HIKING IN KOREA | Creatrip Locals' Guide

A large part of Korea is covered with mountains, and you can find mountains, even in the middle of the largest cities. Naturally, mountain climbing has become locals' one of the most loved pastimes.

Let's learn about some of the best mountains to climb in Korea by their regions.

SEOUL

Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world, but you can find mountains standing tall along with the skyscrapers. These mountains are healing areas for residents and great places to enjoy the landscape of Seoul city.

Namsan

Namsan is more known for its N Seoul Tower and as a dating course. However, if you are willing to take a walk instead of the bus or the cable car, it offers a great nature trail. It is located right next to Myeongdong and Itaewon, and you can easily travel to the downtown areas after your hiking. 

Gwanaksan

Gwanaksan is one of the most challenging mountains to climb in Seoul. It is a natural border for Seoul and Gwacheon, and you can start from the place that best suits you. It surrounds the Seoul National University, and you can find many trails that lead to the school. 

If you are trying to get to the top, Yeonjudae, it's a tough climb, so you'd better gear up.

Inwangsan

Inwangsan is one of the four mountains that surround Gyeongbokgung and protect it. It is located right next to the Seochon area which is a popular dating course for the beautiful cafes and galleries. 

It's a rather easy climb, and you can easily get to it with public transportation. However, if you are expecting a grand natural forest, this isn't for you.

Bukhansan

Bukhansan is one of the four mountains that protect the outer boundary of Seoul city. You might think it is a mild climb in Seoul, but Bukhansan is the mountain with the most accidents in Korea. It is loved by rock climbers, and you should choose Bukhansan if you have experienced extreme climbing.

Suraksan

Source: visitseoul.net

Suraksan is the natural border for Seoul, Namyangju and Uijeongbu. It is a rocky mountain, but the trail is well prepared, and you can enjoy the splendid scenery rather safe and easy.

Dobongsan

Dobongsan is located right next to Bukhansan and is a part of the Bukhansan National Park. Like Bukhansan, there are boulders to climb and is one of the hardest climbing you can find in Seoul. There are over 37 rock climbing courses for climbing lovers.

Cheonggyesan

You can get to Cheonggyesan from Seocho, where there isn't much natural park nearby, and you can the mountain filled with people on weekends. Manggyeongdae is the peak, but because of a military facility, the Maebong is the highest you can get. The trail is very well built, so you don't have to worry about the difficulty.

Bulamsan

Source: visitseoul.net

Bulamsan is located right next to the Korean national team's training camp, and during the season you can find athletes running up and down the mountain. It's an easy climb up to the middle, but the top is rocky and steep, so be aware.

GYEONGGI, INCHEON

In Gyeonggi and Incheon area, you can find natural landscapes closest to Seoul. Mountains in Gyeonggi have relatively gentle slopes.

Manisan (Incheon)

Source: Ganghwa-gun

Manisan is the highest mountain in Incheon, but what's more important is that there is an altar that Dangun (the leader of Gojoseon) used to perform rituals, called Chamseongdan. Its historic significance is very important in Korean culture.

Namhansan (Gwangju)

Namhansan is the place where Namhansanseong Fortress was built to defend against foreign invasions. It was designated by UNESCO for its history, and you can follow the trail along the fortress wall to appreciate its beauty.

Paldalsan (Suwon)

Paldalsan is located in the middle of Suwon city and is a small and gentle slope mountain. It's a place where Suwon Hwaseong was established and is one of the most popular dating course for locals. You can watch the whole Suwon City and Hwaseong Temporary Palace from the top.

Surisan (Anyang)

Surisan is located next to Gwanaksan and is loved by locals in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do because of its accessibility. A special thing about Surisan is that there are both a Buddhist temple and a Catholic Shrine in the mountain.

Soyosan (Dongducheon)

Soyosan is famous for flowers in the spring, and maple trees in autumn. It's easy to travel to by the subway and is a great place to go for a hiking within a day. Jajaeam Temple, located in Soyosan, was established by Master Wonhyo during the Shilla Dynasty era.

GANGWON-DO

Gangwon-do is a Korean region with the most spectacular natural landscape. Along with the vast ocean, the mountains in Gangwon-do create beautiful scenery that locals love. Mountains in Gangwon-do are generally tough to climb.

Seoraksan (Inje)

Seorak-san is the most renowned mountain in South Korea, along with Jirisan. It's not just high but is very steep with large boulders. If you are trying to climb Seoraksan, be sure to pack food, camping kits, and prepare your body at peak condition.

Odaesan (Pyeongchang)

Source: Korea National Park

Odaesan is one of the higher mountains on the list and has beautiful scenery, which is often compared to that of Geumgangsan in North Korea. Because of the tranquil atmosphere of Odaesan, Woljeongsa has become the most popular temple for templestays.

Taebaeksan (Taebaek)

Gangwon-do is the snowiest region in Korea, and in winter, Taebaeksan is covered with thick snow. That's why Taebaeksan is the place where Korea's largest snow festival is held. Grand sculptures about Korean myths made of snow are something you can only find on Taebaeksan.

Chiaksan

Chiaksan is a landmark of Wonju, which is the largest city of Gangwon-do. On the peak Birobong, three stone towers were built to pray for the prosperity and safety of Korea. You'll have to climb some steep stairs, so be aware.

Samaksan

Chuncheon is known for its large lakes, and you can appreciate the natural landscape of the whole Chuncheon from Samaksan. Come down the hills, and you can enjoy extreme sports like mountain bikes or rafting that is famous in Chuncheon.

CHUNGCHEONG-DO

Chungcheongdo has a relatively flat plains, and there aren't as many named mountains. However, some mountains are believed to have holy meanings and are loved by many locals.

Chilgapsan

Chilgapsan is an easy mountain to climb, and it feels like more of a large hill than a mountain. Chilgapsan is famous for a popular song named after the mountain. The scenery with the river flowing in the middle is a rare sight.

Gyeryongsan

Gyeryongsan is known to have mystical energy flowing through it, and you can find many shamans meditating. It's located close to Daejeon and is easy to visit, but the trail is quite tough to climb, so be prepared.

JEOLLA-DO

Jeolla-do is also famous for its vast plains, but also it is located at the end of mountain chains and has many celebrated mountains. If you are travelling in Jeolla-do, visit some of the best temples and the mountains that surround them.

Jogyesan (Suncheon)

Actually, the two temples in Jogyesan, Songgwangsa and Seonamsa is more famous than the mountain itself. Lot's of noble Buddhist masters are from Songgwangsa, and it has become one of the three most treasured temples of Korea.

Seonunsan (Gochang)

You'll go through Seonunsa Temple if you visit Seonunsan, and the temple is known for its beautiful camellia flower field. The mountain itself is beautiful with lots of wildflowers and a perfect place for a light hiking to refresh your body and mind.

Chuwolsan (Damyang)

Chuwolsan's name means that the peak is so high that it would touch the sky. It's a tough climb to the top, but once you get to the top, you can see the Damyang Lake's beautiful sight. Also, you can enjoy the most beautiful autumn mountain landscape in Jeolla-do.

Wolchulsan (Yeongam)

Wolchulsan is the toughest mountain to climb in Jeolla-do. Its trails to the top are relatively short, but it also means that Wolchulsan has the steepest slopes. The ridges are rocky, so you should watch where you are stepping. It might be a relatively short climb, but always be aware.

Mudeungsan (Gwangju)

Mudeungsan is the most significant landmark of Gwangju. It is located right next to the downtown area, and you can see it from anywhere in the city. On the top, there are columnar joints that you can find in Jeju Island. You can watch the whole Gwangju city that is also known as the city of lights.

GYEONGSANG-DO

Mountains in Gyeongsang-do are not just beautiful but have rich histories and cultural meanings. You can find many old temples and relics that date back to the Shilla dynasty in the mountains of Gyeongsang-do.

Jirisan (Sancheong)

Jirisan was regarded as a holy mountain by the locals historically and has become the first national park in Korea. It is the second-highest mountain in South Korea and covers a large area from Gyeongsang-do to Jeolla-do.

There are many courses to climb, and some mountain lovers take the 4days course to cross country.

Songnisan (Sangju)

Songnisan has a well-preserved natural environment even compared to the mountains on the list. It has the most beautiful landscape in autumn when all trees are coloured in red and yellow. In Beopjusa there is Korea's largest statue of Buddha.

Palgongsan (Gunwi)

Palgongsan spreads from Daegu to many cities in Gyeongsangdo. It has many temples with a long history that dates back to the Three Kingdoms Era. On the top of the mountain, you can find this stone sculpture of Buddha with a gat(Korean hat) on.

Geumsan (Namhae)

Namhae is one of the most beautiful areas in Gyeongsangdo, where you can enjoy the clean and unique landscape of the Southern Sea. On Geumsan's Boriam Temple, you can appreciate spectacles of the mountain and the sea at once.

Gayasan (Hapcheon)

Gayasan is where Haeinsa, the home of the Tripitaka Koreana (Palman Daejanggyeong), is located. You can find a mild slope that starts from Haeinsan, but a way to the top is one of the most difficult trails in Korea, so try to avoid winter or summer seasons.

Tohamsan (Gyeongju)

Tohamsan holds two of the most significant cultural artifacts in Korea. Seokguram's statue is the most unique and sophisticated sculpture of Buddha in Korea, and there are many more national treasures you can find in the Tohamsan's temple.

JEJU

Jeju Island has South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan. There are also oreums and Seongsan Ilchulbong, which is a great place to enjoy peaceful hiking.

Hallasan

Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea that stands 1,947m tall. The whole Jeju Island is part of the mountain, and the mountain is very gently sloped. However, you need to climb for long hours to get to Baekrokdam, the mystical pond on top of Jeju.

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