ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Gwanaksan, a sprawling mountain spanning parts of southern Seoul and Gyeonggi province, offers a warm welcome to hikers of all ages through its extensive network of 15 hiking trails accessible from multiple subway stations in Seoul, Anyang, and Gwacheon.
Thanks to its subway-linked trails, Gwanaksan stands as one of Seoul’s most favoured mountains, especially among residents of the southern part of the city, throughout the year.
Although an outdoor swimming pool recently debuted at Gwanaksan, the relentless monsoon rains, heatwaves, and landslide concerns deterred many from visiting the mountain for a few weeks.
Only recently has Gwanaksan started to witness its usual influx of visitors.
After a brief 10 to 15-minute stroll from Gwanaksan Station Exit No 1 on the new Sillim Subway Line, visitors can easily locate the narrow entrance to Sillim gyegok, which denotes a valley carved by a stream.
With the cold, fresh water flowing with decent force, the gyegok has become an oasis for children to cool off and play with their friends and family.
The water in this natural swimming hole is not deep enough for adults. But that does not mean Sillim Gyegok is a boring place for grown-ups.
Tunnels created by trees provide sufficient shade for all visitors to cool off and relax, shielded from the scorching sun.
Recently, many people were spotted sitting on folding camping chairs, dipping their feet in the cool water. Some chose to lie down on picnic mats and enjoy the latest Netflix series outdoors.
“I do my high-speed running on Gwanaksan’s walking trail. And I heard that an outdoor swimming spot would be opening this summer. I went to Caribbean Bay with my family several years ago and felt that the place was too crowded,” a 39-year-old housewife surnamed Kim told The Korea Herald.
“We decided to avoid extremely packed tourist destinations this summer and hoped to make a great memory at the nearby gyegok at Gwanaksan. I think we made the right choice,” the mother of two boys said. Lee shared her satisfaction with Gwanaksan’s natural swimming spot – its easy accessibility, lifeguards on duty, clean changing room and less heavy crowds.
“Sillim gyegok might not have the fancy rides and thrilling artificial waves you find at water parks, but I believe it has everything to be a tucked-away summer vacation spot where you can have memorable experience with your friends or family members,” Kim added.
Another hiker who wished to remain anonymous said that he was more than happy to take a short break after coming down from Yeonjudae – Gwanaksan’s peak.
“Those on vacation seem to be having a lot of fun downstream. But the water is also an oasis for exhausted hikers. Splashing one’s face with the cold water and dipping one’s feet in can relieve all your stress at once,” the hiker said.
Meanwhile, an overnight programme at the mountain is also available.
The Gwanaksan Gyegok Camping Forest offers hands-on activities, including decorating one’s camping tent, observing water creatures, looking for Gwanaksan’s night insects, stargazing, rope games and walking the mountain’s trails, for families with children as well.
Families with children aged six to 11 can apply to participate in the programme via the official Reservation for Public Service website. Participants do not need to worry about camping equipment as the programme offers both four-person and five-person tents and picnic mats for a price. – Lee Si-jin
