10 Best Mountain Hiking Trails in South Korea
Take a Walk Around South Korea's Most Beautiful Landscapes
70% of Korea is mountainous, which means that it’s rife with stunning hiking trails, from easy paths suitable for leisurely walks to more advanced trails for serious hiking enthusiasts. Are you a beginner hiker? No need to worry. South Korea boasts trails that can meet your desired level of difficulty according to your skills, condition or mood.
You’ll discover a breathtaking array of natural wonders, from the highest mountains in the country to rugged rocky landscapes and pristine valleys with crystal clear streams. So, pack you rucksack, put your sturdy shoes, and let’s explore some of Korea’s finest hiking trails.
1. Hallasan
A treasure trove of vibrant local flora
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Hallasan (Halla mountain), the tallest mountain in South Korea, is known as a cornucopia of natural wonders for a good reason. It’ll treat you to a variety of flora according to the elevation. Visits can be sometimes limited or restricted for environmental protection and safety, but if you’re lucky, you can see some fantastic scenery that you simply can’t see anywhere else, which is why people choose to return here again and again.
It is not an easy climb, but there are tours geared toward children and the elderly. Be sure to check them out in advance before arriving.
Localização: San 220-1, Sanghyo-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hallasan
2. Seoraksan
A different look for each season
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
At the summit of Seoraksan, enjoy a panoramic view of the East Sea beyond Sokcho. In spring and summer, walk through the lush forests blooming with buds and take in the sights and sounds of valley streams.
The vivid colours of changing leaves in autumn and captivating white snow in winter make Mt. Seoraksan a fabulous place to visit anytime throughout the year. Aerial cableway rides are also available, so you can enjoy everything it has to offer, including the many nearby tourist spots, even if you’re not quite up for a hike.
Localização: 833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Seoraksan
3. Jeju Olle Trail
Where the whole walking boom began
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto
The various routes of Jeju Olle Trail can be found all throughout the Jeju island. Each of them offers a different side of Jeju to be appreciated and cherished. Olle means “narrow alley” in Jeju dialect and is a word that has become so famous that nearly everyone in Korea knows its meaning.
The well-developed paths are actively managed and are available in various levels of difficulty, so even beginners are encouraged to give them a try. Trekking up shallow inclines or walking leisurely while admiring the seascapes should be fun whether tackled alone or in a group.
Jeju Olle Trail
4. Jirisan
A challenging mountain for hikers of all levels
Ideal para: História, Aventura
Jirisan i(Jiri mountain) s perfect for repeat visits thanks to its trekking courses of varying degrees of difficulty. Some can be completed comfortably while taking in the surrounding scenery and traditional culture, while others are full-scale climbing courses that require you to prepare for an overnight stay.
Cheonghak-dong, famous for maintaining traditional culture, is located right here at Jirisan. If you want to catch the stunning sunrise at Cheonwangbong Peak, make sure you prepare for a hard climb and maybe say a prayer for good luck.
Localização: 376 Nammyeong-ro, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Jirisan
5. Bukhansan Dulle Trail
Where you can easily find a trail to suite your skill level
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias
Bukhansan Dulle Trail was designed to let you easily walk around Mt. Bukhan and each section requires less than 4 hours to complete. Each course is linked to the surrounding tourist spots, so we recommend choosing a course according to the desired theme and length.
Accessibility is good since the trail is located in a metropolitan area. Courses that require less than an hour are great for children as well, making Bukhansan Dulle Trail a lovely weekend destination for the whole family.
Localização: 375 Daeseomun-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Bukhansan Dulle Trail
6. Deogyusan
A great spot for walking along crystal clear valley streams
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
Deogyusan, located in Muju-gun, is nice and cool even in summer and is known for having many cool and clear valley streams. If you’re going there with children, we recommend the gentle Gucheondong Eosa Trail or Hyangjeokbong Course 1 where you can ride a ski lift.
Chilyeon Waterfalls, named for the connecting seven waterfalls, is also right here at Deogyusan. On weekdays, bicycle routes that lead to Baekryeonsa (temple) are organized by difficulty for a slightly different experience.
Localização: 159 Gucheon-dong 1-ro, Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Deogyusan
7. Naejangsan
A peaceful atmosphere offering a glimpse into Korean temple culture
Ideal para: História, Foto
Naejang (Naejang mountain) offers a glimpse of Korea’s splendid Buddhist culture. It’s well-known for being home to famous temples such as Baekyangsa, which has been featured on TV programs, and Naejangsa, a temple with a long history. Each temple is famous for its own beautiful scenery and grounds, so it’s sought out by many visitors year-round.
If you’re trekking up the mountain, we recommend Naejangsan Ridge Trail. Naejangsan Nature Observation Trail passes through temples Naejangsa and Baekryeonam and is a gentle course suitable for children as well as the elderly.
Localização: 1207 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Naejangsan
8. Taebaeksan
A welcoming challenge for all mountain lovers
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
Taebaeksan (Taebaek mountain) is the centre of the Taebaek mountain range and is also the core of the Baekdudaegan system of mountains. The system starts from Mt. Baekdu and continues to Mt. Jiris. It’s a popular spot that all hiking enthusiasts should try at least once.
If you’re looking for an easier challenge, however, there are also gentle walking courses that take less than an hour, like Geomryongso Trails. Yuilsa Trail is another course that’s suitable for beginners. When you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful panoramic view.
Localização: 4778 Taebaeksan-ro, Hyeol-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Taebaeksan
9. Songnisan
A contiguous chain of colourful rolling peaks
Ideal para: História, Aventura
Due to its many peaks, Songnisan (Songni mountain) is recommended for mountaineers and serious hikers who are accustomed to rock climbing. It’s challenging to climb, and some sections are quite steep. Your reward for climbing is some of the most pristinely preserved nature in Korea, making Mt. Songni a worthwhile hike. It’s not all doom and gloom, however.
There are gentle forest ecological paths for those who have difficulty climbing, such as Sejo Trail from Beopjusa (temple) and Bulmokiyetgil lined with Jeongipumsong pine trees, which are considered a natural monument.
Localização: 84 Beopjusa-ro, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Songnisan
10. Namsan Park
Relaxing piece of nature hidden within a busy city centre
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto
Situated in the centre of Seoul, Namsan Park is welcoming to anyone from the city seeking a bit of respite in nature. It’s conveniently accessible by bus and aerial cableway, which is perfect for those who want to avoid hiking.
If you want to fully enjoy Namsan, however, we highly recommend walking the Namsan Dulle Trail. It has clear themes for each course, and the length of each course is quite manageable. Plan a tour in connection with nearby tourist attractions for the full experience.
Localização: 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Namsan Park
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