I don't think the park closes. Be sure to check the weather conditions as the paths are very slippery in bad weather conditions.

I can imagine that it can be absolutely beautiful in wintertime but you definitely need good climbing material. Be careful en be sure to check the weather conditions before you leave. The more difficult parts can be very slippery, so you will need microspikes and ... a good condition

If you don't have any hiking experience, you'd better try Gwanaksan or Cheonggyesan first.

Hello, We went in the spring, so not able to help on this occasion.

You can't reach the top by driving. Anyway, the final part to the peak are steep climb, made possible by steel cables. And the peak has space for about 5 pax to comfortably take pictures. Have fun!

Thanks god, no cable car! Use you feet or stay away!

In my opinion, most definitely not fit for children unless you have the strength to be hiking with them on your backs. It was a 2hour hike to the top, and that was CONTINUOUS stair/stone climbing, not trail walking. Also, at the peak, the stones are rather smooth and slippery and you are hanging on for dear life to the cable ropes to get a step up, any slip ups would result in a loony way down the cliff

Hiking shoes ,lunch, water and gloves. Gloves are for holding on to steel ropes when climbing. We took thin working gloves from hardware store and found they worked really well.

Yes.There are many near starting points.

Yes you can choose the trails. there are several ways to get up and down to the peak. Try to google for a map. It would help. You can go up and come down the same way, or go up one way and come down the mountain on the other side. Average time: really depends on fitness and the crowd level. I went early in the morning..left the hotel before sunrise and reached there just as the sun was coming up.. all this to beat the crowds. I had a clear path all the way up. no queueing to get up to the peak!