Geumjeong Mountain

Lonely Planet review

Travellers climbing Geumjeongsan - Geumjeong Mountain - expecting to see a fort will be disappointed because there isn't one. Geumjeong Fortress (금정산성) is a long stone wall with four gates serving as expensive trail markers. Not all is lost because this is where you'll find some of the city's best hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts seeking an intimate experience with nature should avoid the mountain on holidays and weekend mornings - peak times for maddening crowds of fashionable hikers.

The journey to Geumjeong Mountain is as good as the destination. Most hikers start at the north end of the trail that begins with a mildly steep climb along the left side of Beomeosa temple. This trail eventually leads to the North Gate (북문 The 8.8km hike from Beomeosa to the South Gate (남문 is a comfortable hike with a couple of steep stretches. Trails are well marked in Korean with a handful of English signs though there is a need for signage at the East Gate (동문). Travellers coming from Beomeosa temple should pass under the gate and walk down hill to a paved road. Turn right at the road and walk to a large signboard. Turn left here to pick up the trail to the South Gate (남문).

The least arduous route is by cable car inside Geumgang Park at the southern base of the mountain. Climbing 540m, the ride provides a splendid view of the city's valley development. From the cable car, it's a comfortable 10-minute walk to the South Gate.

The cable car is a 15-minute walk from Oncheonjang station on Line 1. Take Exit 1 and walk left towards the overhead pedestrian crosswalk. Cross the street, walk down the left staircase and turn right at the first corner. Down the street, there's a sign pointing to Geumgang Park. Once through the park's gate take the middle paved road to the cable car, which is called Rope Way in English.