Bomunsan Mountain 보문산

From InsideDaejeon

Bomunsansung

Bomunsan (Bomun mountain) is a mountain located in Daesa-dong in the Jung-gu area. Bomunsan is one of the most famous and popular mountains of Daejeon, with about 10 hiking trails and about 20 mineral water springs. There are many places to relax, such as an observation peak and cable cars as well as many historic monuments such as Bomun-san Fortress 보문산성 宝文山城, a fortress from the period of the Three States (Samguksidae). On the hiking trail you can also see Gochuksa (a Buddhist temple) and go on a trail that will lead you to Sajeong-park in Sajeong-dong 사정동.

Bomunsan mountain is located a short 10 minute taxi ride from Woosong University. What’s pleasantly surprising about Bomunsan is that it has many amenities suitable for everyone, and not just hard core hikers and temple watchers. The paved walking trails and large number of restaurants make it one of Daejeon’s more interesting localities. In fact, it’s a great place for a date, or to just go for a meal or a walk in a natural environment. Although there are hiking trails to be found, what’s particularly nice are the paved walking trails that start just past the restaurants found by the main gate entrance area. These are gently sloped paths that encircle the first few peaks of the mountain. The paths are not overly long, and intertwine with each other, so you can saunter along for as long you wish. You will see families with strollers, couples holding hands, as well as fitness fanatics all enjoying these scenic walkways.

Another attraction of Bomunsan are the many restaurants found at the main gate entrance area. A large number of them specialize in “boribop”, a light and tasty dish made with a combination of rice and barley to which you add vegetables and seasonings of your own choosing from the myriad of side dishes provided. There are also a number of restaurants featuring chicken dishes, such as “samgaetang”, a light chicken soup with a clear broth and ginseng, or “dakdoritang”, a spicy chicken stew, along with many similar dishes but prepared with duck instead. The restaurants all seem to be doing brisk business, a sure sign of culinary success.

I’ve visited the area several times already since arriving in Daejeon a few months back. The first time I went to Bomunsan, I had the expectation of merely doing a difficult hike. Surprised with what I saw there, the next time I went I took a friend to dinner and enjoyed a great evening in an outstanding environment. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if you don’t like hiking!