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Seoul Hiking Guide: Must-Hike Mountains in Seoul

Trazy Crew

Seoul never really slows down, does it? The streets are packed, there’s always a new café to try, and your to‑visit list just keeps growing. But here’s something a lot of visitors don’t expect: it’s also an amazing city for hiking.

If you’re craving a break from shopping and sightseeing, or you want that classic Seoul skyline view from above, hiking is one of the best things you can add to your itinerary. In this guide, you’ll find some of the most popular (and most scenic) trails in and around the city, plus ideas to help you choose where to go first! 

>Discover thrilling outdoor experiences in Korea with our list of must-do activities!<

1. Bukhansan Mountain

  • Address: 195, Bukhansan-ro 618beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Maps)
  • Hours: Apr-Oct 4:00 AM-5:00 PM, Nov-Mar 4:00 AM-4:00 PM

Bukhansan National Park sits in the northern part of Seoul and is one of the city’s go‑to spots when locals need a break from the concrete. The park has a mix of trails with different difficulty levels, so you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. If you’re new to hiking, you can stick to the easier routes that are more about steady walking and nice views. If you’re more experienced, there are steeper courses that take you higher up the granite peaks, where you’ll get wider city views and see more of the rocky ridgelines and forested slopes.

a. Basic Course

Many people know Bukhansan for Baegundae Peak, but this basic course also takes you across Jokduribong, Hyangrobong, and Munsubong. Starting from Bulgwang Station on Seoul Subway Line 6, the trail begins with a steep, rocky climb toward Jokduribong, where Seoul’s skyline quickly starts opening up below you.

After that, the trail becomes a bit gentler as you continue toward Hyangrobong, known for its dramatic ridges and views. The final climb to Munsubong gets steep again, with fixed cables along some sections, but the panoramic city views make the effort worth it. Once at the top, you can rest, take photos, and then follow the same route back down.

b. Advanced Course

The advanced course also starts at Bulgwang Station, followed by a bus ride closer to Wonhyobong. From there, the hike becomes steeper and rockier, with ridge sections where you’ll need to use both your hands and feet.

At the top of Wonhyobong, you’ll get sweeping views of Seoul and a clear look at Baegundae Peak, the highest peak in Bukhansan National Park. The route then continues across Yeomchobong toward Baegundae itself, where you can enjoy the summit views before heading back down.

c. Go with a guide

If it’s your first time hiking in Korea, going with a guide takes away a lot of the stress, so you can just enjoy the trail. A local guide knows the safest routes, the best viewpoints, and how to pace the hike so it feels challenging but not overwhelming. You can also focus on the views, ask questions along the way, and pick up a few tips about Korean hiking culture!

2. Inwangsan Mountain

  • Address: San 2-1, Muak-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
  • Hours: 24/7 excluding Mondays (Closed on Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday) 
 
 
 
 
 
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Inwangsan is about 339 meters high and is famous for its dramatic rock formations, like Chimabawi (Rock of the women’s skirt), Seonbawi (Rock of the meditating monk), and a few other uniquely shaped cliffs you’ll spot along the way. The name “Inwang” comes from a Buddhist term, and the mountain itself was named after Inwang Temple, which once stood on its slopes. For a long time, this area was off-limits to the public after a North Korean commando unit infiltrated Seoul in 1968, and it only reopened to hikers in 1993.

a. Inwangsan Mountain Hiking Course

This is the easier of the two courses in this guide. The trail is about 4 km long and usually takes around 3 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. You’ll start near Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, then follow the route from the site of Donuimun Gate up toward Inwangsan and over to Yun Dong-ju Hill. The mountain sits to the west of central Seoul, just to the right of the city’s four inner guardian mountains, so you get great views of the palace area and the city spread out below as you walk.

Check out these hiking tours on Mt. Inwangsan:

3. Bugaksan Mountain

  • Address: 2-27 San, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
  • Hours: Daily 07:00-19:00
  •  

Bugaksan Mountain Course runs from Changuimun, near Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, over to Hyehwamun by Hansung University Station on Line 4, crossing Baegak (also called Bugaksan, 342 m), which was once considered the main guardian mountain of Seoul. Along the way, you follow a section of the old city wall and look down over central Seoul from different angles. Public access here was blocked for nearly 40 years after a North Korean commando unit infiltrated Seoul in 1968, and it only reopened to hikers in 2007.

Bugaksan Mountain Hiking Course

Out of the two courses, this one is the tougher option and takes around 4 hours to complete, so be ready for a proper workout. The effort is worth it, though: the trail is scenic almost the entire way, with stretches of forest, rocky steps, and constant views of the city and fortress wall as you climb. As you get closer to the peak, the panorama opens up even more, and you really feel how close the mountains and the city are to each other.

Don’t forget to check out the link below if you want to go on a hiking tour up to Bugaksan!

4. Gwanaksan Mountain

  • Address: 56-1, San, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
 
 
 
 
 
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Gwanaksan Mountain is in southern Seoul and has been protected as a city natural park since 1968. It rises to about 630 meters, and from the ridges, you can see southern Seoul spread out below you, with landmarks like Lotte World Tower in the distance. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbing, thanks to its rugged cliffs and rocky slopes.

 
 
 
 
 
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If you’re a cat person, you’ll be happy to know several cats live around the mountain, often lounging near rest spots or along the trail, which makes the hike feel even more charming.

Gwanaksan Hiking Course

The main hiking course here is quite rocky and uneven, so expect a good workout. The trail can feel tiring at times, but the mix of stone steps, ridges, and forest makes it a really rewarding climb, especially when you reach the base of a small waterfall and can pause for a break.

As you follow the ridgeline, you’ll pass a series of picturesque peaks, with views of green slopes on one side and the city on the other. You’ll get plenty of chances to stop, look out over southern Seoul, say hello to the local mountain cats if you spot them, and grab photos along the way. After you’ve passed the main peaks, the descent takes you past streams and shaded sections of trail, which help your legs (and your mood) recover on the way down.

5. Ansan Mountain

  • Address: 75-66 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
 
 
 
 
 
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Ansan Mountain is a small, friendly mountain in Seodaemun-gu, just west of central Seoul, and it’s one of those places that feels like a quick nature escape right in the middle of the city. It’s only about 295 m high, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it, and locals love it for relaxed walks and forest views. The trails are well-maintained, and it’s a convenient option if you don’t want to travel far for some fresh air and trees. You’ll also find a historic beacon mound at the top, designated as Seoul Monument No. 13, which marks the site of the last battle of the Korean War. 

Ansan Mountain Hiking Course

The main route here is the Ansan Jarak-gil, a wooden walkway that circles the mountain. The path is wide, mostly flat, and designed so people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy it, including beginners and casual walkers. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete the loop at an easy pace, with plenty of spots to stop, sit on a bench, and enjoy the view.

6. Seoraksan Mountain

  • Address: 833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Maps)
 
 
 
 
 
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Seoraksan Mountain sits in Gangwon-do, a few hours east of Seoul, and it’s one of Korea’s most beloved peaks. The ridges are sharp, the valleys drop away beneath you, and the views feel dramatic almost as soon as you start hiking. If you love fall foliage, you’ll love this spot, as the slopes turn vivid shades of red and orange, making the whole mountain look like a huge painting. In winter, snow settles on the rocks and trees, and the whole landscape suddenly feels quiet and still.

As you walk, you’ll also pass temples, clear streams, and small suspension bridges, which help combine nature and culture in one visit. Even if you’re not a strong hiker, just wandering around the lower valley will be enough to make your visit worthwhile!

Seoraksan Mountain Hiking Courses

Seoraksan National Park trail map showing routes from Sogongwon Park entrance to Ulsanbawi Rock, Biseondae, Yukdam Falls, Biryeong Falls, and Towangseong Falls with difficulty levels and distances

NOTE: In this map, all featured trails start at Sogongwon Park, the entrance to Seoraksan National Park.

Trail Overview

TrailDifficultyTimeHighlights
Gwongeumseong Fortress

 

Very Easy

3km round-trip (2.4km by cable car + 0.6km on foot); 40 minutes without waiting timeShort scenic walk from the cable car station, wide mountain views, fortress ruins, and an easy way to enjoy Seoraksan without a full hike.
Biseondae RockEasy-Moderate6km round-trip; 2.5 hoursA peaceful valley trail with a stream, tree cover, and gentle scenery before reaching the dramatic Biseondae Rock.
Shinheungsa Temple WalkIntermediate1 km round-trip; 20 minutesA short, mostly flat cultural walk that passes the Great Buddha and leads to one of Seoraksan’s most famous temples.
Heundeulbawi RockEasy-Intermediate5.6km round-trip; 2 hoursA scenic uphill trail with stone steps and wide forest paths, especially beautiful during fall foliage.
Geumganggul CaveModerate2 to 3 hours round tripAn extension of the Biseondae route with steeper stone and metal stair sections, plus great views from the cave area.
Biryong Waterfall TrailModerate-Intermediate5.6km round-trip; 3 hoursOne of the most accessible Seoraksan hikes, with forest paths, suspension bridges, and a rewarding waterfall finish.
Ulsanbawi RockEasy~Advanced7.2km round-trip; 4 hoursThe iconic Seoraksan climb, famous for its long stair section, granite scenery, and panoramic summit views.
Daecheongbong PeakAdvanced9.5 km round-trip (from Osaek); 5-6 hoursSeoraksan’s highest peak, known for steep climbing, ridge views, and a serious full-day hiking challenge.
Baekdam Valley TrailModerate8 km round-trip (to Baekdamsa Temple); 3-4 hoursA quieter, more relaxed valley route with long scenic stretches and a calmer atmosphere than the park’s major summit hikes.

*Times and difficulty levels are approximate and may vary based on fitness, weather, trail conditions, and starting point.

Read more about hiking in Seokraksan:

Book a tour to hike Seoraksan from Seoul:

Frequently Asked Questions on Hiking in Seoul

  1. Is Seoul a good city for hiking?
    Yes, Seoul is one of the best cities in the world for hiking. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains such as Bukhansan, Namsan, Inwangsan, and Gwanaksan, all easily accessible by subway and bus. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple scenic walk or a tougher climb, hiking in Seoul offers a mix of city views, old fortress walls, and beautiful nature. 
  2. What is the most famous hiking trail in Seoul?
    Bukhansan National Park is the most famous hiking destination in Seoul. Known for its dramatic granite peaks, Buddhist temples, and sweeping views, Bukhansan attracts millions of visitors every year. The hike to Baegundae Peak is the most popular route and is considered one of the best hikes in South Korea.
  3. Are there beginner-friendly hikes in Seoul?
    Absolutely. Seoul has many easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. Namsan, Inwangsan, and Achasan are excellent options for first-time hikers. These trails are relatively short, well-maintained, and offer stunning views without requiring advanced fitness levels.
  4. Do I need hiking boots for Bukhansan?
    Hiking boots are strongly recommended for Bukhansan, especially if you plan to summit Baegundae Peak. Since the trail includes steep inclines and rocky sections, you’ll need proper footwear that provides a firm grip and support.
  5. Why is hiking so popular in Korea?
    Hiking is one of Korea’s most beloved outdoor activities. Mountains are deeply connected to Korean culture, and many locals hike regularly for fitness, socializing, and enjoying nature. Visiting Seoul without experiencing a Korean hiking trail is missing one of the country’s most unique cultural experiences! 

Read more about outdoor activities in South Korea:

Check out these can’t-miss outdoor events in Seoul:

Check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for more things to do in Korea!

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6 thoughts on “Seoul Hiking Guide: Must-Hike Mountains in Seoul”

    1. Hi Andy! Thank you for sharing the information that you know. We will update the contents and try the best to give you the accurate information all the time 🙂

      Reply

    1. Hi MANG THOMAS VAIPHEI,

      Thank you for your kind feedback!
      We will revise the information in this posting as soon as possible 🙂

      We really appreciate it.
      Please keep having interests in Trazy Blog’s postings 😀

      Reply

  3. Hi There, I am going to visit Seul between 2nd April and 9th April and I want to do trekking or hiking there, Would you please check and let me know if you will be available to guide me?

    Regards
    Mesut

    Reply

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