Seoul's New Viral Hiking Spot
Mount Gwanak is Seoul’s newest viral spring trekking destination, with young Koreans sharing folk rituals and summit views on social media [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20260309/mount-gwanak-becomes-seouls-new-viral-spring-hiking-spot]. The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center offers gear rentals and multilingual route guidance [https://view.nate.com/travel/view/362374/]. Also popular: a 110-minute spring literary walk along the Seoul Seochon–Inwangsan route [http://ojs7.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0003212723].
Mount Gwanak, a 632-meter granite peak, has been a landmark overlooking Seoul for centuries. It's historically recognized as one of the five prominent peaks of Gyeonggi Province. The name "Gwanak" refers to its "hat-shaped peak". The mountain's popularity has surged due to a TV show appearance in January, where a fortune teller cited its strong "fire energy," leading to increased Google searches. This blends with a broader trend of young Koreans reinterpreting shamanistic beliefs through social media. Seoul's Hiking Tourism Centers, with locations near Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Gwanaksan, provide multilingual trail information and gear rentals for a small fee. These centers have seen a significant increase in foreign visitors, drawn by social media posts showcasing Seoul's unique mountain-meets-city scenery. Other popular Seoul hiking destinations include Bukhansan, known for its challenging Baegundae Peak course, and Achasan, favored for its easy trails and sunrise views. Namsan, easily accessible and featuring in "KPop Demon Hunters," now has a barrier-free deck trail.
