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Seoul, where modern urban life harmoniously blends with majestic natural beauty, is witnessing the rise of a novel and captivating travel trend: K-hiking (Korean-style hiking). This "urban climbing" activity has quickly become a favorite surprise experience for many international tourists, offering a very "Korean" approach to exploring the land of kimchi.
Mountain climbing in the heart of the city.
What makes K-hiking so appealing is its convenience and accessibility. Visitors don't need to leave the bustling city center or prepare elaborately. With just a subway ride, they can easily reach hiking centers, rent suitable clothing and shoes, and begin conquering picturesque mountain trails right in the heart of the city. Seoul is one of the few cities in the world with such a unique blend of nature and urban life, creating ideal conditions for K-hiking to thrive.
The new experience of K-hiking is becoming increasingly popular with international tourists.
K-hiking is not just a physical activity, but also a way to fully experience Korean culture. Along the mountain trails, visitors will encounter very characteristic scenes: hikers stopping at high points to enjoy hot ramyeon noodles, sharing delicious gimbap rolls, sipping traditional makgeolli rice wine, and taking commemorative photos with the magnificent Seoul cityscape stretching out below. This combination of sport, food, and scenery creates a unique and authentic cultural experience that not all types of tourism can offer.
This activity quickly became one of the surprise activities favored by many international tourists.
Experts believe the main reason K-hiking has quickly become popular with foreign tourists is the ease it offers. Tourists can freely enjoy hiking and admiring the beautiful natural scenery without leaving the city or having to prepare too much. Furthermore, K-hiking provides tourists with a fresh experience and unique impressions compared to traditional forms of tourism.
Discover the 3 famous "urban mountains" that make K-hiking so appealing.
To support tourists in experiencing K-hiking to the fullest, the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) currently operates three Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers, located near three of the most popular inner-city mountains. Their proximity to the city and unique natural beauty have made these mountains the top three most popular K-hiking destinations today.
Bukhansan Mountain (Bukhan)
With its highest peak reaching 836 meters, Mount Bukhansan, also known as Bukhan, despite its rugged terrain, is extremely accessible thanks to its convenient location near Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol railway line (part of the Seoul subway system). K-hiking at Bukhan – the main mountain of Bukhansan National Park in Seoul – allows visitors to minimize travel time and spend more time exploring.
Visiting this tourist destination, you will experience beautiful trails leading through forests and architectural structures to conquer the majestic mountain peaks.
Mount Bukhan boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage with numerous ancient temples, fortresses, and monuments scattered across its steep slopes. It offers both trails with spectacular city views, ideal for those seeking a gentle K-hiking experience, and more challenging routes for those seeking adventure.
Bugaksan Mountain (Bugak)
Bugaksan Mountain, with an elevation of 342 meters, is located near Anguk Station and Gyeongbokgung Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. What makes Bugaksan Mountain special is that it offers visitors the unique opportunity to hike along sections of Seoul's ancient city walls, creating a tangible connection to Korea's historical past.
Walking to the top will give you the chance to admire the entire city of Seoul.
A trip to Bugak Mountain in any season is considered a "Bugak Mountain healing therapy," bringing peace to both mind and body. Here, K-hiking enthusiasts will be treated to breathtaking views of downtown Seoul, including iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbok Palace, Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House – the South Korean presidential residence), and Namsan Tower.
Mount Gwanaksan (Gwanak)
Mount Gwanaksan, 629 meters high, is located near Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim subway line. This mountain is famous for its impressive granite peaks and unique rock formations, creating a striking and unusual geological landscape. Along with a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels, Mount Gwanak also features several historical temples and hermitages, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the K-hiking experience for visitors.
Locals say it would be a shame to miss this scenic route when summer arrives.
