BUKHANSAN- In the northern part of Seoul is Bukhansan National Park. This park has amazing city views and beautiful granite rock formations. At Bukhansan, there are two recommended hikes which require moderate fitness.

BAEKUNDAE-
Getting there- Take subway line 5 to Gwanghwamun station, take exit number 1. Walk around to the front of Sejong Cultural center and get on bus 156. Tell the driver ‘Bukhansan’. The trip takes about 35 minutes and puts you at the western edge of the park. Usually there will be other hikers. Follow them as they walk to the end of the little village, turn right and walk to the ticket booth. Admission is 1300W and the ticket booths sell maps (which are mostly in Korean)

What you’ll see-Fortess gates and walls, granite cliffs and 360 degree city views. Baekundae is the park’s highest peak (836 meters) and is 4km or two hours away from the start of the hike. The top part requires some easy climbing as you hoist yourself up on metal cables. (The flash movie above shows pictures of the hike.) This hike takes about 6 hours.

DOBONGSAN-
Getting there- Take Subway Line 1 to north Dobongsan station. Make sure the train goes all the way through. Not all do. From City Hall station the ride takes 45 minutes. Exit the station, cross the road. Walk through the market and food stalls past the bus terminal to the ticket booth. Stay on the main path and follow signs to Jaunbong, one of Dobongsan’s peaks. (2.7 km away) 5 minutes past the spring turn right and follow the sign to Manjangbong (another Dobongsan peak).Click here for a subway map

What you’ll see- Woodpeckers, squirrels, granite formations, temples. At the top of the hike is a steep and rocky stretch between two rocky peaks. The hike ends at Mangwolsa subway station on line 1. This hike is 10k and takes about 5 hours

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

SURAKSAN- To the east of Bukhansan is another popular hiking area. It’s not a national park, but it gets crowded on weekends.

SURAKSAN PEAK-
Getting there- Take subway line 4 to Danggogae station and hike up past Heungguksa to Suraksan Peak. Descend to Jang-am subway station.

BULAMSAN PEAK-
Getting there- Subway Line 4 to Danggogae station, Then up Bulamsan peak, onto Bulamsa and down to Sanggye station. Click here for a subway map

What you’ll see- These hikes are fairly easy and there are several small temples to see along the way.

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

INWANGSAN- This hiking area is in the north western part of Seoul.
Getting there-
Course 1 is the longest course.(See Map) Get off at Gyeongbokkung station, line 3 exit 1. Take bus 89,150,59,135,135-1 or 135-2 and walk 5 minutes to Sajik Park.
Course 2 and 3 Take Dongnimun Station line3
Click here for a subway map

What you’ll see- It’s like Bukhansan, but not as high (338meters). There are a lot of peculiar rock formations.

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

GWANAKSAN- This hiking area is in the Southern part of Seoul.
Getting there- Take subway line2 to Seoul National University and get out exit 3. Get on the bus that goes to the university campus (95,25,94,121,289,303,55-2,114 142). From here you can see the mountain and there are several paths to the peak. Ask a helpful hiker to show you the way.
Govt Complex Gwacheon on line 4, exit 10. Take the path west. It’s a 40 minute hike up to the first temple and 20 minutes more to the second one with view overlooking the city.
There are also hikes from:
Sadang Station line 2, exit 4
Gwanak station- Line 1, exit 2
Gwacheon station- Line 4, exit 7
Click here for a subway map

What you’ll see-This easy hike has great city views, a fortress wall, temples and natural springs.

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

NAMHANSANSEONG- This easy hike is 20km southeast of the city center.
Getting there- Subway line 8 to Namhansanseong, exit 1. Then take any bus a short way up the road to the park entrance. Click here for a subway map

What you’ll see- Butterflies, dragonflies, Yeongchunjeong pavilion, Yi hoe’s shrine fortress walls, city views, fresh water springs, small temples

Hiking, camping and climbing gear can be found in Namdaemun Market on the outer street in between entrance gate 4 and 5. Happy trails!

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