Ranging from towering mountains to lush woodlands, these five trails invite you to uncover South Korea’s natural wonders and experience distinctive landscapes.
Seoraksan National Park, a mountain marvel
Situated in the northeast part of the nation, approximately a three-hour drive away from here. Seoul , the Seoraksan mountain range brings hikers in from all over the country. This national park is renowned for its imposing granite peaks and forests with changing colours according to the season. The most famous hike is to Daecheongbong Peak, South Korea The mountain's third-highest summit offers a challenging trail — stretching 15 kilometers with an incline of approximately 1,500 meters — which provides breathtaking vistas of the nearby peaks, particularly when viewed during dawn.
Scaling Hallasan on Jeju Island, an eruptive endeavor
On the volcanic island of Jeju, Mount Hallasan soars over the terrain at an elevation of 1,947 meters, rendering it the tallest peak in South Korea. Without question, this dormant volcano stands as one of the nation’s most stunning natural landmarks and has indeed become a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Accessible all year round, two main trails, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, lead to the mountaintop through dense forests, lava fields and volcanic craters. At the top, the Baengnokdam crater has a small freshwater lake, offering a delightful sight after all this effort.
The Jirisan ridge line, a mythical hiking route
Jirisan National Park, located in the southern part of South Korea, stands as both the nation’s eldest national park and one of its largest. Renowned for being among the toughest treks within the country, this journey is equally gratifying. Spanning approximately 40 kilometers, the trail typically requires two to three days to traverse completely. As hikers make their way across various terrains—from thick woodlands to stark rocky outcrops plunging dramatically into deep valleys—the trek reaches its zenith atop Mount Cheonwangbong. This frequently shrouded summit rises majestically to an elevation of 1,915 meters above sea level.
The Jeju Olle Trail, a memorable walk alongside the coastline.
This series of coastal trails encircles Jeju Island, offering ample chances to discover an array of scenery including sandy shores, towering cliffs, expansive fields, and vibrant green pastures. Though not as strenuous as some of the region’s more prominent hikes, this trail remains impressively scenic. Along your journey, you'll encounter breathtaking ocean vistas and striking volcanic rock formations.
Bukhansan, a stunning sight just outside of Seoul
Located just a short subway ride away from downtown Seoul, Bukhansan National Park provides an idyllic natural escape for residents of the bustling metropolis. This scenic area features many paths winding through its hills, catering to all levels of hikers. Among these trails, one particularly favored route leads up to Baegundae Peak—the tallest summit within the park at 836 meters—where visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of both the urban landscape and the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss this experience when you explore Seoul!
The Bukhansan Park website provides information regarding the various trails, including their durations and levels of difficulty. https://www.knps.or.kr/front/portal/visit/visitCourseSubMain.do
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