Hiking in Seoul
Seoul is ringed by granite mountains, and hiking is a national pastime: on weekend mornings the subway fills with people in bright outdoor gear heading for the trails. You can be on a summit an hour after leaving your hotel, with the whole city below.
| Bukhansan | The national park on the northern edge of the city. The climb to Baegundae, the 836 m summit, finishes on bare granite with cables and steps; the views take in the whole capital. Start from Bukhansanseong or Ui-dong. |
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| Inwangsan | A rocky peak beside Gyeongbokgung, following the old city wall, with a shamanist shrine on the way up. The best short climb for a sunset view over the palaces. |
| Achasan | A gentle ridge in the east with views over the Han River, and the classic place to watch the first sunrise of the year. |
| Bugaksan and the city wall | The Joseon city wall behind the old presidential palace at Cheong Wa Dae, fully opened to hikers in 2022 after decades behind a security fence. Steep steps, big views. |
| Gwanaksan | A steep rocky mountain south of the river, busy with students from Seoul National University. |
Practical notes
- Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers near the main trailheads rent boots and gear to visitors and have English maps.
- Wear real shoes with grip; the granite is slippery when wet, and Bukhansan’s summit is steep.
- Weekends are crowded. Weekday mornings are quiet.
- Carry water; there are few shops above the trailheads.
- For bigger mountains, see Seoraksan in the east coast guide and the autumn foliage guide.
Day trips from SeoulAutumn foliageHiking & mountainsEverything in Seoul
