South Korea is the Hiking Haven You Should Know About

While some parts of Asia are flooded with Australian tourists, South Korea is the most underrated, bursting with epic mountain energy. Explorer Emily takes us to its tallest highlights.

Quick Overview

Dense with dramatic, craggy mountains, cascading waterfalls, and biodiverse landscapes – plus interesting culture and food – South Korea should be next on your list for hiking in Asia.

Mountain views in Hallasan National Park

About South Korea

When it comes to hiking, South Korea is just starting to get noticed internationally. The small but mostly mountainous country has 22 national parks, many home to Buddhist temples and monuments. 

All hiking hotspots are only a few hours away from notable cities, meaning you can experience the seriously incredible food and culture of South Korea plus its impressive landscapes in close succession. 

South Korea’s three tallest mountains – Hallasan, Jirisan, and Seoraksan – are the top three places to check out when you visit.

Seoraksan National Park | Photo by Korea Tourism Organisation

History of National Parks in South Korea

With a complex geo-political history, the concept of protecting natural areas wasn’t established in South Korea until the 1960s. In a relatively short period, of time the country has since created 22 national parks.

Jirisan National Park is South Korea’s first and largest national park, established in 1967, with a large focus on conservation. Both the Hallasan and Seoraksan regions have been titled UNESCO Biosphere Reserves due to their unique flora and fauna.

All parks are governed by the Korea National Park Service, except for Hallasan on Jeju Island, which is self-governed to honour the unique culture, language, and environment of the island and its Indigenous peoples.

Stunning clear water worth protecting on the Jirisan Peak Trail

How to Get to National Parks in South Korea

Mt Jirisan National Park

By Bus

The easiest access to Mt Jirisan National Park is via public transport from gateway towns Namwon or Gurye. From Gurye, there’s a bus which takes you to the start of the Jirisan Peak Hike at Nogodan. 

If travelling back to Seoul, there’s a direct Intercity bus from Jungsan-ri (Sancheong) at the end of the trek, departing a couple of times per day. 

Regional buses depart from Jungsan back to Gurye, taking three to four hours. 

Hallasan National Park

Jeju Island can be reached by ferry from the mainland or by plane (internationally from Taiwan, China or Japan, or from 13 domestic airports in Korea).

By Bus

Buses regularly depart from Jeju City downtown to the entry points for Mt Halla (Seongpanak Trail and Gwaneumsa Trail). 

By Car

Car rental is available on Jeju Island but you’ll need to plan your hike so that you return to your vehicle.  

Seoraksan National Park

By Bus

Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to the city of Sokcho (approximately four hours), then take one of the frequent regional buses to the national park entrance. Bus tickets can be reserved in advance.  

Car hire is available in Seoul and the drive to Seoraksan takes 2.5 hours.

You can also get a taxi from Sokcho to the entrance of the national park, instead of taking the bus.

With sunrises like this waiting for you, the travel is worth it

Where to Stay in National Parks in South Korea

Jirisan National Park

Gurye is situated along a river that’s right on the edge of the Jirisan National Park. It has many family-owned lodges and small hotels to stay in. 

Campgrounds are situated on the edges of the national park. Alternatively, you can reserve one of the many mountain shelters along the hiking trails. 

Jeongtongbak shelter is where you’ll stay on night two of the hike to Jirisan Peak

Hallasan National Park

Camping is possible at the entrance of the Gwaneumsa Trail in Hallasan National Park. There’s no camping permitted on the Gwaneumsa Trail itself and any hiking must be completed during the day.

There are also many accommodation options in Jeju City, approximately one hour away by bus. 

The frozen crater visible from the summit is not somewhere you’d want to be overnight

Seoraksan National Park

There are a couple of campgrounds in Seoraksan National Park but none on the trails.

Sochko is a coastal town popular among tourists with all types of accommodation, from cheap hostels to luxury resorts. Staying in town the night before and after entering Seoraksan is quite convenient if you don’t want to stay in the national park. 

Sochko Korean red pine | Photo via Lee Bumsu and the Korean Tourism Organisation

Where to Eat Near National Parks in South Korea

Grab a meal at a locally owned restaurant or cafe after your hike.

Some favourites in Gurye include artisan Mogwol Bakery, Earthen Pot restaurant for a sizzling wild vegetable and mushroom Bibimbap, or Baengyeon Sanbang for traditionally prepared whole fish with many banchan (sides).

In Jeju City, go to the Dongmun Traditional Market for grilled pork specialties sold from street vendors, beautifully fresh sliced raw fish with dipping sauce, or pick up some Jeju citrus to take on your walk. For a heartier meal, Gwangyang Noodles specialises in rich pork noodle soup

Essential Gear for Hiking in South Korea

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Gas stove 
• Food (some national parks have cafes or convenience stores at the entrance but it’s always best to have extra)
• Water bottle
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Warm layers and a raincoat 
• Gloves 
• Head torch
• Good hiking shoes
• First aid kit
• Hiking poles 
• Camera
• Download Naver or Kakao Maps before you arrive in South Korea, as Google Maps doesn’t function well

What It’s Like to Hike in South Korea

South Korea, like many of its regional counterparts, weaves Buddhist cultural history effortlessly into its natural environment. Staying in mountain shelters allows you to slow down and take in the environment, while interacting with other friendly locals on the trail. Sleeping quarters are separated by gender and feature heated wooden floors. You’ll be given a number upon registration to lay down your mat and belongings.  

The gateway towns near the national parks have their own charm and are worth taking extra time to enjoy. Every town has a traditional market, restaurants, and cafes where you can try the specialties of the region. Make sure to visit a local traditional sauna and bathhouse to wind down and soak tired muscles. 

Highly recommend lunch at Baengyeon Sanbang Gurye, near Jirisan

Hiking the Jirisan Peak Trek

Jirisan National Park borders three provinces – North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang. You’re never too far from a neighbouring regional town but it’s easy to become totally absorbed in the landscape and forget you’re near civilisation. 

The memorable Jirisan Peak Trek begins with a gradual ascent toward Nogodan Peak, where many day hikers will stop. There are numerous timber shelters in the park so you can choose your own pace, but most people stay in Yeonhacheon shelter on night one and Jeongtongbak shelter on night two, before ascending Cheongwangbong Peak (1,915m) for sunrise on the final day. 

You’ll be spending plenty of time under the canopy

Walking approximately 10-14km daily, you’ll follow an undulating, rocky path, literally tracing the ridgeline. There’s thick forest, expansive views over distant layered mountains, big boulders to scramble, and the descending valley is pronounced by a large cascading river and waterfalls.

There are a LOT of steps (a common thread in South Korea), but it’s a peak trek after all. Signs warning of the presence of Asiatic black bears are prevalent, so stick to the trail and don’t leave food lying around. 

Hiking Mt Halla

South Korea’s tallest mountain (1,947m) is a volcano crater in the middle of unique subtropical Jeju Island. The two options for ascending are a gradual path from the eastern Seongpanak car park or a steeper climb starting from Gwaneumsa. 

The latter is more difficult but more scenic, passing through stunning forest where dark volcanic rock is visible on the forest floor and gullies. After you reach the second checkpoint, the path leaves the forest and exposes a bridge suspended over the valley. The rocky outer wall of Mt Halla imposes on either side as you commence the final climb up a staircase to the summit. 

The path is wonderfully easy to follow

From November there’s a chance of snowfall covering the path and steps, and crampons are required. At the summit there are wooden platforms to sit and enjoy lunch, gaze at the crater lake or revel in the expansive views over Jeju Island (provided it’s not covered by clouds!). 

Pre-registering your hike is mandatory as entrance is via a ticketed system that only allows a set number of visitors every two hours. You need to reach the checkpoints along the trail by specific times in order to be permitted to continue to the top.

Hiking in Seoraksan National Park

Located in north-east South Korea in the Gangwon Province, this national park is a favourite among locals and international visitors. It’s close to Seoul and has an outstanding rocky landscape, with at least 30 jagged peaks ascending over the misty valley. 

Sunrise over Seoraksan Mountain | Photo via Korea Tourism Organisation

There are a number of short day hikes you can explore to get a feel for the terrain, including highlights like waterfalls, caves, and epic hills covered in boulders. If your legs are tired you can take a cable car and walk a short way up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress. 

Boksungatang | Photo via Nam Kimoon and the Korean Tourism Organisation

The peak most worth bagging though, is Daecheongbong, the tallest in the park. Usually attempted as an overnight hike, most hikers stay at Juncheong shelter and then rise before dawn to climb to the top of the peak for sunrise the following day. Taking the path one way – Seorakdong to Dacheongbong to Osaek – is a 16km trek through steep rocky paths, dense forests, multiple streams, and fields of wildflowers.

Seoraksan National Park | Photo via Korea Tourism Organisation

Tips for Hiking in South Korea

• You can only book national park shelters 14 days in advance. This website is suitable for foreigners and allows you to book and pay cash on arrival (approximately $13 AUD per night)
• Start your hikes early 
• Shelters stock some emergency supplies like gas, water, batteries, and instant noodles. You’ll need cash to pay for these
• Transport to major national parks is generally easier and more direct if travelling from a major city. Regional buses and trains will also get you there but with many more stops and less frequent scheduling. This isn’t a bad way to see the countryside if you have the time
• Visit between September and October if you want to go hiking. This is when the promise of crimson and orange leaves turn the national parks into picture-perfect destinations with ideal weather for walking. It’s also the busiest time for locals to be out and about. It’s not uncommon to be joined by many like-minded early risers so be prepared for a crowd at times
• Many national parks have fire-prevention closures in place from mid-November to mid-December and spring closures between March and mid-May
• Gas stoves can only be used in designated cooking areas (at the shelters)

FAQs Hiking in South Korea

How long does it take to fly from Australia to South Korea?

Average flight time from Australia to South Korea is 10.5 hours, direct.

When is the best time to visit South Korea for hiking?

The ideal hiking months fall between September and October. Be mindful that weather in mountainous regions is unpredictable and you may still encounter snow and ice during your visit.

Do you need a car to reach these hikes in South Korea?

No, you don’t need a car. The three hikes detailed above can all be reached by public transport.

Header image thanks to Korea Tourism Organisation