Hiking in Seoul is a must.
With mountains and hills making up about 70 percent of the country, South Korea is a haven for avid hikers and enthusiasts. Outdoor health and wellness is highly emphasized in Korean culture, and you will often find natives of all ages at local hiking spots or open-air gyms. I’ve seen 80-something year old ajummas pull some absolutely crazy physical feats while living here!
Seoul contains seven named mountains within its administrative region, all with well-tended trails, exercise parks, traditional pagodas, and Buddhist temples nested inside. The natural scenery and breathtaking city views on these mountains are well worth the ascent.
Wondering which hike to complete? I’ve compiled a list of four of my most recommended hikes in the city, all at varying levels of effort. Whether you’re just looking for a nice night view of central Seoul, or you’re looking for a five hour ascent to the highest elevation in the city, this guide has got you covered.
South Korea has thousands of hikeable trails. tsuguliev/Adobe Stock
Whichever adventure you prefer, let this guide help you make the most out of your hiking excursions in Seoul!
The Best Time of Year to Hike in Seoul
Autumn is typically the best time for any outdoor activity in Seoul. Most, if not all, of my South Korean friends claim that fall is their favorite season in Korea, and how can you disagree with them? With perfectly crisp temperatures, low humidity, and picturesque red and orange trees, autumn in Seoul is a magical experience.
Winter and spring can also offer comfortable hiking temperatures, but be warned: February and early March are when polluted yellow dust is most prevalent in the air, so check Seoul’s air quality index (AQI) levels before any climb. High levels of yellow dust are harmful to your respiratory health and can leave you short of breath.
Seoul’s summers are filled with stifling humidity, and the monsoon season from mid to late summer can make your hike risky due to slipping hazards. September to December or March to May are my suggestions!
Obligatory selfie at the peak of Seoul’s tallest mountain, Bukhansan!
Level 1: Naksan – An Easy Hike for Tourists
Hiking Naksan at night is an easy way to soak in Seoul’s glistening skyline. panyaphotograph/Adobe Stock
Naksan (낙산) literally means “camel mountain”, as the mountain itself resembles a camel hump. Naksan is a tourist favorite, as it should be – it’s easy to ascend due to its gentle slope and shorter height, yet the view you receive of central Seoul is extremely rewarding. The mountain and surrounding park guide you along the Seoul City Wall, a once defensive fortress wall used during the Joseon Dynasty. Walking along Naksan’s trail, there are many signs providing details about the construction and history of the fortress wall.
Seoul’s fortress wall hugging Naksan park. yijo/Adobe Stock
Naksan is a popular location for K-drama filming due to its historical architecture and beautiful scenery. I would recommend hiking Naksan at night, as it is well-lit and the night view of Seoul is stunning. Check out this night view tour of Naksan if you and friends want to check out the best views in the park!
Naksan at midday. Sanga/Adobe Stock
Ascent Duration: ~25 minutes
Elevation: 125 m (410 ft)
Level 2: Ansan – A Casual Hike for Locals
A mesmerizing view of central Seoul from Ansan’s peak. Toowongsa/Adobe Stock
Ansan is a moderately sized mountain located in Seodaemun, not far from Hongdae or Yonsei University when traveling by bus. Ansan is definitely my favorite mountain on this list because it holds a special place in my heart – I lived nearby and would hike the trail at least once a month! A quiet mountain with well maintained paths, Ansan is a spot that locals venture into more than tourists.
Some of Ansan’s glamor shots taken on my iPhone! This trail is just so peaceful.
It takes around 45 minutes to fully ascend, and it’s not as intense as the next two mountains on this list – making it a perfect peak to climb in the morning and still have the rest of your day to enjoy! The view from Ansan’s summit is so beautiful and meditative that I would usually sit there and bask in it for a long time. If you’re nearby Seodaemun, check it out!
I sat and meditated on this summit often. Views of Han River on the right & Gangnam on the left.
Ascent Duration: ~45 minutes
Elevation: 295.5 m (969 ft)
Level 3: Inwangsan – An Intermediate Climb
This Inwangsan scene is the muse of famous Korean paintings! yllyso/Adobe Stock
Inwangsan is a mountain located in central Seoul (Seodaemun and Jongro districts), and is famous for its stunning view. It’s characterized by the large granite rock formations and is another mountain trail that is guided by Seoul’s fortress wall. When ascending, you’ll see the peaceful Inwangsa temple and Guksadang shrine, as well as weave through forests, valleys and rivers.
The fortress wall trail sprawls throughout Seoul and leads me to the base of Inwangsan!
Once at the rocky peak, you have a breathtaking view of Seoul, with Korea’s Blue House and the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace in the foreground. Like Naksan, the other mountain on this list surrounded by the Seoul City Wall, Inwangsan is lit up at night along the wall, making night hikes accessible. Fuel up with a snack at a nearby traditional market and hike with this Inwangsan guided tour!
A view of wonderful Seoul from Inwangsan’s summit. piti/Adobe Stock
Ascent Duration: ~1.5 hours
Elevation: 338 m (1109 ft)
Level 4: Bukhansan – The Hike of All Hikes
Yes, this is really what Bukhansan looks like in person. ARTIT/Adobe Stock
Bukhansan is the tallest mountain within Seoul’s city border. It’s very popular amongst hiking enthusiasts, with typically around 5 million per year visiting in attempts to reach the summit. Passing through ancient gates and overlooking hidden temples and the northern region of Seoul, Bukhansan is a must climb for those who truly enjoy hiking. Ascending Bukhansan is no easy feat, and it took my friends and I around 5 painful hours to reach the top.
While ascending Bukhansan, I pass temple grounds and colossal rock formations!
It is the most memorable of all of the hikes in Seoul, and there are few words to describe the scenery of the mountain and its peak. Be aware that this hike is not easy for beginners. I do recommend wearing quality hiking boots, as the further you ascend, the more the terrain transforms from grassy or dirt trails into friction-less boulders. Check out this guided hike of Bukhansan if you want a professional to help you on your climb. I can’t recommend Bukhansan enough for the avid-hiker.
This might be the greatest picture I’ve ever taken… Bukhansan is definitely worth a hike!
Ascent Duration: ~5 hours
Elevation: tallest peak is Baegundae at 836.5 m (2744 ft)
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