[On-site Video] A Full View of Cheongwadae and Gyeongbokgung... Exploring the Fully Opened Bugaksan Hiking Trail

[Asia Economy PD Yoon Jin-geun] The Bukaksan hiking trail, which offers a panoramic view of Gwanghwamun Square and the Blue House, was opened to the public on the 10th for the first time in 54 years. The newly opened Bukaksan hiking trail starts from the back path of Chilgung on the left side and the back path of Chunghugwan on the right side, based on the Blue House main building, and connects to the existing hiking trails.

On the first day of the trail opening, the hiking trail on the Blue House side was crowded with hikers. Many hikers also gathered on the previously opened northern and southern Bukaksan trails. The public's attention was focused on the ‘Blue House Observatory’ that day.

From the observatory, visitors can take in the cityscape of Seoul at a glance, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square area, and Seoul N Tower. The roof of the Blue House can also be seen through the trees. Citizens captured the breathtaking scenery of Seoul with their mobile phone cameras while overlooking the view from the observatory.

The hiking trail newly opened to the public is connected to the previously opened Bukaksan trails. If you continue hiking for about 30 minutes along the trail, you will reach the Manse Dongbang Spring, which has the inscription ‘Manse Dongbang Seongsu Namgeuk’ wishing for the king’s longevity. The Manse Dongbang Spring is also the place where former President Moon Jae-in and his wife rested last April on the southern Bukaksan trail.

After passing the Manse Dongbang Spring and hiking about 30 minutes to the left, you will reach the Bukaksan Fortress Road. On the fortress road, you can see the ‘1.21 Pine Tree,’ which bears the marks of a firefight with North Korean special forces who invaded on January 21, 1968. You can also find the Cheongunbong Observatory (293 meters above sea level), which offers another angle to overlook Seoul.

Citizens who visited the new hiking trail and observatory welcomed the fact that Bukaksan has completely returned to the people.

Mr. Min Young-gi (66), who visited Bukaksan with a friend, said, “I am deeply moved to be here for the first time at such a historic and significant place.” Mr. Lee Jae-wook said, “Seeing the view while climbing up, it is right that it was opened earlier and returned to the people. It feels like the opening was delayed.”

Mr. Jo Gyu-yeop (78), who was descending after hiking, said, “There is a Blue House observatory. From there, you can see the Blue House roof a bit, and the Seoul city center toward Gwanghwamun and Namsan is well visible.” He also recommended hiking to places like Manse Dongbang and the Beophungsa Temple site, which were opened last April.

Meanwhile, about 26,000 citizens who were pre-selected for the Blue House opening visited on that day. The special opening will operate without holidays from the 11th to the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission is limited to pre-selected visitors, with six sessions per day allowing 6,500 people each, for a maximum of 39,000 people per day. On the last day, the 22nd, admission will be managed through a separate application system.