[Harumanbo] Gaehwasan Forest Trail with a Clear View of Blue Sky and Airplanes

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Entrance to Gaehwasan Forest Trail＜Photo by Gangseo-gu Office＞

Gaehwasan is a place where a beacon fire station was installed during the Joseon Dynasty and was called Jurongsan. It is a famous spot from which you can view Baegaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan, and Namsan?known as the four inner mountains surrounding Seoul?as well as Gwanaksan. Facing Haengjusanseong Fortress across the Han River, the summit offers a panoramic view of Samgaksan and Dobongsan, along with the vast scenery where the Han River meets the Imjin River. The Gaehwasan Forest Trail (Gangseo Dulle-gil Course 1) is approximately 3.35 km long and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

Starting from Banghwa Neighborhood Park, the route passes Yaksa Temple and ascends to the Gaehwasan Observatory. The Gaehwasan Observatory is a scenic viewpoint where you can see the Han River, Haengjusanseong Fortress, Bukhansan, Sky Park, and Namsan all at once. Looking down at Banghwa Bridge feels refreshingly liberating.

Sinsun Rock

After passing the Gaehwasan Observatory, proceed to Bonghwajeong Pavilion. This hexagonal pavilion is located at the summit of Gaehwasan. It was called Bonghwajeong because a beacon fire station was installed here during the Joseon Dynasty, where signals from Suncheon in Jeolla Province were received and relayed to the fifth beacon station on Namsan. It is an ideal resting spot to take a break after reaching the summit.

After cooling down, head right along the mountain ridge to reach the Ara Canal Observatory. This observatory offers views of the Ara Canal, which directly connects the sea in front of Incheon with the Han River, as well as the cityscapes of Gimpo and Ilsan. The forest shelter located about halfway along the western deck trail of Gaehwasan is literally situated in the forest, providing a resting place to enjoy the forest scent, read a book, and relax.

Passing the forest shelter, you will encounter Sinseon Rock. This resting spot on a rock is located northwest of Gaehwasan. It is called Sinseon Rock because it is said to be the path where the mountain spirit of Gaehwasan descends. From here, you can view the Ara Canal, Gimpo Airport, Gimpo Plain, and Gyeyangsan.

Mitasan Stone Buddha Standing Statue

Passing the Memorial for Patriots and Mitasa Temple, you will face the ‘Sky Path Observatory,’ which offers an open and expansive view. Located on the west side of Gaehwasan, it is an attractive spot where you can watch airplanes taking off and landing at Gimpo Airport at a glance. The sight of various airplanes ascending and descending in the sky makes you repeatedly press the shutter button on your smartphone camera. The resting area on the rock and the pine trees harmonize well, naturally bringing peace of mind.

Sky Road Observatory View

Now you reach Simjeong Rest Area, the final point of the recommended Gaehwasan Dulle-gil course. This site contains about 500 graves of Simjeong, a mid-Joseon Dynasty civil official who served as Hansungbu Pan-yun and Jo-hyeong Pan-seo, and his family. Among them, six graves, tombstones, and ritual tables with cultural value are designated and protected as Seoul City Tangible Cultural Properties. Outdoor tables and benches are installed beside the trail, allowing walkers to rest in the forest during their stroll.

Recommended Course = Banghwa Neighborhood Park → Yaksa Temple → Gaehwasan Observatory → Bonghwajeong Pavilion → Ara Canal Observatory → Forest Shelter → Sinseon Rock → Memorial for Patriots → Mitasa Temple → Sky Path Observatory → Simjeong Rest Area