The Moment You Know You’ve Arrived in Korea
Ever dozed off on a plane, only to wake up to a view that instantly whispers, “You’re somewhere completely new”?
For many first-time visitors, this magical moment comes just before landing in Korea—below, steep mountains surge dramatically from the city’s edge, their peaks brushing right up against skyscrapers.
It's not every day you see cities literally hugging the feet of lush, forested mountains. But here in Korea, it’s an everyday reality.
Did you know that more than 70% of Korea’s land is mountainous? If you come from a country of open skies and flat horizons, this vertical landscape can feel both fascinating and surreal. Koreans themselves joke that their country is “small, but really tall.” But there’s a hidden advantage here: Nature is always right next to the city, waiting just beyond a subway ride.
Why Hiking Is a Must in Seoul
In many countries, enjoying nature often means driving hours away from urban areas. Not in Korea. Here, mountains literally rise right at the doorstep of major cities, making adventures accessible for everyone, anytime.
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| Wooden mountain trail leading to an observation deck in Korea |
What makes hiking in Korea especially appealing is how beginner-friendly it is. Trails are clean, safe, and well-marked, so even first-timers can explore confidently. And don’t worry about getting disconnected from the world—you’ll rarely lose mobile signal, meaning you can easily share your adventures in real-time with friends and family.
The scenery? It’s stunning year-round. From cherry blossoms that decorate the mountainsides in spring, to vibrant fiery foliage in autumn—every season has its unique charm. But here’s a friendly caution: Don’t underestimate Korea’s mountains. They might not always look high, but they can be surprisingly steep. With summer temperatures climbing high and winters getting quite icy, proper preparation is essential.
Don’t have hiking gear? No problem. In this post, I’ll introduce places in Seoul where you can rent everything you need for your hike. Ready for an adventure?
3 Great Mountains to Hike in Seoul (With easy Gear Rentals!)
Seoul is one of the rare cities where mountains and skyscrapers share the same skyline.If you take the subway, it is surrounded by forested trails and rugged granite peaks within a few stops.
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| Seoul Hiking Center(seoulhiking.or.kr) |
I recommend hiking near Seoul to my friends who are visiting Korea for the first time, and many places I recommend are Bukaksan Mountain, Bukhansan Mountain, and Gwanaksan Mountain. Because the Korean mountain looks low, but as I said earlier, it is quite steep, so it is better to take hiking equipment as much as possible. In the case of Mt. Bukhan, and Mt. Kwanak, There are hiking gear rental centers officially operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, likely due to the high number of international visitors.
Bugaksan (Bukaksan Mountain)
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Bukaksan Mountain |
Bugaksan is the closest mountain to central Seoul. It features a gentle trail that follows the old Seoul Fortress Wall, offering sweeping views of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsan Tower all in one frame.
Located right in the heart of Jongno District, it’s within walking distance or a short subway ride from major tourist areas like Gwanghwamun, Insadong, and the Blue House (Cheongwadae).
The trail is short and not steep, making it ideal for beginners. Rather than a tough workout, it feels more like a scenic walk—perfect for casual hiking or taking photos.
Bukhansan National Park (Bukhansan Mountain)
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| Bukhansan Mountain |
Bukhansan is the only mountain in Seoul that’s officially designated as a national park, and it’s one of the most popular hiking spots among both locals and tourists. The views are amazing—you can see the entire city from high granite peaks—and the trails are well-maintained, with plenty of options for both beginners and more experienced hikers.
If you’re staying in the northern part of Seoul, like around Sungshin Women’s University, Gangbuk-gu, or Dobong-gu, Bukhansan is very easy to reach by public transportation.
The mountain is also known for its beautiful temples, fortress walls, and natural rock ridgelines, which make the hiking experience feel rich and unique.
Because it’s a national park, the hiking routes are quite long, so I always suggest checking the weather and giving yourself enough time before you go.
There’s also a hiking gear rental center officially operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which is super convenient—especially for first-time hikers or travelers who didn’t pack any gear.
Gwanaksan (Gwanaksan Mountain)
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| Gwanaksan Mountain |
Gwanaksan is a great choice for a short but intense hike inside the city.
The name itself includes the character “ak (岳),” which often refers to steep, rocky mountains in Korean—and Gwanaksan lives up to that reputation. While it’s not very high in elevation, the trail is steep and full of rocky sections, making it perfect for those who want to break a sweat without leaving Seoul.
If you’re staying in the southern part of the city—near Gangnam or Sadang—getting to Gwanaksan is quick and easy. The main trailhead is located near Seoul National University, which gives the area a youthful and energetic vibe, especially on weekends.
That said, if your accommodation is in central areas like Gwanghwamun or Jongno, it can take over 40 minutes by subway to reach the trail. So I usually recommend Gwanaksan for travelers staying in the southern districts of Seoul.
Don’t let the short distance fool you—like many Korean mountains with “ak” in their names, Gwanaksan is known for its steep inclines and rugged paths. It’s a rewarding climb for those up for the challenge.
Ready to Hit the Trails? Here's Your Next Step.
Whether you're here for just a few days or staying for an entire season, hiking in Seoul gives you the chance to connect with the city's natural rhythm—from the serene sunrise along mountain ridges to the vibrant buzz of city lights below.So why not lace up your hiking shoes, take a deep breath, and discover the side of Seoul that many visitors never see?
* Start your adventure by checking out gear rental options and detailed trail maps at SeoulHiking.or.kr
* This guide is just the beginning. I'll be regularly posting more hiking routes, insider tips, and hidden gems around Seoul.
Don't forget to bookmark this blog—your next favorite trail might be featured in the very next post!
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