National Park Trekking in Korea: K-Trekking Challenge 2026 Guide
International travelers can verify visits to Korean national parks, submit social media reviews, and write Creatrip user blog posts to earn co-branded goods and point rewards.
Last updated: September 2026
Quick Answer: For travelers planning national park trekking in Korea, the K-Trekking Challenge is a joint hiking campaign by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Korea National Park Service, running July 8 to November 30, 2026. International visitors can make a free reservation, verify their visit with a QR code and passport, receive co-branded goods, borrow hiking gear for free, and earn up to 500,000 Creatrip points for reviews.
This guide to national park hiking in Korea covers Bukhansan, Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Gyeongju National Park. International visitors make a free reservation on Creatrip, show a QR code and passport at the park, and receive co-branded National Park x KTO goods on the spot. You can also borrow hiking boots and trekking poles for free. Here is how to join in three steps.
On August 30, the campaign welcomed an 11-member hiking group from France for its first pilot participation. The Korea Tourism Organization is working toward attracting 3 million hiking tourists by 2028.
What is the K-Trekking Challenge? (KTO x National Park Service)
The K-Trekking Challenge is a trekking program for international travelers where you hike through Korea's national parks and complete verification missions to earn goods and point rewards.
With lush mountain trails, refreshing scenery, and the sense of accomplishment after a trek, it's a great pick for visitors looking for a unique nature activity during their trip to Korea.
| Operating Period | 2026.07.08 - 2026.11.30 |
| Eligibility | International travelers who want to hike Korea's iconic mountains and national parks firsthand |
| Recommended For | International tourists who want to enjoy nature travel in Korea around Seoul, Gangwon-do, Gyeongju, and more |
K-Trekking Challenge, See Details
How to join in 3 steps
The K-Trekking Challenge runs in three steps: verify your national park visit, submit a social media review, and write a Creatrip user blog review, plus a bonus Best Review Event. Check the details below to see how to verify each mission and what rewards you can earn.
Challenge Missions ✅
- National park visit verification: Make a free reservation on Creatrip, then visit the verification location and present the QR code plus your passport
- SNS review verification: After visiting the mission verification location, upload a post to your personal SNS with the required hashtags, then submit the link on the landing page
- Creatrip user blog review verification: Write about your trekking experience at the mission verification location on the Creatrip user blog, then submit the link on the landing page
Rewards: goods, points, Best Review Event
Rewards 🎁
| National park visit verification | National Park x Korea Tourism Organization co-branded goods / First 5,000 participants |
| Social media review verification | 30,000P / First 300 participants |
| Creatrip user blog review verification | 100,000P / First 50 participants |
| Best Review Event | Social media review: 100,000P (10 winners) / Blog review: 500,000P (4 winners) |
Full requirements for each mission
Mission 1. National Park Visit Verification
This is the basic mission and the easiest way to participate. After completing a free reservation on Creatrip, visit the designated National Park verification spot, then present the QR code and your passport on-site to receive National Park x Korea Tourism Organization co-branded goods.
• Reward: National Park x Korea Tourism Organization co-branded goods
• Eligibility: First 5,000 participants
• How to participate: Make a free reservation on Creatrip, then visit the verification spot and present your QR code plus passport
• Recommended for: Travelers who want a quick, simple way to verify their National Park visit
Which national parks are included (Bukhansan, Seoraksan, Odaesan, Gyeongju)
[Spot] K-Trekking Challenge | Visit Gyeongju National Park & Pick up goods🎁
[Spot] K-Trekking Challenge | Visit Bukhan Mountain National Park (Dobong) & Pick up goods🎁
[Spot] K-Trekking Challenge | Visit Bukhan Mountain National Park (Eunpyeong) & Pick up goods🎁
[Spot] K-Trekking Challenge | Visit Seoraksan National Park & Pick up goods🎁
Mission 2. Social Media Review Verification
This mission lets you earn Creatrip points by uploading photos or videos to your personal social media after trekking in a National Park. Recommended for travelers who enjoy posting on platforms like Instagram feed posts, Reels, TikTok, and more.
- Reward: 30,000P
- Eligibility: First 300 participants
- How to participate: Upload your trekking review to your personal social media, then submit the link on the landing page
- Upload format: Feed post or Reels
- Required hashtags:
- #imagineyourkorea #koreatrekking
- Each National Park's official English name (e.g., Bukhan Mountain National Park)
- Tag a Creatrip social media account (Instagram: @creatrip.global / Tiktok: @creatrip)
Mission 3. Creatrip User Blog Review Verification
If you write a detailed record of your trekking experience on the Creatrip user blog, you can receive a higher point reward than a social media review. Include how to get there, the route, what to bring, and photos, and your review can double as a helpful guide for other international travelers too.
- Reward: 100,000P
- Eligibility: First 50 participants
- How to participate: Write your trekking review on the Creatrip user blog, then submit the link on the landing page
- Required content:
- At least 10 verification photos / at least 500 characters
- Mention that you participated via Creatrip
- Optional: If you tried the safety equipment rental service, mention it in your review
Extra Benefit. Best Review Event
Among social media review and blog review participants, we will select the best reviews and award extra points. If you can capture your National Park trip through great photos, video, or writing, this is worth entering.
- Reward: 100,000P for best social media reviews / 500,000P for best blog reviews
- Number of winners: 10 social media reviews + 4 blog reviews
- Announcement: Individual notifications scheduled in November 2026 after the campaign ends
Important Notes
- This campaign is open to international visitors only. If an applicant is confirmed to be a Korean national, participation may be restricted and any provided benefits may be reclaimed.
- Uploading a post alone does not complete social media or blog reviews. You must also submit the link on the landing page to finish your participation.
- Social media reviews must include the required hashtags, and the post must remain public until reward eligibility is confirmed.
- The blog mission only recognizes content posted in the Creatrip user blog section. Posts on personal blogs do not qualify for reward verification.
- You may be excluded from rewards if you do not meet a mission's requirements, such as visit verification, review submission, required hashtags, or account tags, or if we cannot verify your link or screenshots.
- Private accounts, deleted posts, duplicate submissions, or any suspicious activity may be excluded from rewards.
How to Receive Prizes (Rewards)
- Rewards are given on a first-come, first-served basis or through a drawing. The offer may end early depending on operating conditions, and reward criteria, schedule, or delivery method may change.
- Best Review Event winners will be chosen through a separate judging process among social media and blog review participants. Results will be announced individually after the campaign ends.
- Point rewards will be provided within 7 business days after verification of the submitted link.
- Creatrip points can be used to purchase products on Creatrip. They cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash.
Free hiking gear rental and safety rules
The K-Trekking Challenge can be joined at designated verification locations in Korea's major national parks. Learning each park's highlights, packing list, and safety guidelines beforehand will help you complete the missions more smoothly.
If this is your first time hiking in Korea, take a look at the guide below. It covers national park etiquette, free safety gear rentals, and answers to common questions from international travelers.
See the Korea National Park Trekking Guide
Why hike Korea's national parks?
Korea's national parks offer more than hiking trails. They let you experience Korea's nature, local hiking culture, and regional travel all in one trip.
This K-Trekking Challenge is a special benefit available only to international travelers. If you plan to visit Bukhan Mountain, Seoraksan National Park, Odaesan, or Gyeongju National Park during your trip to Korea, join the challenge to receive exclusive goods and point rewards.
FAQ
Is the K-Trekking Challenge free?
Yes. The reservation on Creatrip is free, and co-branded goods are given on site to eligible participants. Only international visitors can join.
Can I borrow hiking boots and trekking poles?
Yes. Free hiking boots and trekking pole rentals are available at participating parks. Bring your passport.
Do I need to book before I go?
Yes. Make the free reservation on Creatrip first, then show the QR code and your passport at the verification spot.
Which national parks are best for hiking in Korea?
Bukhansan (Dobong and Eunpyeong entrances), Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Gyeongju National Park.
Is Bukhansan difficult for beginners?
Baegundae Peak (836 m) takes about four hours round trip, while shorter valley trails are available from both entrances. Read the Korea National Park Trekking Guide before your hike.
Who can join and until when?
International visitors only can join from July 8 to November 30, 2026. Co-branded goods are available to the first 5,000 participants.
