NADLI

Hiking — A Guide to Korea's Mountains for Travelers

About 70% of Korea is mountains. For Koreans, hiking is not a special hobby but an ordinary part of the weekend. From the center of Seoul, a 30-minute subway ride reaches a national park entrance; on Jeju, you can climb Korea's highest peak in a single day. For foreign travelers, a Korean mountain is not a place you brace yourself to conquer — it is a place you slip easily into your itinerary.

Why Korea's mountains are special

Korea's four seasons are distinct, so the same mountain shows a completely different face each season. In spring, azaleas and royal azaleas spread pink along the ridges; in summer, valley streams run cool. Autumn foliage is considered the peak of Korean hiking, and winter brings hoarfrost and snowscapes. Climb one mountain two or three times across the seasons and it is new every time.

Choose by difficulty

• Beginner — Namsan: central Seoul, with a cable car — fine even without hiking boots
• Half-day — Bukhansan, Mudeungsan: national parks reached by subway and city bus, 4–5 hour courses
• Full-day challenge — Seoraksan, Hallasan: Korea's signature peaks; an early start is recommended

Good to know

Most of Korea's national parks are free to enter. Trails are well signed, with Korean and English guidance at every fork. Some routes, like the Hallasan summit course, require advance reservation — check before visiting. Ridges are windy year-round, so always bring a jacket, and hiking boots are recommended for mountains with rocky sections.

The mountains below were chosen for accessibility and scenery, so foreign travelers can climb them with ease.