Located in Jeonnong-dong and Hwigyeong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Baebongsan Mountain stands at 108 meters in height. A military unit was established at its summit in 1973 and access was restricted for over 40 years. However, in 2015, when the military unit was relocated, it was transformed into a park.

  Baebongsan Forest Library and Baebongsan Neighborhood Park are across the Baebongsan Mountain Trail surrounding the mountain. It takes approximately 20 minutes on foot to reach Baebongsan Neighborhood Park from the Front Gate of the University of Seoul (UOS). Students can reach the mountain by walking along the promenade near the Music Building.

  “Baebong” means “worship” or “bowing down” in Korean. There are two main theories about the origin of the name “Baebong.” One is that King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty would bow every time he passed the grave of his father, Crown Prince Sado, while the other theory states that the shape of the mountain resembles a bowing gesture toward the capital city. 

Baebongsan Mountain Trail

  The Baebongsan Mountain Trail is a circular path with a total length of 4.5 kilometers. It takes approximately two hours to complete the mountain trail and it offers an easy and safe walking route for children and older adults. The paths were also thoughtfully designed with wooden decks to ensure that visitors using wheelchairs or strollers do not experience any discomfort. Moreover, there are many rest areas along the trail where visitors can take breaks.

  From the summit of Baebongsan Mountain, visitors can enjoy views of Namhansan Mountain, Yongmasan Mountain, and the Lotte World Tower on the southeastern side. In the southwest direction, Namsan Seoul Tower, Cheongnyangni Station, and Bugaksan Mountain can be observed at a glance. Furthermore, tourists can find a fort in Baebongsan Mountain, designated as Seoul Metropolitan City Monument No.42. This was identified during a preliminary excavation conducted in 2016 to create the park. Although small in size, the Fort in Baebongsan Mountain is an important historical site for understanding the historical circumstances of the Three Kingdoms period in Seoul.

Baebongsan Forest Library

  While walking along the mountain trail, visitors will find a library surrounded by nature. It is Baebongsan Forest Library, a book café type library, opened in October 2019. The library is built at the entrance of the Baebongsan Neighborhood Park, and guests can read books peacefully. Inside the library, a café, a library for children, a general library, and many seats for personal learning can be found. The children’s and general libraries are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The café is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday being a regular holiday.

  Baebongsan Mountain serves as a valuable green space, providing an additional source of oxygen for Dongdaemun-gu. Moreover, various cultural and sports facilities, such as an artificial rock-climbing wall and physical fitness center, are available for travelers. Visit Baebongsan Mountain near campus to relieve stress and enjoy nature in everyday life!