When you concentrate on mountain climbing, a number of locations come to thoughts – from the Alps to the Himalayas of Nepal. However have you ever ever thought of South Korea? Mountaineering in Seoul is a novel expertise, full with beautiful views, straightforward accessibility, and all method of terrains. Nicole, our Journey Excursions Gross sales Advisor, gave us the lowdown on the very best 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 all my absolute favorite actions to do on the weekend was to climb one of many many beautiful mountains which are situated inside and round Seoul. In case you are 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 in search of stroll, or a mountain climbing professional in search of a problem, there will probably be a mountain for you!
Namsan
Altitude: 270m
In the event you’re new to mountain climbing, that is the place it would be best to begin. Namsan gives a pleasing hike as much as the enduring Namsan Tower. You possibly can comply with the principle path up and attain the summit inside an hour – there’s additionally a cable automotive and buses, which you’ll be able to take up and down the mountain in case you are trying to relaxation your legs! Namsan is situated 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 if you happen to’re not a Okay-Pop fan, this mountain nonetheless makes for a terrific climb and gives unbelievable panoramic views of Seoul. It is a comparatively straightforward and low-altitude climb. Solely 40 minutes from Achasan Station, right here you can too discover Goguryeojeong Pavillion and nice views of the town. This implies you don’t even must 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 situated within the east aspect of Seoul, not too removed from Seoul Forest or Seoul Youngsters’s Grand Park Zoo.
After your hike, if you happen to fancy going someplace vigorous, you may wish to head to Konkuk College Station, the place yow will discover countless bars, eating places, cafes and outlets. You’ll have undoubtedly earned meal and a refreshing drink after your hike!
Yongmasan
Altitude: 348m
Linked to Achasan by the Seoul path, you will see 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’ll be able to benefit from the views of the waterfall and watch folks try the climbing partitions that are additionally situated there.
On the way in which down, we ended up on a route that was fairly difficult and steep, so it’s price performing some further analysis on the very best trails down earlier than heading up the mountain! After getting made it again down the mountain, you might fancy leaping on the subway to Seoul Forest and Seongsu Cafe Avenue, the place you will see 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!
Positioned in southern Seoul, we adopted the route from Sadang Station, passing temples, sculptures and even some army bunkers en route. Our purpose was to achieve the remainder space, as we knew after this level it was going to be barely too difficult for our means. In the event you’re a pro-hiker, this might be the one for you! Comply with the various picket and steel staircases and take within the view of the town. It’s occasions like this while you realise simply how large 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. In the event 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 assist, 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 revel in a nicely deserved snack.
Bukhansan is situated north-west of Seoul and is definitely a hike you’ll want an entire day for!
Seoraksan
Altitude: 1,708m
Positioned exterior of Seoul (however a part of one in all our South Korea tour itineraries), Seoraksan Nationwide Park is house to one of the spectacular mountains within the nation. Right here, you will see Buddhist Temples, all method of wildlife, and a cable automotive that may take you as much as one of many peaks of Seoraksan if you happen to don’t fancy a hike. There’s an entry payment to the park – however in case you are 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 need to spend within the park, your mountain climbing means, and what you want to see when you stroll.
- Possibility 1: You possibly can take the cable automotive, earlier than a 20 minute, mild hike to the height.
- Possibility 2: Hike by means of Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, on a pleasant stroll that takes round 3 hours.
- Possibility 3: Hike by means of the Park’s beautiful waterfalls (Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls) on a trek that takes round 2 hours.
- Possibility 4: Hike to Ulsanbawi Rock, on a testing 4 hour hike that may reward you with really spectacular views.
After your hike, you’ll be able to head into Sokcho City to search out recent seafood and soju, and toast to a profitable hike!
Honourable Mentions:
Daemosan
Altitude: 293m
A small mountain situated south of the river, I had the pleasure of residing 5 minutes from Daemonsan, so I managed to do that hike just a few occasions. With views of Gangnam, Lotte Tower and extra, it’s an exquisite mountain to hike when you have a free afternoon.
Inwangsan
Altitude: 338m
It is a hike to do in case you are trying to see a number of the finest sights of Seoul alongside the way in which. Following the Seoul Fortress Wall, you may 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’? Properly ‘Mountain’ in Korean is ‘San’ ( 산 ).
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 will be discovered solely 5-10 minutes from a subway exit.For navigating round Seoul, I might suggest downloading the app Naver Map or Kakao Map. Each have English and make discovering your means across the metropolis a lot simpler! (I might additionally suggest downloading Kakao Metro to assist navigate the metro system.)
What to pack:
It’s necessary to be ready when mountain climbing in Seoul, particularly in case you are trying to courageous a mountain like Bukhansan. Remember to bear in mind the next:
- Backpack or a cross-body bag: A small bag that’s comfy to hold.
- Snug footwear and appropriate clothes: These hikes don’t require full mountain climbing boots, nonetheless, do be certain that your footwear are comfy and supportive – with good grip. Dressing for the event is at all times necessary, because the climate in Korea can change relying on while you go to.
- Water: There’s nothing worse than working out of water midway up the mountain! Remember to deliver sized bottle (or two) and preserve hydrated as you stroll.
- Snacks: If you’ve labored up a sweat, caught your breath, and admired the view, you may discover that you’re prepared for a snack! You might discover some folks 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 decide up some scrumptious snacks like gimbap, candy potato, or potato chips.
So there you might have it! Mountaineering in Seoul is a tremendous solution 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. In the event you’d wish to study extra concerning the time we spend in Seoul and Seoraksan, head to our tour itinerary right here.
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