Sometimes, we’re after a long adventure or a full day in the mountains. Sometimes, we all just need a quick forest fix. Enter Jokduribong – just the small summit we were looking for!
This was a funny time in our lives. It was late 2016. We had finished our work contracts, but our international travels had not yet begun. We spent this in-between time living out of a motel in Seoul – and used it as a chance to revisit Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)!
Actually, our sights were set on running the Bukhansan Dullegil. But this was a perfect chance to go high as well as long. We spotted Jokduribong on a map and decided we wanted to be there!
So, very early on one fall morning, we got up and ran down sleeping city streets. We ran under towering apartment buildings and down increasingly narrow alleyways until, all of a sudden, we reached the trail.
A set of wooden steps immediately brought us out of and above the city. We scrambled over big boulders and dashed through a forest of fresh-smelling evergreens.
We burst out into the open again, and found ourselves bathed in warm sunlight. The peak was a collection of smooth, blond rocks. I hopped happily around it taking photos.
The rising sun illuminated the monochromatic vastness of the city, as well as the rocky ridge above us to the east. I thought I could make out Baegundae in the distance.
And…that was that! With a day of visa appointments and online interviews lined up, we followed our own footsteps back to our motel. It was a short but sweet jaunt over to Jokduribong.
Know and Go! Jokduribong
Transportation
Jokduribong is one of the easiest peaks to access in Bukhansan National Park. This minor peak is in the far southwestern corner of the park – just above the dullegil trails.
Find this trailhead just northeast of Bulgwang subway station. From exit 9, head north on the main road. Turn right at Daeho apartments, and then left – and you’re on the mountain!
Hike & Run
This small but prominent peak rewards a short, easy climb with awesome views. How lucky is that? From the subway station, it’s a 4 kilometer round-trip. Jokduribong is not especially tall, but it is rocky and a little climb-y, so plan on your excursion taking an hour (runners) or two (hikers).
Stay & Eat
…only if you need to! Jokduribong is perfect for a quick morning outing. If you’d like to be based close to the park for additional adventures, the area near Bulgwang subway stations has plenty of motels and restaurants. Hop on the subway and head south for more options as you approach the city center.
Other Notes
Kent and I enjoyed our little Jokduribong run in October 2016. We were based in Seoul at that time, and this was truly an ideal mini morning run. It was also a warm-up for our dullegil adventure the following day.
Jokduribong stands just 370 meters tall, but it’s quite a prominent peak with great views in all directions. The main peak, Baegundae, is a much taller 863m.
Head back to the Bukhansan main page to check out other great runs and hikes in this great national park! Or research your Bukhansan hiking options using the Korea National Park Service website here.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your adventure!
