Bukhansan – Kalbawi Ridge → Daeseongmun → Yeongchwisa → Jeongneung Visitor Center

북한산 칼바위능선-대성문-영취사-정릉탐방지원센터

Starting from Bbalraegol Rest Area, the Kalbawi Ridge is mostly gentle. The rocky section known as Kalbawi is steep, but with well-installed handrails, it’s manageable on the ascent (not recommended for descent).

Once on the ridge, you get a distant view of Bukhansan’s three iconic peaks—Baegundae, Mangyeongdae, and Insubong—the trio that gave the mountain its old name, Samgaksan. You can also spot sections of the Bukhansanseong Fortress passing in front of these peaks. This view is rarely visible when walking along the fortress walls on typical traverses, and is best seen in leafless seasons before the foliage blocks it.

After finishing the Kalbawi section and reaching the main ridge, walk about 200 meters to the left to reach Bogukmun Gate, then continue another 600 meters to Daeseongmun Gate.

The trail from Daeseongmun to Yeongchwisa Temple is peaceful and relaxing. From around noon, the temple offers simple communal meals—sometimes vegetable bibimbap, sometimes noodles. It’s a great place to rest, refill water, and recharge.

From Yeongchwisa, descend toward Jeongneung Visitor Center. The downhill trail is calm and less than 2 km. There are restrooms at the visitor center, and nearby you’ll find local restaurants serving tofu dishes, hangover soup, and duck.