7 ways to hike across South Korea, from urban trails to cross-country routes

Walking and hiking have been part of Korean life for generations, and it's easy to understand why, as 70 percent of the country is mountainous and a number of ancient temples are placed along the slopes.

“The peaks in Korea are all steep and sharp, hence very physical,” says Roger Shepherd, who runs Hike Korea and has written a guidebook about hiking the Baekdudaegan mountain range. “They are covered in old foot trails (yet-gil) and temples from before industrialization, with layers of recreational trails added over the decades.”

What to know before you go

Korea’s hiking trails are accommodating to beginners and experts alike. Public transport connects to the start of most trails, and there are sufficient rest stops and eateries on the routes. Kakao Map and Naver Map have most trails marked, helping people navigate their routes.

“In spring and autumn, there is a period of trail closure for about one to two months, called fire prevention trail closure,” says Hong-geun Yoon, co-author of the book Hiking the National Parks of Korea. Korea National Parks Service shares the precise dates each year, but usually this is staggered between February 15 and May 15 across parks during the spring, and between November 15 and December 15 during the fall. 

An additional aspect is trailhead entry and closure time. “In the case of hiking in the highlands, the entry time is limited to enable safe hiking with sufficient hiking time,” says Yoon. This information is available at each of the parks. Also, wild camping is prohibited in Korea, so shelters and designated camp grounds are present along the trails; book in advance to secure a spot.

Seoul’s urban hikes

Seoul is a city of hills, and its network of hiking trails offer picturesque views of the city. The Inwangsan trail traces Seoul’s story, from the 600-year old city walls and an 18th century fortress to the arts district of Buam-dong that houses the Seokpajeong Seoul Art Museum.

The Gwanaksan trail leads up to the Yeonjudae Temple perched on a vertical cliff, and it has ridge trails for beginners (Dolsan Ridge) and experts (Jaun-am Ridge) alike. Bukhansan Mountain is Seoul’s tallest, nicknamed the "Three-Horned Mountain" for its three peaks. Its Daeseongmun trail passes along a ridge of azaleas, which is a sea of pink in spring, while the Bukhansanseong trail traverses Joseon-era forts and temples.

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Jirisan National Park

Jirisan occupies prime position among South Korea’s mountainous landscape: It is one of the country’s three sacred mountains, and was designated as the country's first national park. It stretches for around 180 miles (295 km) along 21 trails, with volcanic rock formations and ancient temples along the way. Beginners can try the Unbong-Inwol trail, which runs past paddy fields, while experts will find the nearly 16-mile (25.5 km) hike from Cheonwangbong Peak (Jirisan’s tallest) to Nogodan Peak exhilarating. The mountain is a magnet for fall foliage seekers, and its elevation results in a lovely layering effect in late autumn, with the highest peaks covered in snow, and the lower slopes in shades of orange and green.

Seoraksan National Park

Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Seoraksan is studded with granite formations that resemble giant fingers reaching to the sky. The Great Unification Buddha statue sits at the entrance of the Ulsanbawi Trail to wish you well on a trail that is a mix of gentle slopes and rock staircases. Easy routes include hiking to a waterfall like Daeseung, Biryong, or Yongso (the last has a medicinal spring), or the Dinosaur trail, which is known for its scenic views. The park is especially popular as a fall foliage destination—walk along Ulsanbawi, Cheonbuldong Valley, or Biseondae for the best autumnal views.

Haeparang Trail

Stretching 466 miles (750km) across 50 trails along Korea’s eastern coast, the Haeparang Trail is an opportunity to walk with the rising sun along the deep blue sea. It starts at Busan, with lush forests on one side and sea-facing cliffs on the other. Opportunities abound to snack on beach-side street food like pajeon (green onion pancakes) and eomuk (fish cakes). Igidae Park, with fossilized dinosaur footprints, is also fascinating. Farther north is the Blue Road, which is lined by crab sculptures dedicated to the region’s snow crabs, and then the pine forests of Gangneung. The trail ends at Goseong, known for its electric blue natural lakes and cliffside pavilions.

Dongseo Trail

In 2026, Korea gets its first cross-country hiking route. The Dongseo Trail, combining the Korean words for east ("dong") and west ("seo"), will stretch over a distance of 527 miles (849 kilometers) with 55 segments, each suitable for day hikes. Modeled after Spain’s Camino de Santiago, it will connect the eastern coastal city of Uljin to the western coastal island of Anmyeon. Some sections are already open, including the Uljin section that passes through ancient pine forests, and the Bonghwa section which winds through the largest tiger breeding ground in the country. Hikers can also explore the breadth of Korea’s food, from Uljin’s snow crab to Daejeon’s kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and oysters with rice on the western coast.

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Sobaeksan National Park

Sobaeksan forms the central part of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, which is often called the spine of Korea as it stretches across the entire Korean peninsula. “Most of the mountains in Korea are rocky, while Sobaeksan has more soil,” says Yoon. “Therefore, the top has a unique landscape with herbs and shrubs.”

Foliage to see includes wildflowers and royal azaleas in spring, and century-old spreading yew trees. Yoon recommends the Birobong-Gukmangbong loop, a challenging course that stretches between two of the highest peaks of the park. For an easier stretch, try Jukryeong, which leads up to an observatory.

Jeju Island's trails

Nicknamed the "Hawaii of Korea" due to its beautiful beaches and rocky volcanic landscapes, Jeju Island combines gorgeous island views with myriad hiking trails. Mount Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has 360 extinct satellite volcanic cones and a lava tube cave system (online reservations needed to hike). For something less intensive, Jeju Olle is a set of 27 routes spanning 271 miles (437 kilometers) around the island, that pass by pine forests, salt flats, beaches, and congee restaurants. The Saryeoni Forest Trail is a meditative stroll through thickets of Japanese cedar, oak, and cypress. 

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