Seoul’s Mount Gwanak has quietly transformed from a traditional hiking spot into one of the most talked‑about destinations among young Koreans this spring. Straddling the city’s Gwanak District and neighboring Gwacheon, the mountain has drawn steady streams of hikers — especially in their 20s and 30s — who are looking for fresh air, amazing views, good vibes, and if the trend is to be believed, a bit of luck along the way.
{img}The sudden rise in popularity can be traced back to a fortune‑teller’s appearance on a popular TV show, where viewers were told that if their luck was blocked, they should try visiting Mount Gwanak’s summit to “reset” their energy. After the broadcast went viral, social media filled with posts and videos of young people heading up the trail, sharing photos and stories under hashtags linked to good energy and positive intentions. Many hikers have even photo lines forming near the summit as people wait — sometimes more than an hour — just to capture a shot at the famous summit stone marker.
{img}For many visitors, the appeal is a mix of tradition and vibe. Mount Gwanak has for centuries been associated with strong “fire energy” in Korean geomantic lore, a belief that certain natural sites carry spiritual power. Although there’s no scientific proof that climbing it will change your fortune, the trend highlights how young people now reinterpret such traditional concepts as part of a lighthearted, experience‑based culture. They treat hikes as both a refreshing outdoor activity and an opportunity to make wishes for things like success at work or good news for loved ones — all while getting exercise with friends.
{img}The trend is part of a broader wave among younger Koreans toward experiential consumption, where visiting places that have become popular online and sharing the experience is almost as important as the activity itself. Many visitors describe the atmosphere as lively and social, often hiking with friends, eating packed lunches at the summit, and taking plenty of photos to post online.
{img}Although Mount Gwanak has deep cultural roots, its current surge in popularity says as much about digital culture as it does about tradition. It represents how folklore and social media collide in modern Seoul — turning a long‑loved hiking mountain into a viral energy destination where people come for the views, the vibe, and yes, maybe a little good luck too.