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Thanks to the global popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, many foreign tourists are becoming intrigued by Korean culture and lifestyle—including the country's love for hiking. Hiking is a deeply rooted part of Korean daily life, not just a recreational activity but a social and even spiritual tradition. On weekends, it's common to see locals of all ages gathering in trailhead areas, dressed in colorful hiking gear, chatting over makgeolli after a trek, or doing warm-up stretches as a group.
What makes Seoul stand out is the way it effortlessly blends nature with modern convenience. Mountains like Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Gwanaksan are located right at the edge of the city, often just one subway stop away. Foreign visitors are amazed that they can access well-maintained hiking trails without leaving the urban center.
A Mountain One Subway Stop Away
In Seoul, all you need to do is hop on the subway. Within minutes, you're at the foot of a major mountain:
- Bukhansan: Get off at Bukhansan Ui Station (Line Ui-Sinseol, Exit 2), walk 5 minutes to Seoul Hiking Tourism Center.
- Bugaksan: Reachable from Anguk Station or Gwanghwamun area by bus or foot.
- Gwanaksan: Use Gwanaksan Station (Sillim Line, Exit 1); the hiking center is located on B1 of the station.
These trails are not only scenic but also easily accessible, making them ideal for travelers with limited time or no car.
Rent Everything You Need
At Seoul’s official hiking centers, visitors can rent professional gear including boots, hiking poles, and clothing—making it ideal for travelers without equipment. There are also clean shower rooms, changing areas, and even lockers available. Multilingual assistance is provided in English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and more. Some centers even offer guided tours and stretching programs.
- Hiking boots, clothing, poles, gloves, crampons (seasonal)
- Shower rooms, changing rooms, coin lockers, lounge areas
- Friendly multilingual support staff
Local Food After the Hike
After descending from the mountain, many hikers enjoy traditional Korean comfort foods available near trail entrances. Popular dishes include:
- Haemul-pajeon: Savory seafood pancakes
- Sundubu-jjigae: Soft tofu stew
- Kimchi-jeon: Spicy kimchi pancakes
- Doenjang-jjigae: Fermented soybean paste stew
These meals are often accompanied by a bowl of makgeolli, a slightly sweet and fizzy Korean rice wine that's particularly refreshing after physical activity. Many local restaurants around Seoul’s mountains specialize in these dishes and cater to hikers. It's a chance not only to refuel, but also to experience the communal spirit of Korean mountain culture—sharing food and conversation after a satisfying trek.
Right Back to the City
What makes Seoul’s hiking so unique is that you can go from mountain to city center in minutes. For example:
- Bugaksan: Finish your hike and head straight to Samcheong-dong, Gwanghwamun, or Insadong for cafes, galleries, and shopping.
- Gwanaksan: After your hike, take a short ride to Gangnam or enjoy the Sillim nightlife district.
This rare combination of convenience, comfort, and culture makes Seoul the only city in the world where you can hike a national park, dine like a local, and visit luxury shopping streets all in the same day.
📌 Final Thoughts
Seoul offers the world’s most unique blend of urban life and natural escapes. Nowhere else can you hike a national park, shower, eat, and be in a shopping district—all in one afternoon. If you're visiting Korea, don't miss this world-class experience. Even if you're not an experienced hiker, Seoul makes it easy to join the tradition—and fall in love with Korea’s mountains.
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