When you consider mountain climbing, plenty of locations come to thoughts – from the Alps to the Himalayas of Nepal. However have you ever ever thought-about South Korea? Mountain climbing in Seoul is a novel expertise, full with beautiful views, simple accessibility, and all method of terrains. Nicole, our Journey Excursions Gross sales Advisor, gave us the lowdown on the perfect spots and high suggestions for mountain climbing in Seoul.
I had absolutely the pleasure of residing in Seoul for 2 and a half years, and one in every of my absolute favorite actions to do on the weekend was to climb one of many many beautiful mountains which are positioned inside and round Seoul. If you’re planning on spending time within the metropolis and are up for a hike, preserve studying for some nice suggestions!
Enjoyable reality: Mountains cowl 70% of South Korea’s territory!
The place to Hike:
Seoul has quite a few mountains in and round itself, so there are tons to select from. They provide a collection of trails for all talents, so whether or not you’re a newbie searching for a great stroll, or a mountain climbing professional searching for a problem, there will probably be a mountain for you!
Namsan
Altitude: 270m
Should you’re new to mountain climbing, that is the place it would be best to begin. Namsan gives a nice hike as much as the long-lasting Namsan Tower. You possibly can comply with the principle path up and attain the summit inside an hour – there’s additionally a cable automobile and buses, which you’ll be able to take up and down the mountain if you’re trying to relaxation your legs! Namsan is positioned centrally in Seoul, with Myeongdong being the closest subway station. It’s a tough one so that you can miss, as Namsan Tower stands tall at its peak. It’s the proper introduction to the spectacular views that mountain climbing in Seoul can give you!
Achasan
Altitude: 295.7m
Followers of BTS might recognise this mountain from when RM and V misplaced a problem on RUN BTS. Nonetheless, even in case you’re not a Okay-Pop fan, this mountain nonetheless makes for an awesome climb and gives implausible panoramic views of Seoul. This can be a comparatively simple and low-altitude climb. Solely 40 minutes from Achasan Station, right here you may as well discover Goguryeojeong Pavillion and nice views of the town. This implies you don’t even have to go to the height of the mountain to get the views! You possibly can then resolve if you wish to proceed the path or flip again and head again down. Achasan is positioned within the east aspect of Seoul, not too removed from Seoul Forest or Seoul Youngsters’s Grand Park Zoo.
After your hike, in case you fancy going someplace lively, you may need to head to Konkuk College Station, the place yow will discover countless bars, eating places, cafes and retailers. You’ll have undoubtedly earned a great meal and a refreshing drink after your hike!
Yongmasan
Altitude: 348m
Linked to Achasan by the Seoul path, you’ll discover Yongmasan. A better mountain with great views (and lots of stairs alongside the way in which) assure you may be working these legs! There’s an choice to begin a path from Yongmasan Waterfall Park, the place you may benefit from the views of the waterfall and watch individuals try the climbing partitions that are additionally positioned there.
On the way in which down, we ended up on a route that was fairly difficult and steep, so it’s value doing a little further analysis on the perfect trails down earlier than heading up the mountain! Upon getting made it again down the mountain, you might fancy leaping on the subway to Seoul Forest and Seongsu Cafe Road, the place you’ll discover some a lot wanted refreshments.
Gwanaksan
Altitude: 632m
There are numerous trails to comply with up this mountain, with some being simpler than others – so it’s undoubtedly one to analysis beforehand!
Situated in southern Seoul, we adopted the route from Sadang Station, passing temples, sculptures and even some navy bunkers en route. Our purpose was to succeed in the remaining space, as we knew after this level it was going to be barely too difficult for our capability. Should you’re a pro-hiker, this may very well be the one for you! Observe the numerous wood and steel staircases and take within the view of the town. It’s occasions like this while you realise simply how massive Seoul is – and the way superb the panorama appears, the place the buildings and the mountains meet.
Bukhansan
Altitude: 836m
This was the hardest hike I did in Seoul, however one which was undoubtedly definitely worth the sweat. The views while you stand on the peak are spectacular, the surroundings alongside the way in which is gorgeous, and also you’ll uncover hidden gems inside Bukhansan Nationwide Park. Should you’re following the Baegundae Peak path, be warned that the ultimate half is just not for the faint-hearted, as you’ll comply with many stairs, holding on to the fastened rope for help, as you climb the steepest a part of the mountain. On the high of the mountain, you’ll discover a big rock face to sit down, admire the view, and luxuriate in a nicely deserved snack.
Bukhansan is positioned north-west of Seoul and is definitely a hike you’ll want a complete day for!
Seoraksan
Altitude: 1,708m
Situated outdoors of Seoul (however a part of one in every of our South Korea tour itineraries), Seoraksan Nationwide Park is dwelling to probably the most spectacular mountains within the nation. Right here, you’ll discover Buddhist Temples, all method of natural world, and a cable automobile that may take you as much as one of many peaks of Seoraksan in case you don’t fancy a hike. There’s an entry payment to the park – however if you’re collaborating in our 12-day tour, that is included in your journey!
There are numerous size hikes to select from, relying on how a lot time you must spend within the park, your mountain climbing capability, and what you wish to see whilst you stroll.
- Choice 1: You possibly can take the cable automobile, earlier than a 20 minute, mild hike to the height.
- Choice 2: Hike by Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, on a pleasant stroll that takes round 3 hours.
- Choice 3: Hike by the Park’s beautiful waterfalls (Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls) on a trek that takes round 2 hours.
- Choice 4: Hike to Ulsanbawi Rock, on a testing 4 hour hike that can reward you with actually spectacular views.
After your hike, you may head into Sokcho City to search out contemporary seafood and soju, and toast to a profitable hike!
Honourable Mentions:
Daemosan
Altitude: 293m
A small mountain positioned south of the river, I had the pleasure of residing 5 minutes from Daemonsan, so I managed to do that hike a couple of occasions. With views of Gangnam, Lotte Tower and extra, it’s an exquisite mountain to hike if in case you have a free afternoon.
Inwangsan
Altitude: 338m
This can be a hike to do if you’re trying to see among the greatest sights of Seoul alongside the way in which. Following the Seoul Fortress Wall, you might even see glimpses of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower and the President’s Blue Home.
Enjoyable reality: Did you discover that each one the names of the mountains finish with ‘san’? Effectively ‘Mountain’ in Korean is ‘San’ ( 산 ).
How one can get there:
When the town is stuffed with mountains, it isn’t too difficult to search out them, and for a lot of of those hikes in Seoul, some trails could be discovered solely 5-10 minutes from a subway exit.For navigating round Seoul, I might advocate downloading the app Naver Map or Kakao Map. Each have English and make discovering your approach across the metropolis a lot simpler! (I might additionally advocate downloading Kakao Metro to assist navigate the metro system.)
What to pack:
It’s vital to be ready when mountain climbing in Seoul, particularly if you’re trying to courageous a mountain like Bukhansan. Make sure to bear in mind the next:
- Backpack or a cross-body bag: A small bag that’s snug to hold.
- Comfy sneakers and appropriate clothes: These hikes don’t require full mountain climbing boots, nonetheless, do make sure that your sneakers are snug and supportive – with good grip. Dressing for the event is at all times vital, because the climate in Korea can change relying on while you go to.
- Water: There’s nothing worse than operating out of water midway up the mountain! Make sure to deliver a great sized bottle (or two) and preserve hydrated as you stroll.
- Snacks: Once you’ve labored up a sweat, caught your breath, and admired the view, you may discover that you’re prepared for a snack! You could discover some individuals promoting ramen or ice cream on the mountain, however if you wish to be ready with your individual, head to the comfort retailer earlier than you begin the hike, and choose up some scrumptious snacks like gimbap, candy potato, or potato chips.
So there you’ve it! Mountain climbing in Seoul is an incredible strategy to get to know the town and its superb environment – and with all these mountains to select from, you’ll be sure you discover a path for you. Should you’d prefer to study extra in regards to the time we spend in Seoul and Seoraksan, head to our tour itinerary right here.
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