Best Hikes for Nature Lovers and Foreigners in South Korea

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I never thought I would love hiking so much. However, exploring South Korea through its hiking trails has given me a unique glimpse into its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. With its mountainous terrain, hiking is deeply ingrained in Korean life, making it one of the best ways for foreigners in South Korea to experience the culture. This popular activity often begins at an early age and continues well into senior years, drawing locals and visitors alike to the country’s scenic peaks. Many mountains here feature temples with sweeping views, the calming sounds of chanting monks, and snack huts or cafes along the way, creating an inviting environment for all types of hikers. Here are my top picks for the best hikes for nature lovers and foreigners in South Korea.

Table of Contents

• Best Hikes for Foreigners in South Korea
• Why Some Hikes Are Perfect for Foreigners
• Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island
• Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island
• Apsan Park (Daegu)
• Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)
• Palgonsan (Daegu)
• Daedunsan (Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do)
• Gayasan National Park (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
• Geumosan (Gumi)
• Biseulsan (Daegu)
• Jirisan National Park (Gyeongsangnam-do)
• Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do)
• Hiking in South Korea
• Barefoot Hiking
• On the Trails
• Wildlife
• Soju and Safety
• Common Things to Bring on a Hike
• Tips for Hiking in South Korea

Why Some Hikes Are Perfect for Foreigners

While all of Korea’s trails are open to anyone, certain hikes are particularly well-suited to foreign visitors for a few reasons:

Accessible Navigation and English Signage
Popular trails among foreigners, like those in Seoraksan or Hallasan National Parks, often feature detailed signage, maps, and information in English, making it easier for non-Korean speakers to navigate. These trails are also widely covered in travel guides and apps, providing directions, tips, and context on what to expect.

Iconic Scenery and Landmarks
Many hikes popular with foreign visitors showcase Korea’s most iconic natural landmarks and scenery, such as the Gatbawi Buddha statue, Seoraksan’s Ulsanbawi Rock, or the crater lake at the top of Hallasan. These trails are great for capturing the quintessential Korean hiking experience, with photogenic landscapes and historical or cultural points of interest.

Convenient Access and Facilities
Trails attracting foreign hikers are often located near transportation hubs and offer facilities like rest areas, cafes, bathrooms, and cable cars. This makes them easy to access for day trips and provides additional amenities to make hiking more comfortable for visitors who may not be used to Korea’s rugged mountain terrain or hiking culture.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island

Seongsan Ilchulbong, known as Sunrise Peak, is famous for its early morning views and easy accessibility. This hike is short and beginner-friendly, making it a favorite for travelers. Climbing before dawn is an unforgettable experience as you watch the sunrise over the East Sea.

What to Expect at the Summit: Seongsan Ilchulbong makes the list for its sweeping ocean views, especially beautiful at dawn. It’s not a long or challenging hike. But if you want to see the sunrise, you’ve got to push it.

Location: Jeju Island, Seogwipo-si
Height: 182 meters
Trail Length: 1.3 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Go: Early morning for sunrise views
Times to Avoid: Late morning, as it gets crowded
Cost: Everywhere I read, it says it costs 2,000 KRW for adults, but we weren’t charged anything. There was no one there to take any money either. Parking was free, too.

Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island

Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain, is a must for any serious hiker. The Seongpanak Trail, though challenging, rewards you with breathtaking views from the summit, especially during sunrise. The path is well-marked, with temples and serene spots along the way. The Seongpanak Trail (한라산주차장) is the longer and more gradual route to the summit of Hallasan, covering approximately 9.6 km (one-way). It’s the most popular trail for reaching the Baengnokdam crater at the top.

What to Expect at the Summit: Hallasan is unique. There aren’t too many crater lakes with sweeping views of Jeju Island.

Location: Jeju Island, Jeju-do
Height: 1,947 meters
Trail Length: 18.3 km round trip (Seongpanak Trail) parking lot.
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Go: Spring (for blossoms) and autumn (for fall colors)
Times to Avoid: Mid-summer due to heat and humidity
Cost: Free entry, but parking fees apply

Apsan Park (Daegu)

Apsan Park became one of our favorite hiking spots in Daegu, and we’ve explored many of its trails. It’s especially memorable on Buddha’s Birthday, when the park is beautifully decorated, and Anilsa Temple is a must-visit. The temple sits atop a significant incline, so reaching it feels like a true pilgrimage. It’s a peaceful place to learn more about Buddhism and the temple’s history while taking in the vibrant lanterns and local traditions celebrated on that day.

Apsan Park is ideal for beginners or those looking for a quick, scenic hike. The path to the top is well-maintained, with minimal elevation gain. The park also features a cable car that takes visitors close to the top, offering a more accessible option with great views over Daegu. At the summit, expect a tranquil spot perfect for cityscape photography.

We learned one lesson the hard way on our first Apsan hike! Planning to catch the gondola, we somehow missed the signs and ended up hiking to the top of the wrong ridge on a different trail. While we didn’t reach the gondola that day, we enjoyed an unexpected view from another peak, making it a fun story and a laugh for future hikes. We double-check the trail signs every time we head to Apsan to ensure we’re on the right path!

What to Expect on the Way to the Summit: Apsan is a great hike for foreigners because of its partial accessibility to strollers and wheelchairs, panoramic views, and a floating noodle shop near the summit.

Location: Apsansunhwan-ro, Daegu
Height: 600 meters
Trail Length: 4 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Go: Spring or autumn
Times to Avoid: Late afternoons on weekends
Cost: Free

Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)

Bukhansan’s Baegundae Peak is a popular trail for hikers in Seoul. Known for its accessibility and stunning views, this hike combines rugged landscapes with glimpses of the city below. Along the way, you’ll find temples, snack huts, and shaded resting spots. The trail offers a mix of stairs and steep paths.

What to Expect at the Summit: Bukhansan is a great hike for foreigners because everyone goes to Seoul, and it offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline without leaving Seoul.

Location: Bukhansanseong-gil, Seoul
Height: Baegundae Peak – 836 meters
Trail Length: 8.4 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Autumn for vibrant foliage
Times to Avoid: Weekends due to crowds
Cost: Free, with an optional small parking fee

Palgonsan (Daegu)

Palgonsan is another popular hike near Daegu, known for its beautiful landscapes and the revered Gatbawi Buddha statue, a powerful spiritual and cultural site. This is a great mountain to hike, especially for those hoping to see Gatbawi up close and hear the peaceful chanting of monks that often fills the air. Visiting Gatbawi feels like a step into another world, with chanting creating a serene, meditative atmosphere that adds to the mountain’s charm.

I often drove to Palgonsan’s trail entrance just to take the gondola, even when I wasn’t planning to hike to the top, because the scenery alone is worth the trip. The mountain’s cable car transports visitors partway up, making it accessible for those looking for a shorter hike with breathtaking views. From the top, hikers enjoy sweeping panoramas of the region, especially spectacular during cherry blossom season when the mountain bursts into color.

What to Expect at the Summit: Palgonsan’s Gattbawi is worth the climb, and the views of Daegu and the depth of the surrounding mountain ranges are pretty nice, too.

Location: Palgongsan Mountain, Daegu
Height: 1,192 meters
Trail Length: Various trails from 4 km to 11 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for vibrant foliage
Times to Avoid: Weekends due to popularity
Cost: Free, with an optional cable car fee

Daedunsan (Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do)

At 2,880 feet, Daedunsan can be a challenging hike. It is known for thousands of dramatic rock formations and the famous Cloud Bridge, which hangs 432 feet above rocky terrain. The mountain offers beautiful scenery and rewarding views from the top. The cable car takes you partway up in about five minutes. It’s advertised as saving an hour of hiking, but it felt more like two and a half, given how steep the path gets.

Once off the cable car, I tackled steep steps up to Geumgang Gureumdari, the iconic suspension bridge. It sits 900 feet above sea level and 432 feet above the ground, with incredible views for early birds who want the mountain to themselves. After crossing, the Cloud Bridge is a steep ladder leading to another peak. We decided to skip the final climb and headed down, stopping at a trail-side cafe for cold drinks, coffee, and ramen—a welcome reward after the trek.

What to Expect at the Summit: Even if you don’t climb Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge), it’s worth seeing it in person. And if you’re brave enough to tackle that ladder, you’ll look badass on the Gram.

Location: 8 Daedunsangongwon-gil, Unju-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Height: 878 meters
Trail Length: 5 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time to Go: Fall for vibrant autumn foliage
Times to Avoid: Rainy season, as trails can be slippery
Cost: Free, with an optional fee for the cable car

Gayasan National Park (Gyeongsangbuk-do)

Gayasan offers a serene hiking experience with cultural sites like Beopjusa Temple nestled along the trail. This moderate hike attracts visitors for its spiritual ambiance and scenic beauty. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, and it’s not uncommon to see locals hiking barefoot to connect with nature and improve their health.

What to Expect on the Way to the Summit: Beopjusa Temple is one of the country’s most beloved temples, and that’s why it makes my top 10 best hikes for foreigners in South Korea.

Location: Gayasan-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Height: 1,430 meters
Trail Length: 8 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for colorful foliage
Times to Avoid: Summer afternoons due to heat
Cost: Free entry, but some temples ask for a small donation.

Geumosan (Gumi)

Geumosan is popular among locals for its scenic trails and cultural sights. You’ll encounter Doseongsa Temple along the trail, offering a peaceful rest stop. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Gumi. It’s an ideal hike for those looking to experience nature and cultural heritage.

What to Expect at the Summit: This is one of our first hikes together, and it has unending views and the beautiful Doseongsa Temple along the way, where the monk chats seem to float in the air.

Location: Geumosan Mountain, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Height: 977 meters
Trail Length: 7 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Spring and autumn for mild weather
Times to Avoid: Winter due to icy conditions
Cost: Free

Biseulsan (Daegu)

Biseulsan is famous for its stunning azalea fields in the spring, drawing photographers and hikers alike. The trail is moderately challenging, with lush scenery that makes the climb worthwhile. During the Biseulsan Azalea Festival, the mountainside bursts into vibrant pink, creating a breathtaking scene.

The mountain also has one of the longest stairways you’ll ever climb—but you can take the bus back down for a small fee, thankfully! Each season brings its charm: vibrant blooms in spring, a fog-filled valley in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and an ice-capped peak in winter.

What to Expect at the Summit: Expansive views and fields of blooming azaleas in spring are to due for!

Location: Biseulsan Mountain, Daegu
Height: 1,084 meters
Trail Length: 6.3 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Spring (for azaleas) and autumn
Times to Avoid: Summer due to high humidity

Jirisan National Park (Gyeongsangnam-do)

Cheonwangbong Peak in Jirisan is one of South Korea’s highest peaks, offering a challenging ascent with lush landscapes and forested trails. Many hikers start pre-dawn to catch the sunrise, but preparation is essential due to the trail’s difficulty. Along the route, you’ll find temples and mountain lodges that provide a tranquil, spiritual experience, enhancing the journey through Jirisan’s vast, beautiful terrain.

What to Expect at the Summit: Views of rolling mountains and valleys and a challenge for those seaking one. This is not a summer hike.

Location: 265 Geum-dong, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Height: Cheonwangbong Peak – 1,915 meters
Trail Length: 12 km round trip (from Jungsan-ri)
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time to Go: May or October
Times to Avoid: Summer, due to high temperatures and crowds
Cost: Free entry, with parking fees

Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do)

Seoraksan is a renowned hiking destination with steep trails and rock formations, offering some of the most scenic views in South Korea. The ascent to Daecheongbong Peak provides a moderately challenging journey, and along the way, you’ll find snack huts and cafes for refreshment. This trail is a favorite in autumn when the foliage transforms the mountain landscape into a vibrant spectacle.

What to Expect at the Summit: Stunning panoramic views of the Seorak mountain range, which is a sea of orange, yellow, and red in the fall!

Location: 1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Height: Daecheongbong Peak – 1,708 meters
Trail Length: 16 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time to Go: Autumn for clear skies and foliage
Times to Avoid: Rainy season due to slippery conditions
Cost: 4,000 KRW for entry

Hiking in South Korea

Barefoot Hiking

Hiking in South Korea offers more than just stunning landscapes. It’s common to see hikers of all ages walking barefoot along the trails, a unique local practice believed to enhance health and foster a closer connection to nature. There are stretches where stones of varying shapes and sizes are embedded for this express purpose. Many Koreans embrace this tradition, saying barefoot hiking improves circulation, strengthens foot muscles, and promotes mental clarity. You’ll often find designated areas where hikers can remove their shoes and feel the earth beneath their feet.

On the Trails

South Korean trails are well-maintained and designed with thoughtful amenities. Along the paths, elevated platforms are perfect for resting, having a snack, or simply taking in the views. Many trails also feature outdoor gyms with basic exercise machines, allowing hikers to warm up or stretch. Public toilets are frequently available along popular routes, making hiking here convenient for all skill levels. Some of these toilets may be coin-operated, so carrying a few coins in Korean won is a good idea.

Wildlife

South Korea’s mountains are home to some wildlife, though encounters with dangerous animals are rare. Asiatic black bears, once more common, are now primarily found in Jirisan National Park, and sightings are uncommon. Wild boars are more widespread and may be seen in several regions, though they usually avoid humans. Boars can act aggressively if they feel threatened, so it’s wise to stay calm and avoid startling them. Beyond these, hikers are more likely to encounter harmless wildlife like deer, squirrels, and various birds.

Despite hiking across different mountains as a foreigner, I’ve yet to encounter a bear or boar on any trail.

Soju and Safety

On South Korean trails, it’s not uncommon to see older men enjoying a drink of soju, Korea’s traditional distilled spirit, especially during weekend or holiday hikes. While this custom is often a part of social gatherings in nature, it has also contributed to statistics showing that older men are disproportionately involved in accidental falls on the trails.

Common Things to Bring on a Hike

• Water and Snacks: Many trails lack water stations, so pack enough water and energizing snacks.
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Especially on more rugged trails, good shoes help prevent injuries.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essentials, as some trails lack shade.
• Extra Layers: Weather can change quickly, especially on higher mountains. A lightweight jacket is always helpful.
• First Aid Kit: Even basic items like band-aids or an antiseptic can be helpful for minor injuries.
• Trash Bag: There are usually no bins, so pack out what you pack to keep trails clean.
• Walking Sticks: Many trails are steep, and walking sticks can provide balance and support.
• Korean Won Coins: Handy for small souvenirs, coin-operated toilets, or for rides down the mountain on a bus or gondola, which often require cash payments.

Tips for Hiking in South Korea

Start Early
It’s best to start at dawn for popular trails to avoid crowds. And there will be crowds.

Stay Hydrated
Many trails don’t have water stations, so bring enough water.

Check the Weather
Korean mountains can have sudden weather changes, so check the forecast.

Respect Nature
Follow local hiking etiquette and clean up after yourself. But don’t necessarily follow local hikers. They often go rogue, cutting new and sometimes dangerous trails.

Each of these hikes for foreigners provides a unique way to connect with South Korea’s diverse natural landscapes, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for a new adventure. You’ll either love it or hate it. There is no in-between. I started hiking as a form of exercise, and it works. I lost 60 pounds hiking with my husband and friends. We often finished our hikes at a cafe or coffee shop, making it a rewarding end to each trek.

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