When you think of the most scenic mountains or best hiking trails, the first country to come to mind might not be South Korea. But you may have to rethink that notion, as South Korea is filled with lust green mountains, natural wonders, and pristine topography that can’t be found anywhere else. There are picturesque landscapes that will take your breath away.
Whether you’re hiking to the North Korea border or trekking from Seoul to Busan, there are plenty of places and trails to explore in South Korea. Of course, some places are more popular with hiking than others. In this guide, we will hook you up with the most stunning and beautiful hiking trails in South Korea. We will also give you some details about the camping gear that you might require while hiking up to these trails so you can have the best time of your life.
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Bukhansan
Bukhansan is the best place to go hiking in South Korea. It is a beautiful national park surrounded by mountains that offer the perfect escape from city life. With the peak elevation of 840 meters above sea level, the mountain extends over Seoul and northern Gyeonggi-do province.
A hike up Bukhansan offers a wide variety of scenery and experiences. Most hikers take between three and five hours to climb from the base to the summit and back again, but it can take longer if you feel like exploring some of the side paths that wind through the park. Some of these paths will take you past caves and waterfalls, while others open up views of Downtown Seoul or even further south toward Chuncheon and Gangwon Province to the east. Overall, the hike is filled with magnificent scenes and can fill your lungs with fresh air!
Bukhansan has an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit), making it great for hiking all year round. But the best time to hike Bukhansan is between late March and early November, as you can take advantage of the spring and autumn colors.
Jirisan
Jirisan is the highest mountain in South Korea, standing at an altitude of 1925m. It is made up of granite and formed from lava during the Triassic Period. The start of this hike is in Hwausma Temple; from there, hikers walk up toward the top of Jirisan along a paved road that winds its way through the trees. This section is fairly level and flat, so it’s great for beginners who are just learning how to hike.
As you hike around the park, you will encounter a number of beautiful waterfalls and streams, as well as a few caves along the way. The hike of this mountain will take you an entire day, but don’t worry; there are lots of rest stops 캠핑용품 on the way where you can cool down with a cup of coffee or have a picnic lunch. This path is popular among locals and tourists alike, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy some quality time together with friends and family.
Seoraksan
Located within the boundaries of the Seorak-san national park, the Seoraksan hiking trail consist of 15 beautiful nature trails with low difficulty level. The length of Seoraksan National Park runs from east to west, along the southern coastline of South Korea. On some trails, hikers encounter bears or monkeys that may block passage, although generally, they will just move out of your way if they are aware of your presence.
If you are not the type to hike – it’s fine. Seoraksan National Park is also home to many temples, shrines, and beautiful waterfalls that make for some great photos! For those who want more time on this magnificent mountain, however, there are many different places to stay within walking distance from the park itself – including a multitude of small restaurants and guesthouses. You can even book a room in advance if you don’t feel like sleeping outdoors!
Hallasan
Hallasan is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea and sits at an altitude of 1,950 meters (6,400 ft) above sea level. At the top of Hallasan, you can see a breathtaking panoramic view of Jeju Island and the surrounding ocean. The most common route for hikers begins from Hallasan National Park in Seogwipo City. From the park entrance, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the base of the mountain and about 6 hours to reach the peak.
You can hike around most of the craters, but there are also trails that snake through some of the rock formations, which are very picturesque. The crater is so high and large that on a clear day, you can also see the neighboring islands of mainland South Korea, making it an ideal destination for hikers. However, be sure to take a jacket or sweater with you as the summit has a cool breeze that is pleasant in the summer but can be chilly in winter.
Juwangsan
If you are a mountain lover and a nature enthusiast, Juwangsan National Park is the perfect place for you. The park has endless hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from novice to expert. Nestled in a valley in Jeollabuk-do Province, Juwangsan National Park is famous for its beautiful blue vistas of the ocean and lush green scenery that make it the best national park in Korea.
There are plenty of routes that lead to the peak of Mt. Juwangsan but the most popular is the Seoraksan Mountain trails. This trail has a gradual inclination and is well maintained and traverses through valleys, trees, streams, rock formations, and vegetation. The trek to the top takes about five hours and is pretty difficult, so be sure to bring plenty of water, energy snacks and wear appropriate hiking gear.
Gears You Might Need While Hiking in South Korea
As a seasoned hiker, you know the importance of gear. When you’re trekking in the wilds of South Korea, for example, you need to keep your mind on the journey. The last thing you want is to be sidetracked by gear that doesn’t work well. So, we’ve come up with hiking gears that you might need on your trip.
- Bring plenty of bug spray—those mosquitos are blood-thirsty!
- Wear pants that are sturdy enough to last all day.
- Carry a first aid kit in case you get injured.
- Bring a water bottle and food to snack on throughout the day.
- Don’t forget your hiking boots—the terrain can get really rocky!
- Pack a good sunscreen and some sunglasses to protect yourself.
- Don’t forget the lamp as it will get dark at night.
- Take a compass with you that will guide you throughout the terrain.
Takeaway
South Korea is a country with diverse terrain, from lush mountains to sandy beaches. Whether you live in South Korea or are just planning a vacation, be sure to give the above-mentioned trails a try! You’ll find that hiking can be a fun and rewarding opportunity to see nature’s beauty.