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 place of mountain grandeur
Situated in the northeastern part of the nation, approximately a three-hour drive away, Seoul , the Seoraksan mountain range attracts hikers from across the nation. Known as a national park celebrated for its towering granite summits and woodlands that display varying hues depending on the season, it offers memorable experiences. Among these trails, the one leading to Daecheongbong Peak stands out as particularly notable. South Korea The mountain's third-tallest summit features an arduous trail—extending for 15 kilometers with a significant elevation gain of approximately 1,500 meters—that offers breathtaking vistas of the adjacent peaks, particularly when viewed during dawn.
Scaling Hallasan on Jeju Island, an eruptive endeavor
On the volcanic island of Jeju, Mount Hallasan stands tall over the terrain at an elevation of 1,947 meters, which makes it the tallest peak in South Korea. Undoubtedly, this dormant volcano ranks among the nation’s most stunning natural attractions and has indeed become a UNESCO World Heritage Launched in 2007, this site remains accessible throughout the year. Two primary routes, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, wind their way up the mountain via thick woodlands, expansive lava plains, and ancient volcanic craters. Reaching the summit reveals a picturesque view of Baengnokdam crater, which houses a tiny freshwater lake—a rewarding vista for those who have made the ascent.
The Jirisan ridge line, a mythical hiking trail
Located in the southern part of South Korea, Jirisan National Park stands as both the nation’s oldest and one of its biggest national parks. Renowned for being among the toughest yet highly fulfilling treks within the country, this trail usually takes between two to three days to finish and spans approximately 40 kilometers. Throughout your journey, you'll traverse an array of terrains including lush woodlands and exposed rocky peaks cascading steeply towards valley floors below. Atop Cheonwangbong Peak—often shrouded in fog—at 1,915 meters elevation, lies the pinnacle of this arduous trek.
The Jeju Olle Trail, a memorable trek alongside the coastline.
This series of coastal trails encircles Jeju Island, offering a chance to discover an array of scenery including sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, farmlands, and vibrant green pastures. Though not as strenuous as many other significant hikes in the region, this trail remains remarkably impressive. Throughout your journey, breathtaking ocean vistas and striking volcanic rock formations will dot your path.
Bukhansan, a stunning sight just outside of Seoul
A short distance away from downtown Seoul, easily reachable via subway, lies Bukhansan National Park—a natural retreat for residents of the bustling metropolis. This park features an extensive network of paths winding through its hills, catering to all kinds of trekkers. Among these routes, climbing up to Baegundae Peak, standing tall at 836 meters as the peak of the park, is particularly favored due to the breathtaking vistas of both the urban landscape and the surrounding areas it provides. It’s definitely not-to-be-missed during your visit to 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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