When you consider climbing, a lot of locations come to thoughts – from the Alps to the Himalayas of Nepal. However have you ever ever thought of South Korea? Climbing in Seoul is a singular expertise, full with gorgeous 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 ideas for climbing in Seoul.
I had absolutely the pleasure of dwelling 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 gorgeous mountains which can be situated inside and round Seoul. In case you are planning on spending time within the metropolis and are up for a hike, maintain 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 on the lookout for an excellent stroll, or a climbing professional on the lookout for a problem, there can be a mountain for you!
Namsan
Altitude: 270m
When you’re new to climbing, that is the place you’ll want to begin. Namsan gives a nice hike as much as the long-lasting Namsan Tower. You’ll be able to 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 if you’re seeking 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 climbing in Seoul can give you!
Achasan
Altitude: 295.7m
Followers of BTS could 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 incredible climb and gives incredible panoramic views of Seoul. It is a comparatively simple and low-altitude climb. Solely 40 minutes from Achasan Station, right here you may also discover Goguryeojeong Pavillion and nice views of town. This implies you don’t even must go to the height of the mountain to get the views! You’ll be able to then determine if you wish to proceed the path or flip again and head again down. Achasan is situated within the east facet of Seoul, not too removed from Seoul Forest or Seoul Youngsters’s Grand Park Zoo.
After your hike, in case you fancy going someplace energetic, you may wish to head to Konkuk College Station, the place you will discover limitless bars, eating places, cafes and outlets. You’ll have undoubtedly earned an excellent meal and a refreshing drink after your hike!
Yongmasan
Altitude: 348m
Linked to Achasan by the Seoul path, you can find Yongmasan. A better mountain with fantastic views (and lots of stairs alongside the best way) assure you may be working these legs! There’s an possibility to start out a path from Yongmasan Waterfall Park, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the views of the waterfall and watch individuals try the climbing partitions that are additionally situated there.
On the best way 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, it’s possible you’ll fancy leaping on the subway to Seoul Forest and Seongsu Cafe Avenue, the place you can find 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 navy bunkers en route. Our purpose was to achieve the remaining space, as we knew after this level it was going to be barely too difficult for our capability. When you’re a pro-hiker, this might be the one for you! Comply with the various picket and metallic staircases and take within the view of town. It’s instances like this whenever you realise simply how huge Seoul is – and the way wonderful the panorama seems to be, 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 whenever you stand on the peak are spectacular, the surroundings alongside the best way is gorgeous, and also you’ll uncover hidden gems inside Bukhansan Nationwide Park. When you’re following the Baegundae Peak path, be warned that the ultimate half isn’t 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, 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 outdoors of Seoul (however a part of one in every of our South Korea tour itineraries), Seoraksan Nationwide Park is dwelling to one of the crucial spectacular mountains within the nation. Right here, you can find Buddhist Temples, all method of wildlife, and a cable automotive that may take you as much as one of many peaks of Seoraksan in case you don’t fancy a hike. There may be an entry price 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 it’s important to spend within the park, your climbing capability, and what you wish to see whilst you stroll.
- Possibility 1: You’ll be able to take the cable automotive, earlier than a 20 minute, light 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 gorgeous 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 actually 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 dwelling 5 minutes from Daemonsan, so I managed to do that hike a number of instances. With views of Gangnam, Lotte Tower and extra, it’s a beautiful mountain to hike when you have a free afternoon.
Inwangsan
Altitude: 338m
It is a hike to do if you’re seeking to see a few of the greatest sights of Seoul alongside the best way. 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’? Effectively ‘Mountain’ in Korean is ‘San’ ( 산 ).
Tips on how to get there:
When 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 may be discovered solely 5-10 minutes from a subway exit.For navigating round Seoul, I’d advocate downloading the app Naver Map or Kakao Map. Each have English and make discovering your means across the metropolis a lot simpler! (I’d additionally advocate downloading Kakao Metro to assist navigate the metro system.)
What to pack:
It’s essential to be ready when climbing in Seoul, particularly if you’re seeking to courageous a mountain like Bukhansan. You’ll want 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 climbing boots, nevertheless, do be certain that your footwear are comfy and supportive – with good grip. Dressing for the event is at all times essential, because the climate in Korea can change relying on whenever you go to.
- Water: There’s nothing worse than working out of water midway up the mountain! You’ll want to convey an excellent sized bottle (or two) and maintain 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 might 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 decide up some scrumptious snacks like gimbap, candy potato, or potato chips.
So there you’ve got it! Climbing in Seoul is an incredible option to get to know town and its wonderful environment – and with all these mountains to select from, you’ll you’ll want to discover a path for you. When you’d prefer to be taught extra concerning the time we spend in Seoul and Seoraksan, head to our tour itinerary right here.
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