Presidential Security Service to Fully Open Southwestern Bugaksan Trail After 59 Years

The Presidential Security Service (PSS) announced on Tuesday (October 13) that it will fully open the 1.32-kilometer southwestern trail of Mount Bugak, which had been off-limits to the public for 59 years, starting at 9 a.m. on October 17.

Public access to much of Mount Bugak had previously been prohibited for military and security reasons, but restricted zones have gradually been reduced, with a 2.2-kilometer section of trails on the northern slope opening in 2020 and a 3.0-kilometer section in the southeast opening in 2022.

With the opening of the southwestern area, which was the final unopened trail section, the process of opening the trails on the mountain is now fully complete, the PSS stated.

The PSS decided on this additional opening to put into practice the principle of "open and low-profile security," which has been pursued since the launch of the administration. To this end, it has worked with relevant agencies since July of last year on preparations, including establishing and maintaining trails and implementing protective safety measures.

Having established a policy of permitting 24-hour access, the PSS has made every effort to maintain a comprehensive safety management system, including patrols and CCTV operations. It added that on October 7, it also conducted a joint firefighting drill with the Jongno Fire Station, Korea Forest Service, Jongno-gu Office, and Jongno Police Station to prepare for possible wildfires in the section scheduled to open.

PSS Chief Hwang In-kwon emphasized, "Through the opening of this Phase 3 unopened section, we are able to fully return Mount Bugak to the people," adding, "We will continue to actively put the principle of 'open and low-profile security' into practice on the ground and be reborn as a security agency that breathes alongside the public."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.