Bukaksan Mountain

Bukaksan is the highest among the four inner mountains (Bukaksan, Namsan, Naksan, and Inwangsan) surrounding the Seoul basin, and is the highest peak of the southern ridge of Bukhansan. The old Seoul fortress connecting these ridges was built starting from Bukaksan. The old fortress wall is preserved along the ridge, and Changuimun Gate (also called Jahamun Gate), one of the minor gates, is located between the western foothills and Inwangsan, providing easy access to the city center. The Bukak Skyway, which runs from Changuimun Gate to Arirang Pass in Jeongneung, is a tourist road connecting Changuimun Gate, Palgakjeong Pavilion, and a swimming pool, offering excellent views of dense forests and the Seoul cityscape. It is also connected to Cheong Wa Dae and Samcheong Park. Bukaksan has long been a scenic area with dense pine forests, where Joseon-era scholars often held gatherings (Takjokhoe) in the valleys, but after deforestation, the pines disappeared and now oak trees are prevalent.

During the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, the area below Bukaksan was the site of the palace of the southern capital, Namgyeong, and was then called Myeonak. In the Joseon period, a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Baegaksan was located here, so Bukaksan was also called Baegaksan. The name Bukaksan comes from its location north of the capital, Hanyang, among the surrounding mountains. Bukaksan is 342 meters high, forms gentle plains to the south, and has a sharply triangular shape that stands out from its surroundings. With the founding of Joseon, it was praised by the monk Muhak as a mountain blessed with royal energy, and the Joseon dynasty's palace was built at its base, establishing the capital. In 1394 (the 4th year of King Taejo's reign), Gyeongbokgung Palace was built below Bukaksan, and in modern South Korea, the presidential office, Gyeongmudae, was also located here.