Replete with natural beauty, historic sights, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Korea’s national parks are waiting for you to discover their charms. Whether visiting for spring splendour, summer shade, autumn foliage sights, or snowy winter fun, there’s a national park in Korea you’re sure to fall in love with.

Find out which are the best national parks in Korea to visit (there are 22 to choose from), what to see and do in each one, and why you simply must visit these areas of outstanding beauty. Be prepared to discover ancient temples where you can join a temple stay, stunning natural wonders such as waterfalls and rock formations, sweeping vistas from lofty peaks, and delicious traditional Korean dishes.

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Why Visit Korea’s National Parks?

Korea is a nature-lover’s paradise, with dozens of stunning national parks combining forests, mountains, streams, waterfalls, Buddhist temples and sometimes even coastal scenery. From the otherworldly lava tubes of Hallasan National Park to the iconic Mt. Seoraksan with its autumn foliage, Korea’s national parks offer incredible hiking, photo ops, and serene natural escapes.

Whether you’re looking for challenging all-day treks or easygoing trails the whole family can enjoy a day out at a Korean national park. Some of Korea’s national parks even have cable cars to whisk you straight up to the best views around. And the best part? Several of these wilderness gems are just a short distance from Seoul, making them easy weekend getaway destinations.

Here are 10 of the top national parks in Korea that should be on any nature-enthusiast’s bucket list. I’ve covered the highlights and main attractions of each as well as travel tips like the best times to visit and top activities. Read on for your definitive guide to seeing the best national parks in Korea.

Here are 5 great reasons you should visit a Korean national park:

Which National Park Should You Visit In Korea?

If you are looking for a certain experience when you visit a Korean national park, such as autumn foliage, hiking, snowy peaks, or traditional food, then check out the table below. It shows you some of the best options for various activities and sights and which park best suits those needs. Of course, most parks will offer seasonal views like cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and snow.

The 10 Best National Parks In Korea

Here are the top 10 best national parks in Korea, based on my own travels around Korea, reports from other hikers, and national parks that are really popular with locals and tourists alike. I hope you visit at least one, if not all of them. They each have something unique to offer and I’ve enjoyed visiting each.

1: Jirisan National Park

Why visit Jirisan: Jirisan is Korea’s largest national park and home to the mainland’s highest peak, as well as some of Korea’s last Asiatic black bears. This national park offers something for everyone, with multi-day hiking trails through the mountains or gentle day-treks around the foothills and through green valleys. Wander through old villages where people live a simpler life than in Seoul.

This national park is one of the only places that offers mountain lodges where you can stay overnight to watch the sunrise over the sprawling mountains below. Jirisan has many farms and maple trees, making it one of the best places to see harvest goods and autumn foliage in September and October. There’s never a bad time to visit Jirisan as there’s something to see and do in each season.

You should visit this national park if you want to see the Korean countryside, walk past rice fields and farms, and witness Korea’s natural beauty.

Best hiking trail: The best hiking route in Jirisan National Park is the Jungsanri to Cheonwangbong Loop, which will take you to the highest peak in the park. This route can be done in a day, but it’s very tough and I recommend booking a lodge to stay overnight. Staying overnight allows you to see the sunrise from the peak, which is absolutely incredible.

How to get to Jirisan: Jirisan National Park isn’t close to Seoul. If you want to visit, it would be best to travel by bus or car from Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, or one of the other cities in southern Korea. Nearby towns to stay in with access to the park include Namwon, Gurye, and Hadong.

2: Seoraksan National Park

Why visit Seoraksan: Located near Korea’s east coast, Seoraksan National Park hosts towering mountain peaks and sweeping valleys smothered in foliage views each autumn. As one of Korea’s most beloved natural escapes with peak panoramas, it attracts over 5 million visitors annually. Even if you don’t climb to the peaks, you can spend hours exploring the temples and valleys of Seoraksan.

Popular with both hikers and day travellers, Seoraksan caters to all thanks to attractions like Sinheungsa Temple and the Seoraksan cable car, which will take you to the peak without the need to hike. If you do want to hike, there are many suitable courses, including the short trip to Ulsanbawi Peak and overnight hiking options with shelters to stay in. There are also many waterfalls to see.

You should visit this national park if you want to see what Korea’s national parks have to offer all in one place, including Buddhist temples, seasonal views, and rocky peaks. A day trip from Seoul will allow you to see the sights of Seoraksan without any hiking gear or travel troubles.

Best hiking trail: One of the most popular trails is the short route up to Ulsanbawi Peak, which starts at the eastern entrance and passes by Sinheungsa Temple. It’s not the highest peak, but offers views over the valleys and peaks of Seoraksan with a rocky area to discover at the top. Alternatively, the Biseondae Rock trail is perfect for beginner level hikers and follows the valley paths.

How to get to Seoraksan: Seoraksan is 2.5 hours away from Seoul by car or bus. Tours from Seoul will take you to the main entrance of the park and guide you around the top spots, too. The nearest city to Seoraksan is Sokcho and this is a nice place to stay for a weekend of hiking and beach fun.

Find out how to get to Seoraksan, what there is to see and do, where to stay, and lots more essential info in my detailed guide to visiting Seoraksan National Park.

3: Hallasan National Park

Why visit Hallasan: Dominating the centre of Jeju Island, Hallasan National Park is famous for offering the only place to hike to the top of a (technically) active volcano in Korea. Although the crater is filled in at the top, leaving a dome that fills with water during summer, the views from the almost 2km high peak allow you to see the whole of Jeju and the rugged coastline stretching out all around.

If you visit Jeju Island during winter, you can see the snow-capped peak while you’re sitting on a sandy beach and, even if it’s clear and calm on the shore, there can be knee-deep snow covering the whole of the national park. This national park only has one peak, but it’s one of the most impressive. You can also see many ‘oreums’ – hardened hills of lava deposits leftover from previous eruptions.

You should visit this national park if you want to stand on the highest point in South Korea and gaze out at the shore in all directions from a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park offers easier hiking trails that lead up slowly and steadily, making them more accessible.

Best hiking trail: The Seongpanak Trail that leads to the peak of Hallasan is definitely the best hiking trail to follow if you want a full-day hike that’s not too steep. The long, slow trek to the top rewards you with views across the whole island. Alternatively, take the Yeongsil Trail for an easier, shorter hike that will show you Jeju’s west coast.

How to get to Hallasan: For the Seongpanak Trail start point, take bus #281 or #181 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Seogwipo) for 40 minutes. For the Yeongsil Trail start point, take bus #240 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal (heading to Jungmun) for 50 minutes. Get off at the Yeongsil Ticket Office and follow the path to the trail entrance for 2.5km.

Find out how to hike Hallasan during winter, including how to make a reservation, how to get to the park, and lots of other travel tips for surviving this snowy hike in my detailed guide to hiking Hallasan in winter.

4: Bukhansan National Park

Why visit Bukhansan: Bukhansan may be relatively small, but its close proximity to Seoul makes it one of the most visited national parks in Korea (per unit area), according to the Guinness Book of Records. The reason for its popularity is evident when you consider that it offers the chance to escape the bustling city and find peace and harmony in nature with lots of scenic beauty all around.

Bukhansan National Park offers a range of hiking trails, including the breathtaking Baegundae Peak, which can be completed in a few hours, or combined for a full day out in nature. Besides hiking trails, there are traditional restaurants near the park’s entrances, Buddhist temples, and the Bukhansan fortress walls to see. This is one of my favourite places to see autumn foliage near Seoul.

You should visit this national park if you want to hike in a Korean national park while visiting Seoul and see the city from a new perspective. Bukhansan offers the best chance to experience temples and traditional food with mountain views close to the capital.

Best hiking trail: If you want to see just how big Seoul is, take the hike to Baegundae Peak, the park’s highest peak. Although it’s relatively small compared to the peaks of other national parks, you’ll be left speechless (and breathless) when you scale the rocky slabs to gaze out in all directions.

How to get to Bukhansan: For the hike to Baegundae Peak, take the subway to Gupabal Station (구파발역) on Line 3, go out Exit 1 and take bus 34, 704, or 8774 to the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance stop.

Find out how to hike Baegundae Peak, including how to get there, which courses to follow, and lots of other hiking tips for Bukhansan in my detailed guide about how to hike Baegundae Peak.

5: Gyeryongsan National Park

Why visit Gyeryongsan: This small national park close to Daejeon doesn’t have the tall peaks you’ll find in Seoraksan or Jirisan, but it has many other charms that make it worth visiting. The main hiking courses take you to one of two peaks (or both in a loop), passing by unique sights like twin pagodas, a long waterfall, and a rest spot half way up that looks out over the green valleys below.

This national park has a good selection of cafes to visit, where you can grab a cake and coffee and stare out at the small mountains surrounding you. I spend many weekends in Gyeryongsan – hiking in the morning and taking in the views from a cafe in the afternoon – especially in spring as this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms near Daejeon, although I hike here year round.

You should visit this national park if you want to see streets lined with cherry blossom trees in early April and pretty hiking trails all year round. Not the most impressive park, but a peaceful one that has something for everyone and plenty of places to try traditional Korean dishes, including haemul pajeon.

Best hiking trail: If you want a short hike, take the slow path to Sambulbong Peak, which passes by the Nammaetap twin pagodas. You can reach the peak in a couple of hours and then turn around or continue on to Gwaneumbong Peak by following the ridge. This extension will lead you round to Donghaksa Temple and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. Bring some lunch with you.

How to get to Gyeryongsan: From Seoul, travel to Daejeon on the KTX, then take bus #107 from Daejeon Station all the way to the Donghaksa Temple stop, which is the main entrance of the park and the final stop for the bus.

6: Naejangsan National Park

Why visit Naejangsan: Famed as one of the best spots to see autumn leaves in Korea, Naejangsan is a splendid place to immerse yourself in Korea’s natural beauty. At the entrance of the park is the colourful Maple Tree Tunnel, which leads you to a wide central area with a cable car and traditional restaurants and the historic Naejangsa Temple. The park is easy to explore for all visitors.

Naejangsan has been listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful places in Korea and is home to many famous sights, including the Yeonjabong Peak Observatory (accessed by cable car), Naejangsa Temple area, and the Uhwajeong Pavilion. The Uhwajeong Pavilion, which reflects beautifully in the surrounding lake, is considered an iconic sight to see in Korea, especially in autumn.

You should visit this national park if you want to see some of the most beautiful autumn foliage sights in Korea in early November. This park is worth visiting in other seasons and has many attractions to see and isn’t as crowded as parks like Bukhansan or Seoraksan.

Best hiking trail: One of the most popular routes is the Naejangsan outer loop, which follows the peaks around the central area of the park. If you want a shorter hike, head to Sinseonbong Peak, the park’s highest peak. The trail starts near Naejangsa Temple, but you can take a shortcut by taking the cable car. This route isn’t too long, but it’s quite tough in places, especially near the peak.

How to get to Naejangsan: Take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Jeong-eup Station, then take a local bus to Naejangsan National Park. Naejangsan is quite far south, so it might be better to include it if you visit Gwangju, Jeonju, or Daejeon. There should be tours that will take you directly there from Seoul during autumn.

Find out all there is to see and do in Naejangsan National Park in fall, including how to get there, what to eat, and what to see, in my guide to visiting Naejangsan for autumn foliage.

7: Deogyusan National Park

Why visit Deogyusan: This is one of my favourite national parks in Korea for winter hiking because the main trail to Hyangjeokbong Peak has so many beautiful sights. It starts following the river along a valley, before climbing to a hidden temple in the mountains, then a steep ascent into the heavens with open views at the peak. But the wonders continue with a beautiful pagoda just past the peak.

The big advantage of Deogyusan National Park over other national parks, especially in winter, is that it connects to Muju Ski Resort. You can hike up in the morning and ride down to the ski resort for a late lunch of ramyeon and hot coffee. The 1,614 metre high peak is accessible even to those who don’t want to hike, so you can embrace the long vistas with or without a morning of hiking behind you.

You should visit this national park if you want to see incredible snow scenes in winter or picturesque foliage in other seasons. The cable car from Muju ski resorts allows you to experience the heights without the hassle of hiking. Autumn is another incredible time to visit this national park.

Best Hiking Trails: The Gucheondong Valley trail going to Hyangjeokbong Peak, is one of the best hiking trails in this park. This course is actually quite gentle for the first 6km, walking along the valley on the way to Baekyeonsa Temple. After that there’s 1.5km of tough but rewarding hiking to the peak, followed by a cable car ride to Muju Ski Resort where you can get a bus home.

How to get to Deogyusan: I wouldn’t recommend travelling to Deogyusan from Seoul. You can access Deogyusan from Daejeon, Muju, and other nearby cities. Buses run from Daejeon to Gucheondong Valley from Daejeon Bokhap Terminal. There’s a free shuttle bus from the Muju Ski Resort to the town of Muju. From Muju, you can take buses to Daejeon, Seoul, and other cities in Korea.

8: Chiaksan National Park

Why visit Chiaksan: This national park near Seoul has some medium-sized mountains that don’t compare in size to the lofty peaks of Jirisan or Seoraksan, but offer a serious challenge to hikers eager to explore its forested paths. Chiaksan is blessed with many steep valleys and thick forests, offering some truly stunning views, including some interesting granite rock formations and waterfalls.

This national park caters more to hiking enthusiasts than day-trippers looking to see some sights, however, there is still plenty to see if you’re willing to put in the effort. Brave hikers will be rewarded with sights such as Taejongdae Rock, Guryongsa Temple, and the lovely Seryeom Waterfall. You don’t need to be super fit to hike here, but definitely be prepared to sweat a bit.

Fun fact: Chiaksan is one of the toughest national parks to hike in Korea. Korean peaks with ‘ak’ in them (including Wor-ak-san & Seor-ak-san) indicate they are difficult, although the mountains use different Hanja (Chinese characters), so it’s hard to tell just how true that is. Another translation of the ‘ak’ Hanja in Chi-ak-san (岳) is ‘parents-in-law’, something people might also describe as tough!

You should visit this national park if you want a tough, challenging hike in a forested national park and enjoy seeing unique geology and peaks. If you’re prepared to sweat a bit, you’ll definitely love the hikes here, although there are shorter trails available, too.

Best hiking trail: The path to Birobong Peak, the highest point in the park, is one of the most popular trails, offering challenging terrain and rewarding views. This path starts at the Guryong Information Centre and after a gentle start gets up to ‘expert level’. For a less strenuous hike, the Guryongsa Temple trail provides a scenic walk through the park’s forests, leading to one of its cultural landmarks.

How to get to Chiaksan: Take bus #21, #41, or #82 bound from Guryongsa Temple / Chiaksan National Park from Wonju Bus Terminal. If you’re travelling from Seoul, take an intercity bus to Wonju Bus Terminal, or the train from Cheongnyangni Station to Wonju Station.

9: Mudeungsan National Park

Why visit Mudeungsan: Located close to Gwangju City in southern Korea, this is one of the newest and smallest national parks in Korea, but is still full of charm. Fans of geology will love the hexagonal rock formations near Seoseokdae Peak, formed from ancient volcanic activity, as well as the sheer rock faces that spring up out of the ground and look like they’ve been dropped by giants.

This park has lots of natural and cultural wonders to explore, including the spectacular Jeungsimsa Temple, home to picturesque autumn scenes with giant ginkgo trees covering the temple grounds in a blanket of yellow leaves. Just past this temple is the Dangsan Namu Guardian Tree – a giant tree that protects the local area. At the peak, there’s a nature reserve (Jangbuljae) and more to see.

You should visit this national park if you want to see unique volcanic rocks and a lovely Korean temple surrounded by tall trees. This park’s convenient location next to Gwangju City makes it ideal for anyone travelling to this part of Korea looking for a trip into nature.

Best hiking trail: The path to Seoseokdae Peak from Jeungsimsa Buddhist Temple is one of the best ways to see the main highlights in this compact Korean national park. The route isn’t that tough, slowly winding up roads and rocky paths before coming out to open plains. Follow the signposts all the way to the peak and return the way you came or head north over the peaks (Wonhyo Valley) for more views.

How to get to Mudeungsan: As this park is close to Gwangju, it’s best to travel to Gwangju Station and take a bus from there to the park entrance near Jeungsimsa Temple. There are cafes, restaurants and shops in this area and it’s the best place to start exploring the park from.

10: Songnisan National Park

Why visit Songnisan: This guide to national parks in Korea wouldn’t be complete without this hidden gem. Songnisan is an enchanting national park right in the heart of Korea that is packed with traditional Korean delights. I might be biased as I live near this park and have done a temple stay experience at Beopjusa Temple more than once, but if you visit, I think you’ll agree it’s lovely.

The main entrance to the park is packed with traditional Korean restaurants and local markets selling locally sourced foods, such as daechu (dates), wild mushrooms, and ginseng. Then it opens out into one of the most impressive Buddhist temples found in a national park – Beopjusa Temple. There’s a long walking path through the valley which leads out to various hiking paths in the park.

Giant cherry blossoms: If you want to see some truly impressive cherry blossom sights, then visit Beopjusa Temple near the end of April to see the King cherry blossoms on display. These large, fluffy blossoms (pictured below) are so soft and much larger than usual cherry blossoms. Partnered with the colourful temple buildings, they create some really spectacular scenes.

You should visit this national park if you want to see one of the best Korean Buddhist temples in Korea, a serene lake with turtles sunbathing on logs, Korean restaurants tucked away in the forest with waterfall views, and lots of leafy trees. You don’t need to hike to enjoy all that Songnisan has to offer.

Best hiking trail: The path to Cheonhwangbong Peak that starts from Beopjusa Temple is very rewarding. There are a few ways to get to this peak, which start after a couple of miles trekking along the valley floor following the river. Once you reach a pajeon restaurant by a waterfall, you’ve found the start of the hiking area.

How to get to Songnisan: You can reach Songnisan by bus from Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and other nearby cities. If you’re in Seoul, take an intercity bus from Seoul’s Nambu or Dong-Seoul bus terminals to Songnisan National Park.

Korean National Parks Near Seoul

There are several national parks near Seoul that you can access for a day hiking in the mountains or relaxing in the valleys. The nearest park is Bukhansan National Park, which is actually part of Seoul and can be accessed by subway and bus in a short time. There are several others that can be reached by bus, train, or car from Seoul in less than a few hours, as detailed below.

Chiaksan National Park – the next closest national park to Seoul is Chiaksan. This park can be accessed by travelling to Wonju City and then taking a local bus to the parks’ entrance.

Seoraksan National Park – this park is easy to access from Seoul with a day tour, or by taking a bus from Seoul to Sokcho City and then changing to a local bus to the park’s entrance.

Odaesan National Park – technically closer to Seoul than Seoraksan, this park isn’t as accessible as Seoraksan but you can drive there or take the KTX train to Jinbu Station and change to a bus or taxi.

There are a few other national parks that are accessible if you have a car, including Woraksan National Park, Taebaeksan National Park, and Sobaeksan National Park, but they’re not convenient if you plan to use public transportation. Another national park near Seoul is Taean Seaside National Park, which is a coastal park rather than a mountain park.

My Favourite National Parks In Korea

I started hiking in Korea’s many national parks since I arrived in 2015, starting in Gyeryongsan National Park, which is close to my home in Daejeon. I’ve visited almost every national park across the country in the years since then, checking out spring blossoms, seeking shade in summer, seeing autumn foliage, and wading through deep snow in winter.

These are the my favourite national parks in Korea (based on my hiking experience in each):

1: Jirisan National Park – This is my favourite national park in Korea because it’s so big and offers so many options. Day treks in the foothills, overnight stays with sunrise hikes, and so much more.

2: Hallasan National Park – The tallest peak in South Korea and an incredible park to see the sights of Jeju Island. I’ve hiked to the peak twice during winter, both times ending up knee-deep in thick snow.

3: Songnisan National Park – One of my favourite parks to show friends and family the true beauty of Korea’s countryside. Impressive valley trails, Buddhist temple (Beopjusa), and local foods.

4: Deogyusan National Park – This park offers a great hike in any season and never fails to impress with its views. At the top of the main peak is a ski resort and a mountaintop pagoda with wide views.

5: Naejangsan National Park – I’ve only visited this park during autumn and it’s on my list solely for the amazing foliage views and attractions in the park, including the iconic Uhwajeong Pavilion.

Popular Mountains To Hike In Korea

With so many awesome national parks to visit in Korea, you’re really spoilt for choice for places to hike, explore, relax in, and photograph. Korea is rich with mountains which are worth visiting when you’re in various parts of the country. Below is a list of 10 of my favourite mountains to hike that aren’t in the national parks I’ve mentioned in this article and mostly aren’t in national parks at all.

Guide To Hiking In Korea’s National Parks

I’ve been hiking regularly in Korea since 2015 and it’s become one of my favourite hobbies. I can’t imagine a month going by without reaching a peak somewhere in Korea! After exploring almost every national park, here are a few essential insights to help you get the most out of your trip. For more tips and trips about hiking Korea’s national parks, check out my essential guide to hiking in Korea.

Here are 10 of my top insights about hiking in Korea’s national parks:

Entrance fees: Access to Korea’s national parks is now free. There used to be a fee payable to temples in the parks, but these have been waived since May 2023

Tough mountains: If you see a national park with ‘ak‘ in the name (e.g. Chi-ak-san, Seor-ak-san), it means the main peak is tough and quite steep. There are still easier courses available though.

Valley trails: Most national parks start with long walking trails before the hiking begins. These are great for all visitors and some valley trails can be as long as 10km with no hiking involved.

Stick to the paths: Korea’s national parks aren’t open for exploration and it is necessary to stick to the paths. There can be wild animals (deer, boar, bears!, snakes, etc.) in the parks and guide fences are there for everyone’s safety.

Signposts: National Parks in Korea are designed for Koreans, but also have many signs in English. There are resources available for non-Korean (English) speaking hikers in the national parks, too.

Toilets: Toilets in Korea are clean and well maintained, even in national parks, but they aren’t available in all locations throughout the parks. You will mostly find toilets at the entrance and towards the end of the walking area in the valley, but further up the mountains, toilets are rare.

Supplies: If you plan to hike in Korea’s national parks, you should bring some supplies with you, such as water (at least 1l), snacks, and tissues. If you start hiking at the main entrance to a national park, you will find shops selling supplies, but if you start in a more remote area, there may not be shops.

Trash: There are no bins on the mountains and people are expected to take everything home with them. Koreans hike with a small plastic bag to store their waste until they get home. Public bins aren’t that common in Korea.

Busy times: Hiking in Korea’s national parks is one of the most popular pastimes in Korea and the hiking trails can get especially busy on weekends, holidays, and during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. This can affect public transport availability, too.

Souvenirs: You can buy souvenir towels in each national park. These have maps of the hiking routes and are convenient as a map / sweat towel / souvenir. I love to collect one from each park I visit.

When To Hike In Korea’s National Parks

The best time to hike in Korea’s national parks is definitely during autumn, which is from late September to early November. During this time you can see Korea’s incredible autumn foliage spreading out over the mountains and along the valleys. Spring is also very popular as you can see cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and other spring blooms. Unfortunately, these are also the busiest times.

I love winter hiking for snowy scenes and sunny skies (winter in Korea is very sunny), but it’s not for everyone and you really need to be prepared for the cold weather. If you want to see snow in Korea, visiting a national park is one of the best options as the snow falls more often there than in the city. Summer hiking is tough as it’s very hot, but the shaded valleys with rivers can bring cool relief.

For a more detailed breakdown about the best time to hike and see Korea’s national parks, check out my Korean hiking season guide. It includes details about the best mountains to hike in each season, what to expect and look for, and what each season is like.

What Clothes Do You Need For Hiking?

Once you’ve figured out what time of year you want to visit a Korean national park, you should pack the right clothes for the season. Of course, the weather in Korea can change day to day, so also bring appropriate clothes for the weather that day (i.e. a raincoat if it’s raining).

Here’s a rough guide to what to pack for hiking in each season:

Headwear: a hat is also useful if you plan to hike in Korea’s national parks as you’re exposed to the sun a lot. A light cap is fine from spring to autumn, but a wooly hat is better in winter.

What Equipment Do You Need For Hiking?

Even though you’ll want a light pack when you hike in a national park, there are some essential items that you should bring whenever you hike, such as hiking poles, tissues, a sweat towel, and gloves. These items can change depending on the season, but most are essential for the longer trails.

If you only plan to explore the lower areas of the park, you can skip some of these items (hiking poles, first aid kit, hiking boots), but I would still recommend you bring some supplies with you. The Wowpass is a good Korean debit card that’s designed for tourists that you can use across Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about national parks in Korea. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

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As the highest mountain in Seoul, hiking to Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park can be challenging, but is most definitely a rewarding experience. Getting out Seoul’s busy streets and hitting the hiking trails is a refreshing way to exercise and see more of Korea’s mountains and nature.

This guide will help you prepare to hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak. Find out how to get there, what to wear, what to prepare, and the best Korean restaurants nearby. Discover the best hiking routes to Baegundae Peak from different sides of Bukhansan National Park that will suit your hiking ability.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Should You Hike Bukhansan’s Baegundae Peak?

Why should you hike Bukhansan’s Baegundae Peak? Because it’s one of the most accessible peaks close to Seoul that will offer you incredible views over the city and of Korea’s gorgeous nature. There are various hiking trails up to Baegundae Peak that each offer unique sights and challenges.

No matter the season, Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park is always a great option for a day hike in Seoul. On your hike to the peak, you’ll be surrounded by fresh green trees in spring and summer, while in autumn you can see beautiful gold, amber, and fiery red fall foliage.

Snowy and icy hikes in winter make the mountain a bigger challenge but nonetheless beautiful. When you complete the hike up Bukhansan, you will be amazed by the view and size of Seoul. Despite Bukhansan being in the north part of Seoul, you can spot Lotte Tower and beyond on a clear day.

The images below should give you an idea of what to expect when you hike to Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park. From the park entrance to the peak, there are lots of lovely sights to take in whichever route you decide to take. Bukhansan is definitely the best place to hike in Seoul.

Besides the joy of hiking in Korea, which is always good fun, here are five more reasons you should hike to Bukhansan’s Baeugundae Peak when you visit Seoul.

Views of Seoul from the peak: Baegundae Peak is 280m higher than the Lotte World Tower and offers the best views of Korea’s capital. You can really see just how far and wide Seoul stretches.

Accessible for all levels: Whether you’re an expert hiker who wants a challenge, or a novice hiker who wants to enjoy a slow, steady walk to the top, the Baegundae Peak hike has an option for you.

Beautiful temple scenes: Bukhansan National Park is blessed with several beautiful temples, including the 1,100 year old Doseonsa Temple which is the start point for one of the hiking trails.

Stunning nature throughout the national park: Expect to see countless trees, bushes, plants, rocks, streams, and animals as you hike to Baegundae Peak, which offer incredible views year round.

Interesting historic sights to learn about: as well as ancient Buddhist temples, you can also see historic sights on the hike to Baegundae Peak, including parts of Bukhansanseong Fortress.

Non-Hikers: Walk The Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trekking Route

Don’t feel up to the challenge of hiking to Baegundae Peak but still want to explore the nature and history of Bukhansan National Park? Then take the Bukhansan dulle-gil (trekking path) around the outside of the national park instead. There are multiple paths to take around the park.

As the Korea National Park Service states, the Bukhansan dulle-gil is “a path where history, culture, nature, and humans come together in harmony.” The dulle-gil courses are signposted and will guide you around the foothills of the mountains. Unfortunately, these are mostly in Korean.

Need Help Doing A Hike To Baegundae Peak?

I hope that this article will provide you with lots of information to help you hike Bukhansan’s Baegundae Peak from a range of starting locations. However, if you still feel like you need help to hike to Baegundae Peak, then why not book a tour to the peak and take all the hassle out of hiking.

This private hiking tour to Baegundae Peak offers you the chance to create a hiking route to the top based on your own fitness levels and experience. A guide will show you the way to go, tell you about the park, and collect you and drop you off at your hotel on the day of the hike.

I believe that the Baegundae Peak hike is certainly possible for most people of reasonable fitness and there are multiple courses to the peak that offer different levels of challenge, which will be covered in the next section of this guide. Keep reading to discover the best hiking trail to Baegundae Peak.

The Best Hiking Trails To Baegundae Peak In Bukhansan

Before you start your hike to Baegundae Peak, it is necessary to decide which route you will take to the top. There are several starting points that lead to the peak and in this article I will cover three of the best trails to Baegundae Peak and back, including one that crosses across the whole park.

These trails all meet near a fortress gate before the most difficult section of the hike – getting up the rocky section to reach Baegundae Peak. If you are using public transport, it is possible to go up one way and down the other. However, this is not possible if you are travelling by car for obvious reasons.

The three hiking trails for Baegundae Peak that this article will introduce you to are:

Baegundae Peak from Doseonsa Temple: This is the shortest and easiest route to get to the peak and starts on the eastern side of the park. Good for those with limited time to hike.

Baegundae Peak from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance: This trail splits halfway and allows you to choose a longer, easier route, or a shorter, more difficult route to reach the peak. Both are stunning.

Bukhansan Fortress To Baegundae 2 Ranger Station via Baegundae Peak: This is a hiking trail to Baegundae Peak that starts at one end of the park and finishes at the other side of the park.

These trails all go to Baegundae Peak but differ in length, time, and effort. There are plenty of other hiking routes in the national park, but I can’t cover them all in this article. If you want to hike other parts of Bukhansan, you can explore more paths from the official National Parks of Korea website.

Hike To Baegundae Peak from Doseonsa Temple

Length: 2.6km (one way)

Time: 2.5 -3 hours (return)

Difficulty: 3/5

Starting Point: 삼각산 도선사

This is the shortest hike to Baegundae Peak and can be completed in under 3 hours. The Doseonsa Temple route begins at the east side of the mountain at the 1,100 year old Doseonsa Temple, which I recommend exploring before you hike as it’s an important treasure of Bukhansan National Park.

At the entrance to the hiking trail there is a public toilet and some vending machines. I wouldn’t recommend waiting to buy hiking supplies from the vending machines, buy them before you set off. Stop at a convenience store before travelling to buy some gimbap, water, and other snacks.

To help you work out how long and far the hike from Doseonsa Temple to Baegundae Peak is, check out the annotated map below, taken from the hiking trail sign in Bukhansan National Park. Fortunately, all hiking signs and maps are in both English and Korean in Bukhansan National Park.

About The Hiking Trail From Doseonsa Temple

The trail begins winding up through the forest, offering views of Seoul behind you through the trees and Bukhansan’s other peaks in front. You’ll walk for 1.1km towards 용암문 (Yong-am-mun), which is an old fortress gate that’s part of Bukhansan Fortress. This section is rated as ‘intermediate’.

Take the 1.2km path to the right of Yong-am-mun gate and head towards the 백운봉암문 (Bae-gun-bong-am-mun), another fortress gate where the hiking paths to Baegundae Peak meet before the final ascent. This section is part of the ‘easy’ route from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, but is ‘advanced’.

As you hike along this section, you’ll pass over Yong-am-bong (Yongam Peak), which is a bare, rocky peak with good views over the city to the south. You’ll walk around the sides of other peaks on your way and there are sections where you’ll need to scramble up and over large rocks in the path.

As the routes join together you should be prepared for the most difficult part of the hike. The last 300 metre section of the hike up to Baegundae Peak will require you to pull yourself up either using the metal railing or rope provided. This final section is steep and should be approached with caution.

I’ll discuss more about the final section of the Baegundae Peak hike after introducing the other trails.

How To Get To The Doseonsa Temple Start Point

The starting point of this trail is accessible by public transport and by car. The nearest public transport stop is Bukhansan Ui subway station, which is actually quite far from Doseonsa Temple, but the walk is very pleasant and passes some traditional restaurants and shops for food before you hike.

The road that leads to Doseonsa Temple is a long, gradual incline and takes an hour or so to walk along from Bukhansan Ui station. Keep following the road straight and at the end there should be signposts to the temple. For an alternative start point, head to nearby Baegundae 2 Ranger Station.

By Public Transport: Take a bus (Dobong 02, Dobong 05, 101,109,151) or subway (Ui-sinseol line) to Bukhansan Ui subway station (북한산우이). From this point you can either walk, which takes 1 hour along the road, or you can take a taxi (15 minutes) to the starting point.

By Car: It is possible to drive to the starting point and park your car by the entrance. However, throughout the day the car park gets very crowded, and it may be difficult to find a spot. Use the address below in Korean to find your way by map (I recommend Naver Maps).

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 강북구 삼양로173길 504

Hike To Baegundae Peak From Bukhansan Fortress Entrance

Starting Point: 북한산성입구

There are two main hiking paths to Baegundae Peak from the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, one is shorter but more difficult while the other is longer but easier. Both arrive at the same fortress gate as the Doseonsa Temple path before the final ascent to Baegundae Peak.

These paths both follow the same route from the national park entrance, but split after 1.2km when you arrive at Borisa Temple (marked as ‘You Are Here’ in the image above). There are multiple paths to Borisa Temple from the entrance, I’ve highlighted my favourite one – the orange path.

The path from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance to Borisa Temple is very pleasant, passing along rivers, past temples, and along wooden walking paths and stony lanes. The path is marked as ‘intermediate’, but isn’t difficult and should only take about 30-40 minutes.

The next two sections will describe the different paths from Borisa Temple – the Baegundae Peak Easy Course and the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course. At Borisa Temple, you can see a signpost like the one above that will show you the two different courses. Follow these to Baegundae Peak.

When you’re at Borisa Temple, I highly recommend using the toilet facilities as these are the last toilets if you’re taking the difficult route to the peak. Like many toilets in Korea’s national parks, these are clean and have good facilities. Toilets higher up in national parks aren’t always as good, however.

Baegundae Peak Easy Course From Bukhansan Fortress Entrance

Length: 6.9km (one way)

Time: 6 hours (return)

Difficulty: 3/5

After you arrive at Borisa Temple, which can also be reached by heading for the Bukhandong History Museum (북한동역사권), start the Baegundae Peak Easy Course. This path continues to head east from the course’s start point, heading past several temples in the foothills before you start the ascent.

The map below shows the various temples you’ll pass in the first few sections of this course. This route follows the stream for some time, providing a more relaxing hike up the mountain and great views. This route is a longer hike but is much easier than the other trail from this entrance point.

Although there will be times where the route is harder, the trail slowly winds up the mountain and overall, it is the easiest route up. The first few sections are broken down in to 0.5km, 1.0km, and 0.4km trails with each section ending at a temple, with the last one being Taegosa Temple.

From this point the path starts to ascend more steadily and the next 0.9km from Taegosa Temple to the Bukhansan Shelter (북한산대피소) passes along forested fortress walls with rocky steps upwards. The shelter is a good place to stop for a bite to eat and rest before the more challenging sections.

After the Bukhansan Shelter, it’s a short trek to Yong-am-mun (용암문) fortress gate and then 1.2km towards 백운봉암문 (Bae-gun-bong-am-mun), another fortress gate where all the hiking paths to Baegundae Peak meet before the final ascent. This section is advanced as it’s rocky underfoot.

As you hike along this section, you’ll pass over Yong-am-bong (Yongam Peak), which is a bare, rocky peak with good views over the city to the south. You’ll walk around the sides of other peaks on your way and there are sections where you’ll need to scramble up and over large rocks in the path.

The Bae-gun-bong-am-mun (백운봉암문) fortress gate (pictured above) is where the easy and difficult courses meet before the final ascent to Baegundae Peak, which I’ll describe in a later section. I recommend resting here as the final ascent to the peak is tough.

Baegundae Peak Difficult Course From Bukhansan Fortress Entrance

Length: 4.8km (one way)

Time: 4-5 hours (return)

Difficulty: 4/5

If you are up for a challenge and wish to take the shortest route up, then the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course is for you. As you cross the bridge you need to go along the path to the left and follow the signs for the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course (백운대). Be prepared for a short, steep hike to the top.

This route involves long periods of steep incline that will make those leg muscles work hard. However, it is a faster route up to the top. As you can see from the map below, there are two sections that lead up to the Bae-gun-bong-am-mun (백운봉암문) fortress gate before the final ascent.

The first 0.6km of this trail goes through the forest and the path is made up of rocky stones (pictured below) or dirt tracks that don’t ruin the beautiful nature of the park. This section is ‘intermediate’ and not too long, but the rocks may be trouble for some who have problems on difficult terrain.

As the forests on this route are quite thick, especially from late-spring to autumn, the views on the way to Baegundae Peak are sometimes blocked by the trees. Whenever there is a break in the foliage, however, there are great views. These viewing points are a good place to take a scenic break.

Once you get onto the second section of the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course, the paths start to get steeper and more difficult. You will find more wooden stairways (pictured below) and paths where you have to climb over (or around) large rocks. This section is ‘only’ 1km long, but is ‘advanced’.

As you hike towards Baegundae Peak, you might notice some wild animals. Bukhansan National Park is home to various wildlife, including deer, wild boars, squirrels, snakes, and other creatures. Watch out for snakes if you hike in autumn as they hide under the leaves and may surprise hikers.

You will also see a few wild (domestic) cats that have made Bukhansan their home, like the black and white cat in the picture below. These cats may get defensive if they have kittens, but generally don’t cause any problems. You can even see them at the peak, looking for donations from dining hikers.

As with the other hiking routes to Baegundae Peak, the path ends at Bae-gun-bong-am-mun (백운봉암문) fortress gate before the final ascent to Baegundae Peak.

How To Get To The Bukhansan Fortress Entrance Start Point

The Bukhansan Fortress Entrance is much easier to reach by car and public transport as it’s closer to the city than the Doseonsa Temple start point. There are buses that stop outside the entrance and a subway stop (Gupabal Station) about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi.

There are a lot of restaurants, cafes and shops in this area, which is why it’s a more popular starting point to hike Baegundae Peak than Doseonsa Temple. You can stock up on food from convenience stores, grab a coffee for hiking energy, or pick up food from food stalls to take with you.

The walk from the bus stop / car park to the national park entrance sign (above), which is the starting point for this hike, takes about 10 minutes. You’ll need to pass by all the restaurants and shops first. Head left from here and you’ll see signs (like the one below) and signposts pointing to the peak.

By Public Transport: Take the subway (line 3) to Gupabal Station (구파빌역). Leave from exit 1 of the station and then wait for bus 34 or 704 to the start point (Bukhansan Fortress Entrance 북한산성입구). If there are many people waiting, take a taxi. A taxi should cost about 6,000 KRW and will be faster.

Once you get off the bus at Bukhansan Fortress Entrance (북한산성입구), which should take about 15 minutes, keep walking in the same direction as the bus and turn right at the first junction. Walk straight along the road up to the trail entrance and that is where your adventure will begin.

By Car: It is possible to drive to the starting point (Bukhansan Fortress Entrance 북한산성입구) and park your car by the entrance. There are lots of parking spaces available. However, there are also lots of restaurants at the start point so it can be busy at times, especially on the weekends.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 은평구 진관동 북한산성입구주차장

Bukhansan Fortress Entrance To Baegundae 2 Ranger Station

Length: 6.3km

Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty: 3/5 or 4/5

The third route is a one-way path that starts from the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, goes to Baegundae Peak, then descends down the opposite side of the park towards the eastern part of Seoul. The end is close to Doseonsa Temple, but ends at the Baegundae 2 Ranger Station instead.

I recommend starting at the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance as it’s more convenient for stocking up with hiking supplies at the start of the hike. The hike down from Baegundae Peak to the Baegundae 2 Ranger Station is also short and not that steep, making it a nice end to the hike.

The path from the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance to Baegundae Peak can follow the aforementioned Easy Course (3/5) or Difficult Course (4/5). I’ve highlighted the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course on the map below as it’s faster and this is an all day hike through Bukhansan National Park.

Although this is an all-day hike, it’s not any more difficult than the return hike starting and ending at the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance to Baegundae Peak. There is actually less ‘advanced’ course as the path down from Baegundae Peak to the ranger station is ‘intermediate’ and not that steep.

If you start hiking around 9am, you should reach Baegundae Peak around noon, maybe later depending on which course you chose from Borisa Temple. The descent from the peak takes about 90 minutes and the final sections allow you to maintain a good pace all the way to the bottom.

The path after Baegundae Peak starts with rocky steps and changes into wooden steps from time to time when the pathway is too slippery. After the first 1.0km of the descent, the path resolves into a gravel or dirt path that’s easy to walk along. There are great views of Seoul ahead of you.

Towards the end of the second section you’ll pass various temples, such as Insuam (pictured below), as well as traditional Korean buildings and park management facilities. At the end of the hike the path changes to paved road and there are various pathways leading back to the city.

Either walk to the ranger station, or leave the path early and visit the Bukhansan National Park Baegundae Visitor Center. This is closer to Doseonsa Temple and has a public toilet. There are also vending machines to replenish your water supplies.

From here, walk back to Bukhansan Ui Subway Station for buses and subway connections back into central Seoul. The walk takes about an hour and is the same path that leads to Doseonsa Temple. There are restaurants in this area where you can enjoy traditional Korean hiking foods.

Baegundae Visitor Center Address: 서울특별시 강북구 우이동 삼양로173길 462

The Final Ascent To Baegundae Peak Summit

The final ascent to Baegundae Peak is the same for all hiking routes as it’s a one-way path off the main routes. It’s tougher than the other parts of the hike and deserves its own section as there are many things to be careful for. There are also lots of things to enjoy from the top, not least the views.

After you arrive at the Bae-gun-bong-am-mun (백운봉암문) fortress gate, you should turn left (west) towards Baegundae Peak, following the fortress walls before stepping above them. The path (shown below) is narrow for a while, but soon opens into the rocky slopes that make up the final ascent.

The next section isn’t for the faint of heart. There are a few open areas before the main climb to the peak, but they quickly give way to steps carved into the rock with metal railings being the only thing stopping you from dropping to the foothills below. There are the occasional ropes to help you, too.

As Baegundae Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations for hikers in Seoul, especially in autumn foliage season, expect this part of the hike to be crowded at times. Once you’ve braved the scary walk along the edge of the cliff, there is a large slab of rock to rest on below the peak.

This large rock, and some smaller areas around it, aren’t the actual peak of Baegundae – that’s a bit further up and can take a long time to get to depending on the number of people hiking that day. Take a break and enjoy the views before pulling yourself up to the peak. This is a great place to have lunch.

The last few steps to the very peak of the mountain can take longer than the previous section as the views are incredible and everyone wants to take a selfie with the peak-stone, which shows the name of the peak and height. There’s also a Korean flag, which adds to the scene.

The pictures above were taken on a Saturday in October, which is one of the most popular times to hike Bukhansan. The queue was slow moving and people had to squeeze past each other while trying to hold on to the railing. It’s not comfortable, but the views at the top more than make up for the wait.

As you can see below, the views from Baegundae Peak stretch out far and wide and you can see all the way over Seoul on a clear day. This is a great place to get a picture to remember your time hiking to Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park. Just don’t expect to be alone on the weekends.

One final thing… there are cats on Baegundae Peak sometimes. Yes, cats love hiking as much as humans. Or perhaps they’re looking for some food from people eating lunch at the peak. Either way, it’s an impressive journey for our feline friends as Baegundae Peak is over 800 metres high.

Which Course Should You Hike To Baegundae Peak?

The best route to hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak is dependent on the amount of time you have available, your physical fitness, the difficulty of hike you want, and what you want to see along the way. All of these courses offer spectacular views, but they differ in other aspects.

Each course provides its own benefits. The first trail I ever hiked was from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance up along the steep trail. At that time I wasn’t in the best of shape and it was hard on the legs, but doable. The accomplishment I felt when I arrived to the top, and the views, made it worth it.

It wasn’t until later that I discovered the longer ‘easy’ trail up from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance. This route is great if you have a whole day to spend on the mountain as you can enjoy the views along the way, as well as from the top. Combining this trail with another trail exposes you to more of the park.

It is possible to go up the shorter route and then back down the longer route, meaning you can still enjoy the views and your knees won’t be an issue on the way down. I would recommend this or the Doseonsa course if you’re worried about hurting your legs or you have problems with your knees.

The trail starting from Doseonsa Temple is the quickest way up and down, along with the route from the Baegundae 2 Ranger Station. These are great trails if you are worried about the steepness or the length of the other trails. Also, this route is great for a sunrise hike to Baegundae Peak.

Below is a hiking map that shows the hiking routes through the southern half of Bukhansan National Park, including hiking routes to Baegundae Peak. You can use this map to help you plan your route from various starting locations to the peak and back down again, including those mentioned.

What To Prepare To Hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak

To be fully prepared to hike Bukhansan there are a few things you should get ready before you head out on your adventure. Some of these are essential considerations that you should be aware of before you hike, others are nice extras to think about and can improve your hiking experience.

Choose which trail to hike to Baegundae Peak: Hopefully you’ve already decided which path you want to hike to the peak from the previous sections in this article.

Work out how to get to the trail start point: See the ‘how to get there’ sections above. I also recommend downloading the Naver Maps app as it’s essential for getting around Korea.

Decide when you will go hiking in Bukhansan: There’s something to see in Bukhansan in every season. Visit on a weekday for less crowded hiking trails and avoid hiking in the rain if possible.

Consider what to wear when hiking Bukhansan: From hiking clothes to hiking accessories, it’s good to prepare in advance and make sure you have the right gear any time you hike in Korea.

Pack appropriately for your Bukhansan hike: As well as the right clothes, you’ll need a some hiking equipment, food, snacks, and other supplies to keep you safe and comfortable all day.

Think about what to do when you finish hiking Bukhansan: This final consideration could be the one that leaves a lasting memory and caps off a great day out in Bukhansan National Park

These last 4 points will be covered in the next sections of this guide to hiking to Baegundae Peak. This is really useful info that I’ve gathered through years of hiking, as well as from the odd mistake and accident. Take a note of these sections to make sure you have all you need to enjoy your hike.

Remember, if you’re worried about getting lost while you hike or not sure you want to organise everything yourself, you can book a private tour to Baegundae Peak to take you to the peak, teach you about the park’s nature and history on the way, and make sure you get home safely.

One last thing, when you hike in Korea…

Don’t Forget Your Passport!

Don’t worry, you don’t need your passport to hike in Korea’s national parks. However, if you want a fun souvenir, or you plan to hike more of Korea’s national parks, why not pick up a National Park Hiking Passport like the one above. You can find them at the entrance to national parks in Korea.

This passport-style book allows you to collect stamps from all of the national parks across Korea, including Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island. If you live in Korea, this is a fun challenge to encourage you to hike all of Korea’s best national parks and see more of the country.

Appropriately, Bukhansan is the first national park you can get a stamp for. Will it be your last?

When Is The Best Time To Hike In Bukhansan National Park?

I have had the opportunity to hike Bukhansan in all seasons of the year. For me, the best seasons for hiking are autumn, spring and winter. Summer isn’t a terrible month for hiking, but the heat, humidity, and armies of mosquitoes attacking you make it the most difficult time to hike.

During spring you can see the rebirth of nature after the long Korean winter, with green shoots, colourful flowers, and warm breezes in the air. In autumn you can enjoy walking over crisp Korean autumn foliage that has recently fallen, with views of vivd mountain slopes away in the distance.

However, most people have the same idea as myself and therefore the mountain can be busy during the weekends in these seasons. This is the reason why I like hiking Bukhansan in winter. Fewer people brave the snowy peaks and windy valleys. However, that’s not to say it’s empty.

Although it is a popular mountain, with many people from Seoul and beyond hiking here, during winter the trails are less busy, allowing you to take the hike at your own pace. You can stop to enjoy the views whenever you please. This is also one of the best places to see snow in Seoul when it falls.

The best time to hike Bukhansan is on a weekday (less busy) during April, May, September, October, or early November. In April and May the weather is warm and the forests are full of nature. In the autumn months, the autumn foliage is gorgeous. January and February are good for snow, too.

A Note About Air Pollution In Seoul

If you plan to hike in late winter or spring, you should check the air pollution levels. Unfortunately, this is a problem in Seoul and across Korea throughout the year, but is most noticeable at these times. If you have a sensitivity to air pollution, bring a mask or postpone the hike for another day.

Most of the year the air pollution isn’t at serious levels, but it peaks around March and April due to seasonal winds blowing yellow dust across from Mongolia and China. During these seasons, the air pollution, known as fine dust, may ruin the views and be hazardous for your health.

Check an air pollution website or app like AQICN to check the latest pollution levels and to get a pollution forecast for the week ahead. If the pollution levels reach over 200, it might be best to postpone your hike for a clearer day. Air pollution is usually lowest after it has rained.

What To Wear Hiking In Bukhansan National Park

Once you’ve figured out what time of year you want to hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak, you should pack the right clothes for the season. Of course, the weather in Korea can change day to day, so also bring appropriate clothes for the weather that day (i.e. a raincoat if it’s raining).

No matter the season you should wear hiking boots and if this is not possible a good pair of sneakers will do. In the past people have chosen to wear other forms of footwear, however, it is recommended to wear something sturdy that will support your ankles and provide cushion when you are walking up.

It is important that what you wear is comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement. If it is likely to rain you should consider waterproof trousers or trousers that won’t cause friction when wet. When hiking it is always good to have layers to add or remove, even in winter when you get hot hiking uphill.

In summer you may want to wear a t-shirt, but a wind breaker or something with long sleeves may be necessary for when you are on the top of the mountain. It is a similar situation in other seasons. A fleece, vest, windbreaker or coat (in winter) to add to the layers you are wearing certainly helps.

For the hike to Baegundae Peak I would recommend taking gloves, these could be helpful in all seasons when climbing up the section with metal railing and rope. Sweaty or cold hands can make it difficult to grip onto the supports, therefore wearing gloves can be a life saver.

Hiking Clothes For Different Seasons

In terms of what to wear hiking in Korea during each season, here’s a rough guide to what to pack:

Spring & Autumn: These seasons are warm with a few showers, but not heavy rain or snow. Dress lightly as you’ll be hot going up the mountain, but also pack a light jacket for the peak as it can get windy and cold up there. You’ll also be cooler going down after reaching the summit.

• Top: Light top.
• Jacket you can store in your bag.
• Legs: Light trousers to protect from insects.
• Feet: Regular hiking socks.

Summer: Summer in Korea is hot and humid and the wettest season. I recommend light clothes for hiking in hot weather. Cover your arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the chance of sunburn. Pack a poncho (sold in the parks during summer) or light waterproof jacket in case of rain.

• Top: Long-sleeved thin hiking or cotton t-shirt.
• Rain jacket or rain poncho if raining
• Legs: Long shorts or trousers to protect against mosquitoes.
• Feet: Ankle socks.

Winter: The winter months in Korea can be very cold, well below freezing, so wrap up warm. However, you’ll heat up as you hike, so also wear clothes that you can shove in a bag or wrap around your waist. Insulated socks and inner wear are recommended if the weather is far below zero.

• Top: Layers that you can remove easily.
• Jacket with wind protection, thin fleece.
• Legs: Thick or lined trousers (with leggings if really cold).
• Feet: Woollen hiking socks.

Headwear: A cap or a wool hat can be important on a hike to protect yourself from the sun or to keep you warm as the temperature drops. This applies to all seasons as you can be get sunburn in any season, even winter. Bring a cap for summer and wool hat for winter to help keep heat in.

Hiking boots: A decent pair of hiking boots is the best investment you can make when hiking. I use the same pair most of the year round (except summer) and they keep my feet and ankles safe and protected from injury. They also help me in bad weather conditions as they provide sturdy grip.

• Recommended hiking boots for women.
• Recommended hiking boots for men.

Tip: Bringing a pair of comfortable hiking boots with you when you visit Korea can be useful for more than just hiking. Travellers end up walking a lot – around palaces, in hanok villages, outside temples, and along countless streets. Hiking / trekking boots will keep your feet cosy while you explore, too.

For more info about what to wear, pack, and prepare for hiking in Bukhansan or other Korean national parks, check out this guide to hiking in Korea. There are more than 20 hiking tips that will make sure you have a great day out in the mountains (weather not guaranteed!).

What To Pack To Hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak

What should you pack to hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak? As mentioned, for your Bukhansan hike it is important to take extra layers and clothes that will keep you warm. Depending on the season you will add different items to your bag, but extra layers are something you should always consider.

Food And Drinks For Hiking In Bukhansan

No matter the route you take up to Baegundae Peak, you should pack some snacks, water or other liquids, and possibly a lunch in your bag. Nut bars and fruit are always a good snack to give you some energy on the mountain. For lunch, buy a gimbap or sandwich at the entrance to eat at the peak.

Water, or your choice of hydrating drink, is a must when hiking. Depending on the season, the amount you need to drink will differ. In winter a 500ml bottle may be enough, but if you hike in summer, you’ll need at least 1 litre or more as you’ll lose a lot of liquids through sweat in the high heat and humidity.

My Hiking Supplies

Here’s what I usually pack in my bag when I’m hiking for four hours or more:

• fruit (apple or banana)
• vegetables (tomatoes, sliced peppers, sliced carrots)
• trail bars / energy bars
• small bag of nuts
• gimbap (Korean-style sushi roll)
• 1l of water
• 1 bottle of Powerade

Hiking Equipment For Hiking In Bukhansan

Even though you’ll want a light backpack when you hike Bukhansan, there are some essential items that you should bring whenever you hike, such as hiking poles, tissues, a sweat towel, and gloves. These items can change depending on the season, but most are essential for any hike.

Backpack or daypack: You’ll need something light to carry your snacks, water, and equipment with you when you hike. For a day hike, you shouldn’t need more than a 25 litre backpack.

Reusable water bottles: If you want to reduce your environmental impact, bring some collapsible or reusable water bottles with you and fill them at the water fountains at the park’s entrance.

Hiking poles: These extendable hiking sticks are great for getting over rocky paths and for improving balance while reducing leg pressure while descending the mountain. Not essential for everyone.

Sun protection: Baegundae Peak is exposed with no chance of shade, and some of the paths near the start of the hike are also unprotected. Be sure to apply suncream and wear sunglasses.

Sweat towel or handkerchief: Whatever season you hike Bukhansan in, you’re probably going to sweat a bit (or lots). A sweat towel or handkerchief is also useful for drying your hands.

Insect repellant: From spring to autumn, you will find mosquitoes in the mountains. Be sure to spray yourself before hiking Bukhansan. Summer is the worst period for insects while winter has none.

Hygiene supplies: This includes tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser. Tissues and wet wipes have many uses, including cleaning your hands before you eat or if you need to use a toilet.

First aid kit: This isn’t necessary, but can be useful if you’re concerned about cuts and scrapes while you hike. I usually have a few plasters in my bag in case I cut myself on a thorny bush.

Cash & T-Money card: Bring some cash to use at the food stalls or vending machines at the national park entrances and other locations. Use a T-Money Card for public transportation to the park.

What To Bring For Hiking Bukhansan In Winter

The following items are hiking equipment you might need if you plan to hike in winter when snow and ice can build up on the hiking paths of Bukhansan.

Crampons / cleats: Even if the start point doesn’t have ice or snow, there certainly can be some at the peak. Pack some cleats to slip on when it gets icy to stop you from slipping and injuring yourself.

Windproof hiking gloves: Temperatures in winter get below zero and as you hike to Baegundae Peak, the temperature will drop even more. Windproof, waterproof gloves will keep your hands safe.

Sunglasses: Winter in Korea is the sunniest time of the year and the sun can be blinding as it reflects off the snow or ice. Definitely bring shades if you plan to hike Bukhansan in winter.

Heat packs: Hand and foot warmers or heat packs to stick on your clothes are both really useful for hiking in Korea during winter. I always pack hand warmers for my pockets to keep my hands alive.

Rent Hiking Gear From The Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre

Don’t want to bring your hiking equipment with you when you hike? Good news, you can rent it from the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre. Located close to the Bukhansan Ui subway station, this tourist-friendly centre allows you to rent clothes and equipment for the day for your Bukhansan hike.

You can rent everything you need, including hiking boots, jackets, poles, trousers, and shirts. Prices are very reasonable and can be a great solution if you plan to hike Bukhansan but you forgot your gear or chose not to pack it. Please note: You need to reserve gear in advance from their website.

There are also free guided hiking tours on Wednesdays for various hiking routes in Bukhansan, including hikes to Baegundae Peak. There are also hiking and trekking courses that change each month, focusing on some special feature in the park during that month, such as autumn foliage.

Address in Korean: 서울특별시 강북구 삼양로173길 52 5층

What To Do After Your Baegundae Peak Hike

After you finish your hike to Baegundae Peak, there is still lots to enjoy in Bukhansan National Park. Whichever route you choose to hike down, you will find restaurants selling delicious Korean food, including the hiker’s favourite – haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

There are also restaurants that serve other dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyetang (chicken soup), or dalkdoritang (spicy chicken stew). If you don’t feel like traditional Korean food, there are some cafes in the area, too. You can sit and enjoy the final scenes of Bukhansan’s nature.

You’ll find Korean restaurants and cafes at both ends of the Baegundae Peak hike. There are more restaurants at the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, but I prefer the restaurants along the road from the end of the Doseonsa / Baegundae 2 Ranger Station courses. These are more authentic and quieter.

If you’re interested in hiking more of Korea’s national parks, then perhaps you’d enjoy hiking in Seoraksan National Park on Korea’s East Coast. There are several hiking trails, as well as a cable car, famous temples, a giant bronze Buddha, and great places to eat and drink with mountain views.

What To Eat Near Doseonsa Temple Entrance

The pictures above are taken from San Restaurant (산 음식점). You can find amazing traditional Korean dishes here with a selection of traditional Korean alcohol, including makgeolli and dong-dong-ju. I highly recommend you stop here for a haemul pajeon (serves 2) with a bottle of makgeolli or two.

San Restaurant Address: 서울특별시 강북구 삼양로173길 207

Opposite San is another traditional restaurant called Seonun Sanjang (선운산장), which sells bulgogi (grilled beef) with lots of banchan (Korean side dishes). This is a great place to try a traditional Korean meal that’s best shared with others. Another good option is Gaenari Sanjang (개나리산장).

If you finish the course at the Doseonsa Temple entrance, you will need to walk for about an hour to Bukhansan Ui station, which is the departure point for both the subway and buses into other parts of Seoul. You’ll find restaurants and cafes in this area, too. Not as authentic, but still good for dinner.

Tip: If you don’t want to walk for an hour from the temple entrance to Bukhansan Ui station, you can use Kakao Taxi to call a cab to come and pick you up. However, taxis might not want to go all that way before collecting you, so don’t count on this as a guaranteed option.

What To Eat At Bukhansan Fortress Entrance

The Bukhansan Fortress Entrance area is admittedly a much more convenient location to end your hike and has a wider selection of cafes, restaurants and shops to visit. There are dessert cafes, selling Korean desserts such as the unique Bukhansan Montblanc (pictured below) and other treats.

If you feel hungry, I recommend trying a ggul hotteok (꿀호떡) – a traditional Korean winter street food that’s popular with hikers. A ggul hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake that’s filled with ingredients such as honey, nuts, seeds, and cinnamon. Ggul is the Korean word for honey, so expect a sweet taste.

Want to try some spicy Korean food? Head to Bukhansan Megi Maeuntang (북한산메기매운탕), which serves megi maeuntang – a spicy stew made of freshwater catfish that has lots of vegetables and side dishes. This isn’t a meal for solo hikers as the smallest portion serves 2. Try it with friends.

Rest And Recover At A Korean Sauna

After hiking to Baegundae Peak, you deserve to rest and relax and to let your body heal. One of the best ways to do this is at a Korean jjimjilbang (sauna and communal hot room). These saunas are typically split into two sections – one with hot water pools, the other with communal rooms.

The hot (and cold) water pools are great for soaking and resting weary bones. There are also steam rooms and Scandinavian-style saunas with wooden benches to squeeze out the last bit of sweat in case hiking wasn’t enough for you. This area is gender-segregated and everyone is naked.

In the communal rooms you will find sleeping mats, heated domes (pictured above), TVs, singing rooms, food and drink counters, and other facilities. These rooms are for chilling in and you can also spend the night here. These areas are mixed and everyone should wear pyjamas.

There are many spas and saunas in Seoul, and these are known as ‘saunas’ (사우나) or ‘jjimjilbangs‘ (찜질방). If you want to find one in Seoul, try searching for ‘사우나’ as this is the more common name for these saunas. Some saunas might not have the communal rooms and will only have baths.

How To Hike Bukhansan Mountain FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about how to hike Bukhansan Mountain in Seoul, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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