How do you pick where to hike in South Korea? There are so many trail options, it can be difficult to know where to start.
After 5 years of living and hiking in South Korea, in which time I’ve conquered 250+ mountains, here are my top 5 must-hike mountains.
These mountains need to be put on your bucket-list!
They are representative picks that let you see not only the most beautiful parts of the country but showcases its various ecosystems and geological features. They are geographically spread out and range in difficulty from beginner to more advanced.
1. Mt. Seoraksan
Seoraksan National Park is the premier national park in South Korea. The Korean people take great pride in having this park within its borders. Foreigners are introduced to this park while learning Korean – often times this park is used in textbooks.
This park has it all: intense and easy hiking routes, the best autumn views in the country, and accessible to everyone activities such as the cable car and a unique temple complex.
And don’t forget it’s excellent beach-side location! Just a 25 minute drive from Sokcho, a beach vacation spot that offers a ton of excellent seafood options!
This is a trip you will want to do twice!
- Guide on the Main Peak + Dinosaur Ridge
- Guide on the easier hike Ulsanbawi
- Guide to Seoraksan’s Longest Trail
2. Woraksan National Park’s Jaebibong
Woraksan National Park’s Jaebibong has garnered significant attention from international hikers in recent times. It’s fame comes in part from its shorter course and its unmatched river views in South Korea.
It’s located half way between the tourist towns of Suanbo and Danyang, each with their own set of local dishes and outdoor activities that make for an excellent weekend getaway. The parking lot for this hike is shared with a river cruise boat company – a great add on to a day out on Jaebibong!
- Guide to hiking Jaebibong
- Exploring Suanbo
- Exploring Danyang
- Alligator Peak & Café- Another small hike in Woraksan NP only 30 minutes away
3. Mt. Jirisan
Jirisan National Park is both South Korea’s first and largest national park. It’s most well known for its 40km ridge hike, that involves staying on the mountain in the mountain shelters.
Jirisan is a mountain that can put you to the test! With two separate ‘main’ peak areas and many trails leading up to the ridge, there are a plethora of day trip options.
While seemingly geographically isolated in southern South Korea, it’s well connected by bus and train from Seoul – making getting here a breeze!
- Guide to Jirisan Day Hiking options
- Guide to Hiking Jirisan via public transportation
- Review and Guide to backpacking Jirisan (3 day, 2 night)
4. Jeju Island’s Mt. Hallasan
Mt. Hallasan is a thing of dramatic beauty on Jeju Island. Reaching the height of 1,950 meters high, it’s South Korea’s tallest mountain. With four major hiking courses, two of which lead to the peak, there are numerous ways to tackle this mountain.
While it might seem intimidating, worry not! The trails are extremely well maintained and longer than other courses, making the average incline easier to handle than many of Korea’s smaller mountains.
- Guide to reserving your spot to hike Hallasan
- Review of hiking Hallasan
5. Saryang-do Island’s Jirisan
Saryang-do is an island located off the southern coast of South Korea, and can be reached from a harbor out of Tongyeong. On the map, it might seem like the middle of no where, but Tongyeong is well connected to both Busan and Seoul by bus.
It’s famous for its 360 degree views of the ocean and other islands from the ridge line that runs the length of the island. The trail is well maintained and complete with hiking features such as mid-mountain bridges. On the island, there are many excellent seafood restaurants and pensions – so whether you are planning a day trip or weekend getaway you are in for a great time!
- Guide to get to and hiking Saryang-do Island
- Guide to the surrounding area
