Best Hikes in South Korea: 8 Stunning Hiking Trails

Best Hikes in South Korea: 8 Stunning Hiking Trails

The best hikes in South Korea offer a portrait of idyllic landscapes and 5,000 years of distinctive culture and history

Mountain culture runs deep through South Korea's history. Thousands of years before modern religion made its way to the peninsula, Koreans worshiped mountain spirits known as sansin. Today, much of the population remains strongly connected to the mountains, albeit in a different way.

South Koreans are hiking in droves. The number of members of the hiking clubs has grown to tens of thousands. All year round, Gore-Tex-clad weekend warriors flock to the hills to escape the confines of their sprawling cities.

And why not? Mountains are everywhere in South Korea and most can be climbed in a day. In fact, about 70% of South Korean land is considered mountainous. In a country known as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” it is hardly surprising that people find peace outdoors. Personally, I think they're onto something.

South Korea is a relatively small country, but it manages to host 22 national parks, 17 of which are considered mountainous. San, which means mountain in Korean, appears in each of these 17 park names. Additionally, Korea's excellent transportation infrastructure makes these mountains and their impressive viewpoints easily accessible from countless cities.

Given this, it's a wonder South Korea's pine-clad mountains don't attract more international hikers. The country receives significantly fewer visitors than many of its neighbors.

In fact, South Korea remains a relatively unexplored part of East Asia, which makes it even more enticing. Below we share some of the best hikes in South Korea that showcase the country's most impressive landscapes.

Best hikes in South Korea

We've picked the best hikes in South Korea for a range of abilities. These hiking trails offer a glimpse of what Korea has to offer hikers. With an abundance of well-maintained hiking trails that combine pristine landscapes with eye-catching temples, there is much more to explore.

1. Hallasan Peak

Distance: 7.4-19.2 kmDuration: 2-10 hoursDifficulty level: Moderately difficult

alt="Hallasan is one of the best hikes in South Korea">ju999/ShutterstockHallasan is one of the best hikes in South Korea

Why not start at the top? South Korea's highest mountain is located on the country's largest island. Known locally as Jejudo, Jeju Island has drawn comparisons to Hawaii due to its pretty beaches, green scenery and popularity among Korean honeymooners. With a number of beach hotels, it is the country's premier holiday destination.

Located in the densely forested national park of the same name, Hallasan is an active volcano (although it has not erupted in over 1,000 years). At 1,947 m (6,388 feet), the peak of the mountain dominates the island's horizon. There are five hiking trails ranging from 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to 6 miles (9.6 km) in one direction leading to the summit.

The mountain can be climbed all year round, but April and May, when its slopes are dotted with flowering azaleas, are particularly attractive.

2. Jirisan Ridge Trek

Distance: 45 kmDuration: 3 nights/4 daysDifficulty: Difficult

alt=“A hiker rests in Jirisan National Park”>In stock for you/ShutterstockA hiker takes a break in Jirisan National Park

A network of hiking trails runs through Jirisan, South Korea's first and largest national park. There are countless day hikes and trekking options, but the park's main route is the four-day shelter-to-shelter route that runs east to west from Daewonsa to Hwaeomsa.

The highlight of the hike is the Jirisan Ridge, which traverses no fewer than 16 peaks above 1,500 m (4,921 ft). The massif is home to Cheonwangbong Peak, the highest point in mainland South Korea at 1,915 m (6,283 ft).

Most hikers plan their hikes to coincide with sunrise on Cheonwangbong Peak on the first morning (second day) of the hike.

3. Bukhansanseong Way

Distance: 8.2 kmDuration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Easy

alt="Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park">Daengpanya Atakorn/ShutterstockBaegundae peak in Bukhansan National Park

The sprawl of the South Korean capital Seoul includes Bukhansan National Park with its granite peaks, remote temples and mountain peaks. Known as the “Lung of Seoul,” the park attracts over five million visitors each year due to its proximity to Korea’s most populous region. So don't expect to have the trails to yourself.

The most popular route is to climb the park's highest peak, Baegundae at 836 m (2,742 ft), via the Bukhansanseong Trail. The bird's eye view from the top is spectacular.

Another good option is the 18.6km Seoul City Wall Circuit, which follows Seoul's old city walls and includes the four smaller peaks Bukaksan (342m), Naksan (125m), Namsan (262m) and Inwangsan (338m/1,109 feet).

4. Daecheongbong Peak, Seoraksan

Distance: 13.8-20.6 kmDuration: 4-6 hoursDifficulty level: Moderately difficult

alt="A breathtaking sunset over a lake in Seoraksan">Natthawut Utsawachaichot/ShutterstockSeoraksan is a hiking utopia

Seoraksan National Park and the Taebaek Mountain Range are the most famous landscapes on the Korean Peninsula. Admired for its unique rock formations, abundant wildlife, hot springs, gushing waterfalls, dense forests and ancient Buddhist temples, Seoraksan is a hiking utopia.

At the center is South Korea's third highest mountain, Seoraksan (Snowy Peaks Mountain) with its 1,708 m (5,604 ft) high Daecheongbong Peak. Watching the sunrise from Daecheongbong Peak is something of a rite of passage among Koreans and is worth the trip alone.

The summit can be reached by point-to-point, circular or return hikes.

5. Songnisan

Distance: 14-20kmDuration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Easy

alt="Songnisan is one of the best hikes in South Korea">Sarasap Boonrak/ShutterstockSongnisan means “away from the ordinary world mountain”

Songnisan National Park, another excellent hiking destination, receives significantly fewer visitors than many of its peers but offers similarly spectacular scenery. Songnisan means “away from the ordinary world mountain,” which sums up the fascinating landscape.

The most popular route – and arguably the most rewarding – is the relatively quiet route to the 1,058 m (3,472 ft) peak of Munjangdae, once known as the “cloud-covered peak”. Expect swirling mists at the summit in winter, while spring brings azaleas and cherry blossoms to the slopes.

Depending on the starting point, there are several routes to the summit.

6. Naejangsan Ridge Hike

Distance: 11kmDuration: 4-5 hoursDifficulty: Moderately difficult

alt="Naejangsan in autumn is one of the best hikes in South Korea Naejangsan">TRAVEL PHOTOS/ShutterstockNaejangsan in autumn is breathtaking

Hikers and photographers love Naejangsan National Park for its stunning fall vegetation. The park will likely be full in October when its foliage is vermilion, but that shouldn't stop you from taking on one of the best hikes in South Korea.

There are numerous short and pleasant hikes, but it is the challenging six-peak Naejangsan ridge route that shows the landscape at its most spectacular. The route follows the top of the massif, shaped like a natural amphitheater, to Seoraebong Peak (624 m/2,040 ft) with its panoramic mountain views.

7. Geumjeongsan, Busan

Distance: 8kmDuration: 2-3 hoursDuration: Easy

alt="The Walls of Geumjeong Fortress">Terimma/ShutterstockThe walls of Geumjeong Fortress

Geumjeongsan is Busan's most popular hiking destination and for good reason. The 802 m high Godangbong Peak is the highest point on the mountain and offers excellent views of South Korea's second largest city. Hikers can choose from seven routes to the summit.

There are several other prominent peaks, various temples and the impressive Geumjeong Fortress. Once the largest fortress in Korea, its stone walls stretched 17 km around the mountaintop. Only four gates and around four kilometers of wall remain, but it remains an impressive sight.

Other options in Busan include Jangsan, Seunghaksan and Taejongdae Nature Park on Yeongdo. Slightly less strenuous is the 4.7km Igidae Coastal Walk, which offers sweeping views of Haeundae Beach's skyline from across the bay without ever climbing more than a few meters above sea level.

8. Peace Path, DMZ

Distance: 2.7-7.9 kmDuration: 2-3 hoursDuration: Easy

alt="Hikers on a sidewalk in the DMZ">Thomas Maresca/UPIHikers and their companions on a sidewalk in the DMZ

In 2019, South Korea opened a short network of trails along one of the world's most heavily fortified borders. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the 4 km wide and 240 km long buffer zone that has separated North and South Korea since the 1953 conflict that tore the peninsula apart.

In the six decades since the ceasefire, the area has been sealed off from human interference. Despite the huge military presence, the area has become an unexpected refuge for endangered species of migratory birds and wild mammals such as deer and mountain goats. The routes follow a coastal path that runs along unused railway tracks dotted with observation posts.

The Peace Trail consists of two routes and is part of the United Nations Command-approved educational sites that have made the DMZ a major tourist attraction. Hikers are escorted by armed guards throughout.

Disclosure: This article was created in collaboration with the Korean Tourism Organization.

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Cover photo: TRAVEL TAKE PHOTOS/Shutterstock

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