Seoul's Best Hiking Trails: Inwangsan to Bukhansan

Unlike most megacities built on flat plains, Seoul is heavily mountainous. Hiking (deungsan) is essentially the national pastime of South Korea. Combining rigorous exercise with spectacular cliffside views and ancient fortresses, hitting the trails is a mandatory experience for active travelers.

1. Inwangsan: The Ancient Wall Hike

If you want stunning skyline views without extreme exertion, Inwangsan is perfect. Located just behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, the trail follows the restored ancient Seoul City Wall. The hike features a mix of dirt paths, wooden stairs, and rocky inclines.

The Reward: Near the peak, you can look down over the blue tiles of the Blue House (the former presidential residence), the grand palace, and the massive N Seoul Tower in the distance.

2. Bukhansan: The Ultimate Granite Peak

Bukhansan National Park forms the rugged northern boundary of Seoul. This is a serious hike requiring proper footwear. The most popular peak is Baegundae (836 meters). The final ascent involves pulling yourself up steep exposed granite using embedded steel cables.

Pro Tip: After completing the hike down, join the locals at the base of the mountain for massive plates of Pajeon (scallion pancakes) and Makgeolli (milky rice wine), a deeply ingrained post-hike tradition.

3. Namsan: The Casual Urban Stroll

If you prefer a paved, gentle walk rather than a rugged hike, Namsan Mountain (home to the N Seoul Tower) is ideal. Located dead-center in the city, the paths are fully paved, brilliantly lit at night, and lined with cherry blossoms in the spring and bright red foliage in the fall. It easily accessible from Myeongdong or Itaewon.

4. Gwanaksan: The Rugged Southern Guardian

Towering over the southern borders of the city near Seoul National University, Gwanaksan is famous for its rocky ridges and the breathtaking Yeonju Dae hermitage—a tiny Buddhist temple perched precariously on a sheer cliff face. It’s less tourist-heavy than Bukhansan but equally stunning.