
- Things To Do On The Mountain
- Sports And Recreation Nearby
- Elsewhere On The Web
- How To Get There
Suraksan offers a tough hike, as it is one of the taller peaks in Seoul (638 m). There is a beautiful temple on the mountain along with a ridge that connects the mountain to its nearby neighbor, Boramsan.
Suraksan doesn't attract the crowds that flock to other mountains in Seoul, either. When you consider the lack of crowds, the bounty of culture, and the views that can be found on the mountain, Suraksan proves itself to be a great hidden gem.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a very well-known feature of Suraksan. It is a rock outcropping that supposedly resembles an elephant. We'll let you be the judge as to wheter it actually does remind you of an elephant.
Breathtaking Views
There is no shortage of beautiful vistas on Suraksan. You don't even have to climb all the way to the top to find a good view. There are plenty of landscapes to be seen from many points on the mountain.
Culture
In Hakrimsa, there is a little bit of culture to be found on Suraksan. Hakrimsa is a relatively new temple. However, it retains its traditional qualities and is worth a visit, especially if you are conveniently ending your hike near the temple.
The Ridge
If you are on Suraksan, you are not limited to Suraksan alone. Fortunately, a ridge connects Suraksan to nearby Boramsan. This is a popular ridge during the spring, as royal azalea blossoms cover the ground.
Extra Information
While hiking up Suraksan you are quite likely to encounter a few vendors along the trail. They sell mountain roots, ice cream, cold beer, and water. There is a local artist who will draw your portrait with a mountain backdrop. Suraksan also offers an outdoor snack shop close to its peak that offers treats like maekgolli and ramen.
Gallery
Check out the Suraksan photo album to see more pictures.
Things To Do On The Mountain
- Badminton
- Hiking
- Outdoor Gyms
- Photography
Sports and Recreation Nearby
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Parks
- Rock Climbing
Elsewhere On The Web
- Hiking Suraksan - by Summer in Seoul
- Suraksan, Maybe the Scariest Hike in Seoul - by Adeel
- Suraksan - by DIY Backpacker
- Ansan Mountain - by Thousand Wonders
Nearby Mountains
- Boramsan
How To Get There
Where: Seoul-si, Nowon-gu
From Line 4 - Danggogae Station (당고개역):
- Exit 1 or 4
From Line 7 - Suraksan Station (수락산역):
- Exit 1, 2, or 3
From Line 7 - Jangam Station (장암역):
- Exit 1
