Overview
Gyeyangsan, at 395 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in Incheon Metropolitan City outside of Ganghwa Island. It is said that the mountain was named Gyeyangsan because cinnamon trees and boxwood grew naturally on the mountain. It is suitable for half-day hikes in the metropolitan area and easy for beginners, attracting many hikers. It is also conveniently accessible by public transportation, as it is close to Gyesan Station on Incheon Subway Line 1 and the trailhead. There are a total of nine hiking routes, ranging from as short as about 50 minutes to as long as just over 2 hours. Usually, hikes start at Yeonmujeong, pass through Octagonal Pavilion, reach the summit, and then descend along the ridge leading south. However, since the main ridge trails lack shade, it is more suitable for spring and autumn hiking than summer. Using the Gyeyangsan Barrier-Free Trail, which connects Forest Park and Gyeyangsanseong, people with disabilities and the elderly can easily climb the mountain. Gyeyangsan is also a mountain where you can hike and explore history at the same time. There are many interesting sights such as Gyeyang Fortress, built during the Three Kingdoms period and used until the Joseon Dynasty, the site of Jaodang where scholar Lee Gyubo stayed during the Goryeo Dynasty, Chojeongji, Bongwolsa site, and the beacon tower ruins. From the summit, you can see the panoramic view of Seoul Metropolitan City, including Gimpo Airport to the east, and the surrounding islands such as Yeongjongdo and Ganghwa Island to the west.