Gaehwasan: The Monumental Mountain where the Loyal Dead lie

LEADER: Matt VanVolkenburg

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023. 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Destination: Gaehwasan in western Seoul

Cost: KRW25,000 for Members; KRW30,000 for Non-members

MEETING POINT: EXIT 3 of Banghwa Station (방화역, #510, Subway Line 5). At 1:00PM.

REGISTRATION: RSVP by November 2 (Thursday) with payment of the fee via bank transfer. Please register one RSVP at a time.

☞Payment to be remitted to the following account:
SHINHAN BANK ACCOUNT # 100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)

*Reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received by RAS Korea in advance of the event.

Located in western Seoul, Mt. Gaehwasan was known during the Joseon era for its natural beauty and its Buddhist temples, as well as for its strategic location, as it was home to a fire beacon station. Overlooking the Han River and dotted with temples, Joseon-era grave sites, and Korean War memorials, the mountain offers visitors not only scenic views, but also a glimpse into Korea’s past, both distant and recent.

Starting from Banghwa Station (Line 5), we will head up the (low) mountain and take in views of the surrounding area, including Gimpo Airport. From there we will visit Mitasa Temple, where a large, Goryeo-era Buddha statue stands outside. We will also visit the Memorial to the Loyal Dead, which was erected to remember the 1,100 soldiers of the Korean 1st Army Division who died defending Mt. Gaehwasan during the opening of the Korean War, and learn more about the fighting which took place on the mountain at that time, as well as its military importance in the present. From there we will walk along a raised walkway past scenic cliffs to a replica of the Gaehwasan Bongsudae (Fire Beacon Station) which once stood on the mountain. After visiting Yaksasa Temple to see a stone statue of the Buddha and a three-story stone pagoda, which also date back to the Goryeo Era, we will make our way down the mountain. On the way, we will visit the numerous tombs, flanked by beautifully carved stone statues and gravestones, of the Pungsan Shim clan. This Yangban family served the Joseon kings for several generations and were memorialized for their meritorious deeds. These include taking part in the overthrow of the notorious tyrant, Yonsan-gun, and organizing volunteers to fight the Japanese military during its invasions of the 1590s. The trip will end at Banghwa Station after passing through a park with a number of 400-year-old zelkova and gingko trees, which tie into the story of how the area almost became a royal tomb.

While on the mountain, we will stop at various points to take in views of the surrounding area and enjoy its natural beauty, which should be heightened by the fall colours.

This walking excursion will set off at 1:00 pm from exit 3 of Banghwa Station (방화역) #510 (at the western end of subway line number 5, which can be transferred to by taking Line 9 or AREX to Gimpo Airport). This tour will involve around 4 km of walking up and around a low mountain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

** As our excursion leaders are often too focused on leading to take photos of their own tours, we hope that you will consider sharing with us a few photos from the excursion, or write a sentence or two about your experience that we could use in future promotional efforts on behalf of the society.  Any quotes, photos, videos, or other material would be used with attribution.