A 2025 Review: My Experience with Multi-Pitch Climbing on Bukhan Mountain

Okay, so you are standing there, right in the middle of Seoul, a city that feels like it’s pulsing with a kind of electric energy 24/7. And, you know, it’s just so easy to get completely lost in the fantastic food smells, the bright lights, and the crowds of people. Yet, if you just lift your gaze a little above the skyscrapers, you’ll actually see them: these huge, gray domes of granite. Basically, that’s Bukhansan National Park. It’s a literal stone wilderness sitting right on the edge of the city. I mean, the idea of doing some serious multi-pitch climbing so close to a major city like this is, frankly, pretty mind-blowing. I was a bit skeptical myself, to be honest. I sort of figured it would be crowded, or maybe the experience would be lessened by the city’s hum. Well, let me tell you, spending a day scaling the rock faces there in 2025 was, in a way, one of the most surprising and genuinely refreshing adventures I’ve had. It’s really this wild mix of raw nature and urban sprawl, a combination you almost have to feel to believe.

The Approach: Swapping City Sounds for Granite Silence

So, the day actually started with the very familiar rumble of the Seoul subway, which is obviously a pretty normal way to start any day here. But, you know, this time my backpack was stuffed with ropes, harnesses, and a rack of shiny climbing gear instead of, like, a laptop and some notebooks. Getting off at the right station and hopping on a bus that takes you to the park entrance is surprisingly simple. Still, that’s where the city just, kind of, begins to peel away, layer by layer. The first part of the journey is this really nice walk up a paved path, with all these weekend hikers, families, and old-timers dressed in seriously bright outdoor gear. They all give you this friendly nod. Anyway, the air here starts to feel just a little cleaner. The sounds of traffic are slowly, more or less, replaced by chatter and the chirping of birds. It is all pretty pleasant, frankly. We often have a lot of questions about this initial stage, like what you absolutely must know before entering the park for a climbing trip. To be honest, it’s pretty straightforward, but you should probably check a few things first.

As a matter of fact, once you veer off the main trail, things get very different. The paved path literally gives way to a dusty, rock-strewn trail that gets pretty steep, really fast. You are suddenly in this quiet world of pine trees and shadows. The crowd, you know, it just thins out until it’s just you, your climbing partner, and the sound of your own breathing. I mean, the weight of the rope and gear on your back becomes a bit more noticeable here. The anticipation, right, it really starts to build. Honestly, with every step up, the giant granite face of Insubong, one of the main peaks for climbing, peeks through the trees. It looks almost impossible and very, very big from down here. This part of the day, this approach, it’s not just about getting to the climb; it’s like a needed transition. It’s pretty much your mind and body adjusting from the pace of the city to the stillness of the mountain.

Roping Up on Insubong: A First-Hand Feel of the Rock

So, we finally got to the base of Insubong Peak, and let me just say, the sheer scale of it up close is pretty staggering. It’s this immense dome of what is apparently some of the best granite you can find. At the base, other climbers were, you know, sorting their gear, flaking ropes, and chatting in a mix of Korean and English. There’s this really cool, focused energy in the air. We picked a classic route, one that wasn’t too hard but was famous for its position and the quality of the climbing. Actually, taking the gear out of the pack and methodically putting on my harness and shoes felt like a kind of ritual. Each click of a carabiner, each knot tied, was a step deeper into the climbing mindset. The city, which you can still kind of see from some spots, feels a million miles away at this point. Getting prepared for these classic climbs is half the fun, to be honest. It’s just you, your partner, and this huge piece of rock you are about to try and scale.

My partner led the first pitch, so I had a few moments to just take it all in from the ground. I mean, the granite itself is incredible. It’s not smooth; it has this very, very coarse texture, almost like super rough sandpaper, with little crystals that just sparkle a bit in the sunlight. You know right away that your shoes are going to stick to this stuff beautifully. Watching my partner move up, placing gear, and calling down commands was, well, pretty absorbing. Then it was my turn. The first moves off the ground are always a little nervy, right? You are leaving the safety of the earth behind. But as soon as my hands found those solid holds and my feet pressed onto the grippy rock, that nervousness just, sort of, melted away. It was replaced by this intense focus on the movement, on the tiny little patches of rock right in front of my face. The world, for all intents and purposes, just shrinks down to you and the next 10 feet of stone.

Ledge Life: The Mid-Climb Views and Headspace

Okay, so after the first stretch of climbing, you arrive at the first belay ledge. These ledges, right, are not always massive, comfortable spots. Sometimes they are just a slightly bigger foothold where you can anchor yourself to the rock and bring your partner up. But honestly, these spots are where the magic really happens. While you are managing the rope, you finally have a moment to, you know, look around. And the view is just absolutely out of this world. Hundreds of feet up, you can see the entire northern half of Seoul spreading out below you like a gigantic, detailed map. You can actually trace the path of the Han River, spot famous landmarks, and just watch the endless activity of the city, all in complete silence. The contrast is really jarring, in a good way. You are hanging on this ancient piece of granite while this super modern city hums away in the distance. This kind of experience often makes people wonder where to find the most picture-perfect spots on these climbs.

The silence up here is what gets you. It’s not an empty silence. It’s filled with the faint whistle of the wind, the scraping of the rope, and the sound of your own heart. It’s a very grounding feeling, almost.

The headspace you get into on a belay ledge is also pretty unique. There’s this odd mix of responsibility and relaxation. You are, obviously, totally responsible for your partner’s safety, so you are paying close attention to the rope and the system. At the same time, there’s nothing else you can do but wait, so your mind gets to wander a bit. I remember just studying the patterns in the rock, watching a hawk circle on the thermals below us, and feeling the warmth of the sun on my back. These in-between moments, perched up high above everything, are just as memorable as the climbing itself. It’s a kind of forced mindfulness, you know? There’s no phone to check, no emails to answer. It’s just you, the rock, the rope, and this seriously epic view. You basically get a new perspective, literally and figuratively.

Navigating the Crux: When the Moves Get Serious

Alright, on pretty much any multi-pitch climb, there’s a section that’s known as the ‘crux’. Basically, that’s just the hardest part of the route. It’s the section that tests your technique, your strength, and honestly, your nerve. As we climbed higher on Insubong, the angle of the rock definitely got a bit steeper. The holds, you know, they seemed to get a little smaller and farther apart. Our crux was this one sequence of moves across a slightly overhanging bulge of rock. Looking at it from the belay ledge below, it looked pretty puzzling. I mean, it wasn’t immediately obvious how you were supposed to move through it. You sort of have to solve a physical puzzle, and you have to do it while hanging a good distance off the ground. Frankly, my heart was beating a little faster as I started up toward it. Exploring these challenges is what makes it so rewarding, and some people are curious about the tougher routes available in the park for a bigger test.

I remember reaching the section and just, like, pausing for a moment. My fingers were chalked, and I was breathing slowly, trying to stay calm. I tried one sequence of moves and it felt wrong, so I had to downclimb a little bit to rest and rethink. The communication with your partner here is so important. Just a few words of encouragement from below can make a huge difference. “You got this,” they yelled up, and honestly, it helped. I found a new foothold, a tiny little crystal my toe could just barely press onto. Then a different handhold, a small edge that I could only get a few fingertips on. The movement required full body tension and a little bit of a commit-and-go attitude. It felt like it lasted for ages, but in reality, it was probably just thirty seconds of intense, absolute focus. Everything else just fades away. It is just the rock and your own movement.

The Feeling After the Hardest Part

So, the moment you finally pull yourself over that difficult section and get to a solid, comfortable handhold is, you know, just pure relief and exhilaration. Seriously, a wave of adrenaline and accomplishment washes over you. I remember letting out a big whoop that probably echoed across the whole mountain face. You look down at the sequence of moves you just completed, and it almost doesn’t seem real that you were just there, struggling. That feeling is, I mean, one of the main reasons people fall in love with climbing. It’s not just about getting to the top; it’s about overcoming these specific, intense challenges along the way. Your body might be a little shaky from the effort, but your mind is incredibly clear. There’s a certain kind of pride that’s really clean and simple. You did something that scared you a little bit, and you did it well. It really is a powerful moment.

After clipping into the next anchor, I took a long drink of water and just grinned. To be honest, the rest of the climbing on that pitch felt almost effortless. Your confidence is suddenly sky-high, and your movement feels more fluid and certain. You just solved the puzzle, so the rest seems much more straightforward. This psychological boost is, you know, a very real thing. From that higher vantage point, the view of Seoul was even more expansive. It felt like we had earned it in a way. This kind of personal victory is something you don’t really get in everyday life. For people looking to capture that feeling, some are interested in how to best photograph their climbing adventures, because a picture can almost bring you back to that moment.

The Summit and The Journey Down: More Than Just an Endpoint

Alright, so reaching the final anchor at the very top of the route isn’t this big, dramatic movie scene. It’s actually a bit more subdued, but deeply satisfying. The top of Insubong is this huge, rounded granite dome. You can untie from the rope, take off your tight climbing shoes, and just walk around. I mean, the feeling of solid, flat ground under your feet after hours of being vertical is just amazing. And the 360-degree view, well, it is just spectacular. On one side, you have the endless city of Seoul. On the other, you have layers and layers of the other peaks within Bukhansan National Park, looking all green and wild. You sit up there, eating a squashed sandwich from your pack, and it tastes like the best meal you’ve ever had. It’s a quiet moment of success, shared with your partner, looking out at the world you just climbed above. It’s really special.

But, you know, getting to the top is only half the battle. You still have to get down. The descent usually involves a series of rappels, or abseils, down the face of the rock. This is a whole different skill set. Setting up the ropes, checking the system, and then leaning back into the void takes a lot of trust in your gear and your knowledge. Each rappel is this controlled slide down the rope, walking your feet down the rock face. It’s pretty fun, in a different way than climbing up. It also gives you a new appreciation for the sheerness of the wall you just came up. Looking down the full length of the rope to the next station can be a bit intimidating. Honestly, understanding rappel safety is obviously super important. It’s a time for careful focus, even when you are tired from the climb. Getting back to the base, pulling the ropes down for the last time, and packing up your gear feels like a proper completion of the whole adventure.

Practical Beta: What You Genuinely Need to Know for 2025

Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this yourself, here’s some practical information that’s actually useful. For gear, a standard 60-meter rope is pretty much perfect for most of the classic routes on Insubong. A standard rack of cams and nuts will see you through most climbs, too. You definitely want to bring a helmet. As for when to go, spring and fall are absolutely the best seasons. The weather is cool and dry. Summer can be really hot and humid, and sometimes you have monsoon rains, so it’s not ideal. Winter is generally too cold for most people to enjoy climbing on the exposed rock faces. Always, and I mean always, check the weather forecast before you go. The conditions on the mountain can change really quickly. One of the common questions is about what clothing to bring for a day of climbing, and the answer is to definitely dress in layers.

• Rope: A single 60m dynamic rope is generally sufficient.
• Protection: A standard rack of cams (from small to medium) and a set of nuts. Don’t forget plenty of shoulder-length slings.
• Personal Gear: Helmet (non-negotiable), harness, climbing shoes, belay device, and a few locking carabiners.
• Extras: Headlamp (just in case), small first-aid kit, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks. The sun can be strong, so sunscreen is a good idea.

Finding Your Guide and Your Post-Climb Meal

Now, unless you are a very experienced multi-pitch climber who is comfortable with route-finding and self-rescue, I would honestly, seriously recommend hiring a local guide. There are several really good guiding services in Seoul with internationally certified guides. They know the routes like the back of their hand, they handle all the gear, and they just make the whole experience safer and more enjoyable. They can pick a route that perfectly matches your skill level, which is a huge plus. Doing a quick search for certified Korean alpine guides is probably your best bet. People often find that booking an organized adventure package makes the entire process incredibly smooth.

Finally, and this is pretty important, is the after-climb celebration. Right outside the entrance to Bukhansan National Park, there’s this whole village of restaurants. The go-to meal for climbers and hikers is, without a doubt, pajeon (a big savory Korean pancake) and makgeolli (a milky, unfiltered rice wine). After a long, physically demanding day on the rock, sitting down to a hot, crispy pajeon and a cold bowl of makgeolli is, well, it’s basically perfection. It’s the perfect way to refuel, relax, and just relive the best moments of the day’s climb. It’s all part of the complete Bukhan Mountain climbing experience, you know? It’s the ideal ending to a day that’s so very different from anything else you can do in Seoul.