Travel like a pro: 4 best hikes for nature lovers in South Korea

South Korea is well known for many things — culture, shopping, food and more. But one thing that we cannot miss out on is its breathtaking natural scenery.

With nearly 70% of the country covered in mountains, there’s no shortage of hiking trails in South Korea. Ask any Korean (whether aged or young), and you’ll find that they hike way more than you think they do.

Whether you’re into leisure treks or hardcore hiking, we’ve compiled a list of mountains you can attempt on a weekend morning during your next Korea visit.

1. Cheonggyesan Mountain

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GO GREAT GYEONGGI (@gyeonggi_korea)

Altitude: 618m

Located just 18km from Seoul, Cheonggyesan Mountain is a popular choice among locals for a quick nature escape. Easy for beginners, this mountain attracts many visitors every autumn due to its stunning fall foliage. 

Cheonggye translates to “thousand” in the Korean language. And Koreans often joke that one must climb a thousand steps before reaching the summit.

2. Bukhansan National Park

Altitude: 836m (Baegundae Peak)

The most famous hiking trail located in Seoul, the Bukhansan National Park has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Visited National Park (per unit area).

Bukhansan National Park has three main peaks: Baegundae (836m), Insubong (810m), and Mangyeongdae (787m).

You’d be sure to get stunning views of the entire city as it is Seoul’s tallest mountain, if you’re standing atop the Baegundae peak.

3. Seoraksan National Park

Altitude: 1,708m (Daecheongbong Peak)

Avid climbers can challenge themselves to picturesque hikes at Seoraksan National Park with routes for all skill levels. However, the best view can be seen from the mountain’s main peak, Daecheongbong, which is also the third-highest peak in Korea.

Here’s a pro tip: try to avoid hiking in March to mid-May and mid-November to mid-December, as several trails may be closed.

4. Jirisan National Park

Altitude: 1,915m (Cheonwangbong Peak)

One of Korea’s largest and oldest national parks, Jirisan is one of the most sacred mountains. Its main summit, the Cheonwangbong Peak, is the second-highest point in South Korea. 

The climb is physically demanding, but the view is worth it. Along the way up, you will pass by fields of wildflowers and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you can also score a breathtaking sight of an ocean of clouds stretching across the peaks.