After 59 Years, Bugaksan Mountain’s Last Restricted Area Opens; 24-Hour Access Begins on the 17th

[Financial News] The last restricted area of Bugaksan Mountain, which has been off-limits to the general public for nearly 59 years, will be returned to the public. With the trail toward Cheongun-dong in the southwest opening on the 17th, the phased opening of Bugaksan Mountain will be complete.
The Presidential Security Service said on the 13th that it had decided to lift access restrictions on a 1.32-kilometer stretch leading toward Cheongun-dong on Bugaksan Mountain starting at 9 a.m. on the 17th. The newly opened trail will be available 24 hours a day, with no separate time restrictions.
The Security Service plans to create an environment where presidential protection can coexist with citizens’ freedom to hike. It said the decision was made in accordance with the principles of “open security, low-profile security,” which respect the public’s daily lives.
In particular, as access to Bugaksan Mountain, which borders downtown Seoul, improves, citizens are expected to have a wider range of hiking options. The opening is also symbolic in that it returns to the public an area that had been restricted for security reasons.
Since July last year, work has been underway with relevant agencies to improve the trails and install safety facilities. The Korea Heritage Service and Jongno-gu also contributed to improving the hiking environment and developing facilities. After the area opens, safety management will continue through patrols by information centers and the use of CCTV. On the 7th, relevant agencies, including fire services, forestry authorities and police, also held a joint drill in preparation for wildfires.
Bugaksan Mountain was opened in stages, beginning with a 2.2-kilometer section on its northern side in 2020 and extending to a 3.0-kilometer section on its southeastern side in 2022. With access now permitted to the remaining section, the three-phase opening will be complete. As all restricted-access areas around Bugaksan Mountain are opened, the hiking areas available to the public are also expected to expand.
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter