Jackson LohContributed by Travel Smart and Free
Gangnam Style, Kimchi, and Running Man. Only one city comes to mind when these three things are mentioned: Seoul. Besides offering mouthwatering Korean cuisine, the city is also the epicentre of the famed K-pop industry. And yet, Seoul has its own hidden gems for those seeking heart-pumping thrills. Instead of chasing K-pop idols, or going gaga over TV actors, bring out the extreme adventurer in you with these six amazingly fun itinerary boosters:
1. Bungee Jump at Gapyeong Top Land
Take a leap of faith.
Bungee jumping is a must-try for thrill-seekers. No words can describe the sensation of free-falling, and the adrenaline that wells up after. Gapyeong Top Land offers this fantastic experience, as well as a scenic view of the beautiful Bukhan River. Each jump costs only 40,000 KRW (SG$49), making Gapyeong Top Land one of the cheapest bungee jumping spots in the world. If you are a first-timer, you might take some time before stepping off the platform, but it will be an experience you will never forget.
How to get there:
- From Seoul Station, take the Seoul Subway Line 1 and alight at Yongsan Station.
(Alternatively, from Dongdaemun Station, take the Seoul Subway Line 1, and alight at Cheongnyangni Station). - From Yongsan (or Cheongyangni) Station, take the ITX-Cheongchun Line.
- Alight at Gapyeong Station. Take the Gapyeong Tour Bus right outside Gapyeong Station. The bus fare is a single fee of 6,000W.
- Alight at Nami Island Jongjeom bus stop.
- Walk over to the tower.
2. Zipline to Nami Island
Like the view, the air is definitely better up here.
Still stuck on the flying fox in your neighbourhood playground? Upgrade to a 940m swoop down to Nami Island via the Nami Skyline Zipwire Ziprider. Be the object of both awe and envy of fellow travellers awaiting the ferry ride towards the island as you fly across the Han River at a whopping speed of 56 km/h. If you desire a drink or bite to settle your nerves, pay a visit to the cafe at the top of the zipline tower before your epic glide. The zipline package costs 30,000 KRW (SG$36), which includes both your entry fee to the island, and the return ferry back to the mainland. If you desire a unique way to get across the Han River in both thrill and style, the Nami Skyline Zipwire Ziprider would be perfect for you.
How to get there:
- The zipline is a three-minute walk away from Gapyeong Top Land.
- Getting to the zipline is the same as getting to the bungee tower (via the Gapyeong Tour Bus outside Gapyeong Station).
3. Climb up Mount Bukhasan
It was tiring, but the view was definitely worth it.
Challenge yourself with a climb up the tallest peak in Seoul! With a myriad of routes with varying difficulties, getting to the top of Mount Bukhansan is possible for hikers of differing abilities. If you are not accustomed to physical activity, certain parts of the hike might be daunting. Persevere on, however, and be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the various temples and fortresses that pepper the surrounding areas. Remember to purchase a map for 1,000W (SG$1.20) from the mountain’s Visitor Centre to make getting around easier. Hiking sticks and other gear are also available at the foot of the mountain, near the Visitor Centre. A round trip from the base of the mountain takes approximately five to six hours.
How to get there:
There are multiple entrances to Mount Bukhansan.
To enter via Bukhansan National Park:
- Take the Seoul Subway Line 4, and alight at Exit 3, Gireum Station.
- Take Bus 110B or 143
- Alight at the last bus stop
To enter via Bukhansanseong Fortress:
- Take the Seoul Subway Line 3, and alight at Exit 1, Gupabal Station.
- Take Bus 704 towards Bukhansanseong Fortress.
- Alight at the Bukhansan Mountain Entrance bus stop.
To enter via Dobong Area:
- Take the Seoul Subway Line 1 and alight at Mangwolsa Station.
- Walk for about 10 minutes to the Dobong management office of Bukhansan National Park.
4. Rail-bike at Gangchon Rail Park
Be prepared for some intense cycling.
If you are looking for the perfect #couplegoals or #squadgoals experience, try rail-biking at Gangchon Rail Park. Not only does pedalling along the old railroad tracks give you a good workout, it also brings you to scenic locations along the Bukhangang River. There are multiple tunnels along the biking route, each which plays a different genre of music. I loved the tunnel that blasted K-pop songs and entranced me with its dazzling LED lights. By the end of the tunnel, I was pedalling more furiously than before. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the transfer station which offers food and drinks. From the transfer station, a train ride is available to take you back to the Rail Park’s entrance. I recommend arriving early to get the first rail-bike, so that you can pedal as fast as you can without worrying about colliding with slower riders in front.
How to get there:
- Take the ITX-Cheongchun and alight at Gapyeong Station.
- Take the Gyuongchon Line and alight at Exit 1, Gimyujeong Station.
- The rail park is directly outside the station.
5. Paraglide at Yangpyeong Paragliding Park
Photo Credit: Woogeon Choi
For those desiring an exhilarating flight over the mountains of Korea, Yangpyeong Paragliding Park offers an adrenaline-filled paragliding experience along with one of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The view from above, which includes the famous spot where the North and South Han Rivers converge, changes with every season and never fails to disappoint. If you are interested in taking off into the air but feel unprepared to skydive, try this paragliding instead. Yangpyeong Paragliding Park also provides you with an instructor that will guide you in your aerial journey. Remember place a reservation before you arrive at the Park.
How to get there:
- Take the Gyeongui Jungang line and alight at Exit 1, Asin Station.
- Take the shuttle service to Yangpyeong Paragliding Park, which will drop you off at your paragliding spot.
6. Theme park rides at Everland
Photo Credit: lets.book
If you love thrilling ride after thrilling ride, visit Everland. The theme park features various heartstopping rides, including Rolling-X Train and Double-Rock Spin. For the ultimate roller-coaster experience, though, try the T-Express. This wooden roller-coaster has a drop of 46m, and moves at the speed of 104km/h, making it one of the wildest rides in Korea. I highly recommend heading to the T-Express first before trying out the other rides. Everland’s entrance ticket and accompanying shuttle bus can be purchased from local websites like FuntasticKorea or Trazy. You can also purchase the shuttle bus ticket first from local bus operator Daesung Tours and get the entrance ticket at the counter. If you intend to purchase from Daesung Tours, do note that you have to call the bus operator to reserve the ticket (they are fluent in English), and can only do so a day in advance.
How to get there:
- Take the shuttle bus from various locations in Seoul. Pick-up locations are usually arranged during your bookings on any of the available website.
- Has reading about these activities got your heart pumping? Stop delaying, and indulge in a whirlwind of adrenaline in Seoul today!
