Why Korea for Hiking?
About 70% of the Korean peninsula is mountainous. The trail system (등산로) is extensive, well-maintained, and free to access. Most trails are clearly marked with distance signs in Korean (and often English). There are mountain shelters, water sources, and convenience stores at major trailheads. Hiking is one of Korea's most popular leisure activities — you'll meet local hikers of all ages on any significant trail.
Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)
An extraordinary thing about Seoul: there's a national park with granite peaks inside the city. Bukhansan (북한산) offers serious hiking within 40 minutes of central Seoul by subway. The main summit (Baegundae, 836m) involves some scrambling and metal handrails on exposed sections — rewarding views over the entire Seoul basin. Allow 4–5 hours for the full circuit.
Access: Subway to Gupabal or Dobongsan stations. No entry fee.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan (설악산) in Gangwon Province is widely considered the most beautiful mountain park in Korea. The granite peaks, deep valleys, and coastal backdrop are spectacular. Best season: October for foliage, when the park fills with Korean hikers. The Daecheongbong summit (1,708m) is a demanding 2-day hike requiring a permit and mountain hut booking; the Ulsanbawi Rock circuit is a more accessible half-day option.
Getting there: Bus from Seoul's East Bus Terminal (3 hours). Stay in Sokcho town (cheap guesthouses and excellent seafood) the night before.
Jirisan National Park
Korea's largest national park, stretching across three provinces in the south. The Jirisan ridge traverse (2–3 days) along the Baekdudaegan mountain range is one of Korea's signature multi-day hikes. Mountain shelters must be booked in advance (danuri.knps.or.kr). For a day hike, the Nogodan plateau (1,507m) is accessible by shuttle bus from Gurye.
Hallasan (Jeju Island)
Korea's highest peak at 1,950m, and a dormant volcano with a crater lake at the summit. The Seongpanak trail (9.6km each way) is the most used and most manageable route. Start before 6am to reach the summit before the midday closure. The alpine scenery near the top — volcanic rock, low shrubs, vast views — is unlike anywhere else in Korea.
Practical Notes
What to bring: Water (2L minimum), trail snacks, layers (weather changes quickly at elevation), and proper shoes (trail runners or hiking boots — not casual sneakers for serious trails).
Mountain rest stops (산장): Many trails have rest stops selling instant noodles, makgeolli (rice wine), and snacks. Budget ₩3,000–5,000 per stop.
Trail apps: Naver Maps has detailed trail information in Korean; the AllTrails app has crowd-sourced English route descriptions for major trails.
