The Bukhansan National Park in Seoul and Gyeonggi covers an area of 79.92 km2 and was established on 2 April 1983. Bukhansan means "mountains north of the Han River." The park contains forested areas, temples and granite peaks. The three main peaks are Baekundae, 836.5 m, Insubong, 810.5 m and Mangnyeongdae, 799.5 m. Due to its popularity with hikers and Seoul residents, some trails are closed on a rotation basis to protect the local environment. The Bukhansanseong Fortress is located in the park, together with its 9.5 km long defensive wall. A fortress was first built on this site in 132 AD to protect Seoul from foreign invasions, and it was expanded to its current size in 1711. It was reconstructed after damage sustained in the Korean War. Despite its name, this mountain is in Seoul, South Korea, so this mountain should not be confused with North Korea (also referred to as 북한, bukhan).

Name

There is a current movement to have the name of Bukhansan reverted. For many years up until now, the three main peaks of the park have collectively been called "Bukhansan"; however, the original collective name of these three peaks was Samgaksan, meaning "three horned mountains". The Gangbuk-gu District Office in Seoul is leading a petition to have the central government change the name back to the original. Civilians, religious leaders, other district offices, and groups, such as the Korean Mountaineering League, are assisting in the lobbying to have the name of the three original peaks reverted to Samgaksan.

Features

Trails

There are many trails and the most known routes include Baegundae, which is Bukhansan's highest peak at 837 meters, the fortress wall, and the Insu-bong which rises up to 810.5 meters. The 70 kilometer Dulle-gil Trail connects forested paths along foothills and villages, 21 sections out of total. Dobongsan is another popular entry point into the park featuring a trail that starts near Dobongsan Station. This hiking route features steep climbs using handrails and is a popular rock climbing area.

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