Greetings! So, as it turns out, having two kids under the age of two actually takes up more time than say… writing a thesis, solving world hunger, or discovering a breakthrough in quantum physics. But, everyone is asleep, and now its time to continue the next section of the Seoul Trail. Let’s do this!
A Quick Overview: In general, I really enjoyed this part of the trail. First, the challenge was perfect. There was just enough elevation that you could really get some nice shots on a clear day of the city and surrounding area. There were a couple of great urban spots, including the Bangi Ecological Learning Centre. Finally, it finishes up at Olympic Park, which is a great place to rest and have a picnic. I would recommend this section for a novice, looking for an easy hike on a fall day. Speaking of which, go out now and enjoy the colors, they don’t last long.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to The Seoul Trail: Section 3 Part 2 is to take the subway to Godeok Station and depart from Exit 4. You will walk up the street pass the Emart on your right and cross the road. You will a sign for the Seoul Trail. Get at em!
Gangdong Greenway Myeongil Neighbourhood Park: An easy start to the hike today. The Gangdong Greenway Myeongil Park is lush with vegetation, so if you are reading this in autumn, now would be a good time to check it out to see the colors. The park is full of exercise equipment if you want to have a quick workout on top of your hike. Just to clarify, if you do, you’re a douche.
A Little Confusion: It could be corrected by the time this is published, but just in case it’s not, you will run into a bit of a detour. There is a bridge that is going to be built, but isn’t fully complete. So you need to head back, turn around and cross the street. As they say, “A picture says a thousand words.”
Iljasan Mountain: Iljasan Mountain is 134 meters high on the trail. Although that might not seem too high, there are still some really great opportunities for some photos including a mountainside cemetery and some other mountains in the distance. There is also a tiny rest stop on the mountain which sells makgeolli, soju, kimbab, you know, the hiking essentials.
Translation: If you see me. RUN!
Bangji Ecological Learning Center: We didn’t get a chance to go into the learning centre, but we did get to see the path that leads you around a large area of urban farming on your way to Seongnaecheon. The quick tour was a welcome cool-down from the Iljasan.
Remember your stamp book! Serious.. I keep forgetting..
You go to Olympic Park.. Kinda.. Not really: So now you have to make a choice. You can continue on the trail for another 5km to Suseo Station, or you can hang up the boots and grab some grub at Olympic Park. We choose the later.
Penis extensions all over Olympic Park..
That’s a wrap: 7km was enough for one day. I really enjoyed this section of the trail, and to be honest, it probably ranks in my top 3. It’s perfect for the novice or beginner hiker. Get out and enjoy the colors! Happy hiking!
Derek Versus Lonely Planet 
Hi, we have been totally tracking your blog and doing one section of the trail almost every week for the past couple months. I don’t see anything for Olympic Park to Suseo. Have we caught up to you or am I missing it? Excellent job by the way. We are super appreciative! We haven’t found anything else in English.
You have caught up to me!! 😊😊😊😊 My babies are keeping me indoors right now! But I’m hoping to get out next month. Thanks for the kind words 😊
We did section 3.3 (Olympic stadium to Suseo) on Friday. It was an easy 8.75 km; almost completely flat. Since it didn’t take us long we decided to continue on the next 6.75 km section. (4.1?) Anyway, it was all wooded trail and was gorgeous but very strenuous (instead of following the ridge line the trail went up and down the highest points of the spurs). We thought it would never come down! We ended up exiting by a Buddhist worship center (can’t remember the name) and walking about 3/4 miles more to the Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station. Plan to start back there next week.