Bugaksan 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 walls are preserved along the ridge, and Changuimun Gate (also known as 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, connecting Changuimun Gate to Arirang Hill in Jeongneung, is a tourist road linking Changuimun Gate, Palgakjeong Pavilion, and a swimming pool, offering a panoramic view of the dense forest and downtown Seoul, making it a scenic attraction. It is also connected to Cheongwadae (the Blue House) and Samcheong Park. Bukaksan has long been a scenic area with dense pine forests, where Joseon-era scholars often held gatherings by the streams for purification rituals, but after deforestation, the pines disappeared and now oak trees are abundant.

During the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, the area below Bukaksan was the site of the palace of Namgyeong (the southern capital), and was then called Myeonak. Later, in the Joseon period, a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Baegaksan Mountain was located here, so Bukaksan was also called Baegaksan. The name Bukaksan comes from its location north of the capital city of Hanyang. Bukaksan has an elevation of 342 meters, forms gentle plains to the south, and has a sharply triangular shape that stands out compared to 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 constructed below Bukaksan, and in the modern era of the Republic of Korea, the presidential office, Gyeongmudae, was also located here.