A Great View of Seoul, if You Follow the Rules
The Fortress Walk, running a little more than two kilometers, has been open to the public since 2007. The trail side facing the presidential compound is lined with sensors to alert heavily armed soldiers hidden in bunkers if they have to defend the compound from intruders. Credit Woohae Cho for the International Herald Tribune SEOUL — On a clear day, the peak called Bukaksan soars up behind the Blue House, South Korea’s presidential residence, like something out of an Asian watercolor painting. But there are several things to keep in mind if you intend to take the Bukaksan Fortress Walk, a trek of 2.2 kilometers, or 1.4 miles, that was off limits to the public until 2007 and still has security restrictions. A visitor’s pass must be worn at all times during the hike. To get one, a hiker must come to one of the two trail heads between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., present a passport or government-issued ID and complete a short form, which is available in English. Once y...