Gwanak Mountain Part 1

Perhaps the most well known mountain in southern Seoul is Gwanak San, so named because of it's resemblance to a nobleman's horsehair hat.

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Standing at just 629 meters it is hardly the highest mountain in the city but it is one of the most iconic and divides Seoul and it's neighbouring province of Gyeonggi.

Occupying over 19,000,000 square meters and with over 48km of trail it offers the thousands of hikers who ascend it every weekend panoramic views across the city and west to Incheon.

Originally believed to have been a volcano, in 1394 the founding fathers of Hanyang (modern day Seoul) were advised to build their capital at the foot of Gwanaksan, facing north, so as to avoid the "force of fire" emanating from the mountain. Ignoring the advice of the sages King Taejo built his palace, Gyeongbok-gung, in what is now downtown Seoul, on the north side of the Han river. Gwanaksan had it's revenge however in 1594 when the palace was razed by the Japanese. The palace was only rebuilt in the late 19th century and having learned a lesson from his ancestors, Regent-Prince Heungseon Daewon-gun ordered the placement of two mythical lions, haetae, in front of the palace, facing south, to protect it from the fires of Gwanak mountain.

(From here)

The mountain is dotted with temples and shrines, the most spectacular being Yeonju-dae.

(From here)

Originally established by one Master Uisang in 667 it has played host to many a dignitary, perhaps the most famous being Princes Yangnyong and Hyoryeong, who on hearing that their father, King Taejong (r. 1400-1418) had chosen their younger brother (and later Korea's most famous king) Sejong as the crown prince, took residence here in what can best be described as an adolescent huff.

Close by is Yeonju-am, a 7th century temple complex believed to have been founded by the same Master Uisang responsible for the smaller shrine mentioned above. Yeonjuam is famed for it's three storied stone pagoda which dates from the 10th century.

(From here)