Dulraegil Courses
Course 1 - Mt. Gaehwa Forest Trail
| Length | 3.35km |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 70 min |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
How to Reach the Tourist Spots
To Banghwa Neighborhood Park
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- 840m from Exit 3 of Banghwa Subway Station (walk 13 min.)
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- Green Bus 6629, 6641, 6712, 6646
- Blue Bus 642,672,651
To Jinro Apartment
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- 360m from Exit 3 of Banghwa Subway Station (walk 6 min.)
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- Green Bus 6629, 6641, 6712, 6646
- Blue Bus 642, 672, 651
- 340m from Gangseo 06 Bus Stop (walk 5 min.)
To Gaehwa Elementary School
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- 340m from Exit 2 of Gaehwasan Subway Station (walk 6 min.)
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- Green Bus 6631, 6641, 6647
- Blue Bus 605, 672
- 310m from Bus Stop (walk 5 min.)
To Naechon Village
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- 560m from Exit 1 of Gaehwa Subway Station (walk 9 min.)
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- Green Bus 6641, 6647, 6600
- Blue Bus 672
- 320m from Bus Stop (walk 5 min.)
To Mitasa Temple
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- 620m from Exit 1 of Gaehwa Subway Station (walk 10 min.)
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- Green Bus 6641, 6647, 6600
- Blue Bus 672
- 420m from Bus Stop (walk 7 min.)
Explore
Banghwa Neighborhood Park
Banghwa Neighborhood Park was named after Banghwa-dong, which literally means "the village next to Gaehwasan Mountain," with the fragrance of flowers all year round. The park opened in December 1996. It has various facilities, including round stages, squares, ponds, fountains and waterwheels. Along the trail are various plants and trees, including cherry blossoms.Connected with Gaehwasan Mountain, dense forests and the Kkwonggogae Neighborhood Park, the park is a perfect place for family outings.
Yaksasa Temple
The Yaksasa Temple was where the master painter Gyeomjae loved to visit to paint. Its scenic beauty is almost mesmeric and includes a view of the banks of the Hangang River and luxuriant forests. Gyeomjae's painting Gaehwasa depicts this temple (Yaksasa Temple used to be called Gaehwasa Temple in the Joseon era). The temple was named Yaksasa because it has a cold spring that is said to heal elderly patients. In addition, you can appreciate the remains from the times of the Goryeo Dynasty at this temple, as it has a stone Buddha and a three-story stone pagoda designated by the Seoul City Council as a tangible cultural asset. The establishment of this temple dates back to the latter part of the Three Han States period. Visiting this temple is easy and it offers some stunning views, as it is located on the trail course.
Gaehwasan Observatory
Located in the heliport facility near the summit of Gaehwasan Mountain, this observatory was built in May 2011 as part of the Geungyosan Mountain environmental improvement project.Seoul City Council has officially designated it a tourist spot due to the commanding views it offers of Banghwa Bridge, the Hangang River, Haengjusanseong Fortress, Seoul N Tower, and World Cup Park.
Bonghwajeong Pavilion
It is a hexagonal pavilion located near the summit of Gaehwasan Mountain. It was named Bonghwajeong as the site was the place for the signal fire (bonghwa) linked with a watch-tower at Suncheon, Jeolla-do, and sent it to the fifth signal fire of Namsan Mountain during the Joseon Dynasty period. It is now a shelter where you can take a short break after reaching the top of the mountain.
Ara Waterway
This observatory offers a commanding view of the Ara Waterway that connects the Incheon port and the Hangang River, downtown Gimpo and Ilsan New Town. Around 800 years ago, during the reign of King Gojing of Goryeo, there was the first attempt to open the waterway. There were many subsequent attempts throughout the Joseon period, but none succeeded due to insufficient technological expertise. Then in 2009, the project was re-launched, and in 2011 the waterway was finally completed. This eco-friendly inland waterway provides not only flood control, but also tourism and leisure functions.
Forest Shelter
This shelter is located in the middle of the deck trail west of Gaehwasan Mountain. Surrounded by forest, it provides a shelter where you can take a rest amidst the fragrant forest aromas. Although it has no particular historical stories or significance, it is expected to become an ideal place for green tourism.
Sinseonbawi Rock
The shelter is located on the rock northwest of Gaehwasan Mountain. This rock is called Sinseonbawi (Taoist hermit rock) as it is said to be the stone path along which Taoist hermits traveled. The observatory boasts the widest view in Gaehwasan Mountain, covering the Ara Waterway, Gimpo Airport, Gimpo Plains and Gyeyangsan Mountain.
The Monument to the Patriots
Gaehwasan Mountain was an unforgiving battlefield during the Korean War. As a large number of the North Korean forces rushed into this area, over 1,000 soldiers of the 1st Division of the ROK Army, who had built up defenses on Gaehwasan Mountain to defend Gimpo Airfield, paid the ultimate price for freedom and, outnumbered, ran out of munitions and provisions. To commemorate the patriotism of the unknown young soldiers who died to defend their homeland, the Monument to the Patriots was erected on December 31, 1993, and the memorial service is held every June.
Mitasa Temple
Situated at the western tip of Seoul, adjacent to Gimpo Plains and Haengjunaru Dock, this temple is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. What attracts visitors most in this temple is the Maitreya Buddha that stands on a huge rock by the Buddhist sanctuary and prays with two hands clasped together. There are numerous stories about this Buddha, including one that says all Maitreya Buddhas rise up from the land.
Haneulgil Trail
Situated at the western tip of Seoul, adjacent to Gimpo Plains and Haengjunaru Dock, this temple is a sanctuary of peace Located west of Gaehwasan Mountain, this observatory offers a commanding view of aircraft taking off and landing at Gimpo Airport. The landscape is exquisite with the buildings blending in with the surrounding rocks and pine trees.