Yongmunsan (용문산)

Yongmunsan (용문산) was our first mountain of this spring day, and what a great one it was. I knew it would be, right from the start.

A photograph of the author taken in bright light of sunrise. She's silhouetted, as is the summit stele, both facing away from the sunrise. On the other side of the summit platform is a razor-wire topped fence that's softened somewhat by all of the colorful hiking ribbons tied to it. — The peak and I

We had a lovely, cozy little motel in which we played games and lounged around the night before. Upon waking, I was somewhat scared of encountering the same icy conditions that had split the previous day’s epic run into two mini missions. But stepping outside under a clear, starry sky made me just feel joyful and excited.

A perfect half moon and our two bobbing headlamps lit the way up the road to the temple. We got a little lost, but I’d do it again: we got to run under some stunning, colorful lanterns and past an ancient ginkgo tree!

A snapshot of a strange trail sign. One sign post directs the hiker on, towards the summit of Yongmunsan. The other sign is upside down! — Unusual decisions were made in regard to trail signage

Once we reached the trail, the climbing really began! We passed one other early riser on the wide steps of a well sign-posted path. It was a big uphill, but on a friendly and gentle trail that resembled those in Korea’s national parks. And Yongmunsan was also wild like a national park: we spotted what we thought was maybe a marten!

A photograph of a sunrise, as seen from a forested mountain slope. Other mountains are black shadows in the distance, and in the foreground, the trees too are silhouetted against the bright orange hues of the rising sun.

The dawn was cheerful and colorful, and we had a great spot on the ridge from which to see it! What perfect timing! We were alone until we reached a platform just below the summit, where we found a lone camper. The summit itself was very popular place for structures. In addition to the stele, and unique tree sculpture, Yongmunsan is also home to some telecom stations and a huge military base!

A vertical portrait of the author with the Yongmunsan summit stele - and unique summit tree sculpture!

We didn’t want to get cold and stiff, so we said a quick hello to the peak, then looped alongside all the off-limits summit stuff. Heading down on the next ridge was mercifully easy – both to find and to run!

Everything was just really working out for us: the trails, the weather, the flow….this kind of mountain mission is just plain fun! In no time we were crossing a road and leaving Yongmunsan behind…only to started on Yumyeongsan!

A landscape photograph, featuring Yongmunsan in the distance. The many buildings and towers on it's peak are small but visible in this sun-washed image. — Yongmunsan, from Yumyeongsan!

KNOW AND GO! YONGMUNSAN

TRANSPORTATION

As befitting this mountain’s fame and status, it’s easy to access. There’s a subway station and a bus stop named for the mountain; both located right at its foot.

The fastest train route appears to be an actual train: the mugunghwa departing from Cheongnyangni station will get you to Yongmun station in 40 minutes. Or you could take the subway on the (other) aqua line – the Gyeonggui-Jungang Line. This is also a direct route from Cheongnyangni and points east, but it will take you a little over an hour.

Alternatively, catch a direct bus from DongSeoul terminal for a similar-length journey.

And all of those options will get you to just one of Yongmunsan’s many trailheads! You could also take a bus or train to Yangpyeong, then catch a local bus/taxi to Yongmunsan Natural Recreation Forest and start there.

The take-away is that, if you live in Seoul, this is another top-notch, easy-access day trip option!

HIKE & RUN

Every now and again, something works out. Our Yongmunsan and Yumyeongsan combo worked out – and we were so happy it did!

The 18 kilometer route we ran is highly recommendable. I think this is the most scenic way to appreciate both mountains!

But, as with many of these suburban mountains, there’s a number of trails that present a real range of options. This mountain has trails in every cardinal direction and in-between as well.

A photograph of a simple map, with red lines for trails and white lines for highways. There's also two dark green mountains, and a few temples in the mix. — Oh the places you’ll go…on the Yongmunsan trail map!

I think the shortest ways up start from Sinjeom village in the east and the mountain pass above Yucheon village in the west – where you can link up to Yumyeongsan (hint, hint!).

In this second map image, it is clear to see the connection between the two mountains, with Yongmunsan on the right (east) and Yumyeongsan on the left (west). — The Yongmunsan to Yumyeongsan connection – plus other trails and mountains!

STAY & EAT

You will not lack food or rest when visiting Yongmunsan. In fact, it’s kind of a shame that Seoul is so close because the amenities here invite a longer stay!

This would appear to be one of the best places in Gyeonggido to camp. There are campsites in all of the natural recreation forests on the mountain slopes, and several others besides. And if camping’s not your thing, or it’s not the season, there are plenty of pensions as well. I don’t want to do a disservice to any particular village by not mentioning it by name, so suffice to say that there are literally places to stay all around the mountain.

The options for dining did not seem to be quite as abundant, however. There were definitely eateries at the main entrance, and most villages have at least a dry goods store. It pays to bring a picnic. My strategy? Always keep your eyes open for gamjajeon, but pack a sandwich.

OTHER NOTES

Yongmunsan measures in at 1157 meters. This is a well-loved peak, as it is included on both the Korea Forest Service 100 summits list here and the Black Yak 100 summits list here!

With Kent at my side, I ran an 18 kilometer point-to-point route connecting Yongmunsan and Yumyeongsan – check out the latter here!

More temptation in the form of mountains awaits on the 120 summits main page. For other Gyeonggido options, check out Cheonmasan and Chungnyeonsan nearby!