Seoul is enveloped by mountains, consisting of Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan, and Inwangsan to name a few major peaks surrounding the city. Bugaksan, the mountain located to the north of Seoul, is the highest among these and is a southern offshoot of Bukhansan Mountain. It is also referred to as Baegaksan.

Hanyang City Wall runs along the mountain ridge and Changuimun Gate (also called Jahamun), one of the four small gates surrounding the castle city during the Joseon dynasty, is on the west side of the mountain near Inwangsan Mountain. Running between Changuimun Gate and Arirang Hill in Jeongneung Royal Tomb, Bugak Skyway is a scenic road overlooking downtown Seoul; it also passes through a variety of attractions such as Changuimun Gate and Bugak Pavilion. Another attraction is Samcheong Park at the southern foot of Bugaksan Mountain.