Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in South Korea

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This list rounds up the best hikes in Korea for fellow mountain lovers looking to climb epic peaks and relish beautiful vistas.

Hiking is one of South Korea’s most beloved national pastimes, and it’s no wonder why! With 70% of the country’s land covered in mountains, the locals have fallen in love with enjoying the beautiful scenery – and so have I! Making it easy for me to put together an epic bucket list for the best hiking in South Korea.

Hiking in Korea is so popular, that during peak times and weekends the trails are packed. Folks travel from all over, equipped with the best hiking gear, bountiful amounts of food and drink, and all the makings for a lovely day spent in the mountains. The hiking community is fantastic here!

Below are 20 of what I feel are some of the best Korea hiking trails for a memorable in the mountains of South Korean.

Read more: Guide to Hiking for Beginners on a Budget

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At a Glance: Best Places to Hike in South Korea

Many of these beautiful trails are located within national parks of the same name.

20 Best Hiking Trails in Korea for an Epic Adventure

Let’s take a hike together.

1. Palgongsan, Daegu (팔공산자연공원): 3914ft | 1193m

229, Gatbawi-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 동구 갓바위로 229 (진인동)

Palgongsan (Palgong Mountain) lies to the northeast of the city of Daegu. It’s home to three peaks and numerous Buddhist temples and shrines. Not only is it famous for being one of the most sacred mountains in South Korea, but also a favorite place for hiking in Daegu.

The entire length of the ridge is about 24 kilometers and there are so many different ways to hike and enjoy the mountain. Our favorite path to hike Palgongsan is to hike up Gatbawi to enjoy the temple and views, then to take the less busy trail west and descend at Donghwasa. It’s a great way to see IMHO the best views on the ridge as well as get in a fairly interesting and difficult hike. It takes us about 4+ hours to complete.

Palgongsan hiking tips:

• Make time to see the mountain’s many sacred temples and monuments like:
  • Seonbonsa Temple / Gatbawi Stone Buddha
  • Donghwasa Temple
  • Gyejeongsa Temple
  • Pagyesa temple
• Go for a swim and slide down the rock waterfall at the Sutaegol Valley Waterfalls
• Skip the most difficult part of the hike and take the Palgongsan Cable Car up instead
• Book a temple stay at Donghwasa Temple, a classic Korean experience

2. Biseulsan, Daegu (비슬산): 3556ft | 1084m

230, Hyuyangnim-gil, Yuga-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
대구광역시 달성군 유가면 휴양림길 230 (유가면)

Biseulsan mountain range lies to the far south of the city of Daegu. It’s most famous for its absolutely wonderful azalea festival that takes place every spring when the flowers bloom.

In all honesty, if you’re not in Daegu, I only recommend making the trek to hike Biseulsan during the spring season when the azaleas bloom. It’s not too exciting of an experience otherwise, but when the mountainside turns bright pink and purple, it truly is one of my all time favorite experiences with nature. It’s just such a sight to see and I highly recommend it!

Biseulsan hiking tips:

• Visit during the Azalea festival that’s held every spring – usually sometime in May
• Or come for the Biseulsan Ice Festival held every winter
• Hike the twin peaks from Johwabong and Gwangibong
• Pop by the Yugasa Temple.
• Explore the different hiking trails on Biseul Mountain

3. Daedunsan, Jeollabuk-do (대둔산도립공원): 2883ft | 879m

Sanbuk-ri, Unju-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Beolgok-myeon, Nonsan-gun, Chuncheongnam-do
전북 완주군 운주면 산북리 , 충남 논산군 벌곡면, 금산군 진산면

Daedunsan is a beautiful hike and one of my top five hiking spots in Korea. It’s famous for it’s cool cloud bridge that connects one cliff to another as well as its insane suspension stairway ladder thing! If you’re scared of heights, this may not be the attraction for you, but the experience is a lot of fun.

The total hike to the cloud bridge and stairway is only about 2 km one way and then there are trails that follow the ridge for a longer trek. There’s also a cable car that cuts the journey up in half if you so choose. Come early to avoid the crowds and be sure to bring your camera!

Daedunsan hiking tips:

• Don’t miss crossing the Geumgang Cloud Suspension Bridge
• Brave the heights and climb the Samseon Stairway
• Or take a ride on the Daedunsan cable car
• Check out the different Daedunsan hiking trails

4. Naejangsan, Jeollabuk-do (내장산): 2503ft | 763m

Bongdeok-gil, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 순창군 복흥면 봉덕길 일원

Naejangsan is widely regarded as one of the best places to see the autumn foliage in South Korea. The colors turn a vibrant red, yellow and orange and are truly a sight to see, especially as a backdrop to Baekyangsa Temple. Be sure to time your visit just right as peak colors typically only last a week or two!

Photographers and hikers alike love Naejangsan to admire the sweeping views of the ridge, the temple, the waterfalls as well as the circular pavilion that sits upon a reflective lake at the entrance of the park.

Naejangsan hiking tips:

• Visit to see peak fall colors typically around October/November. If you decide to hike the park at this time, prepare for the crowds to start from sunrise
• Stop by Baekyangsa and Naejangsa temples
• Naejangsan has a cable car for those who wish to enjoy mountain views without the climb.
• Learn more about the Naejangsan hiking trails

5. Wolchulsan, Jellanam-do (월출산): 2660ft | 811m

280-43, Cheonhwangsa-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
전라남도 영암군 영암읍 천황사로 280-43

Home to another famous cloud bridge, I think of Wolchulsan as one of the best hikes in Korea, or certainly one of the most difficult. This trail is seriously no joke and is one of the most vertical climbs I have ever hiked. I kid you not when I say at one point the metal staircase clinging to the cliff face was steeper than a 90 degree angle making you feel as if you may just fall backwards off the mountain.

This may be Korea’s smallest national park, but it seriously makes for an epic and exciting hike.

Wolchulsan hiking tips:

• We found the trails here to be unique and challenging featuring rock scrambling, many ups and downs, and many very vertical stair climbs
• You’re rewarded with epic ridge and ocean views
• The famous orange Cloud Bridge is stunning
• Here are the best Wolchulsan Hiking Trails

6. Jagged Ridge Hike: 1309ft | 399m

Saryang-do (사량도지리산)

The Jagged Ridge Hike is often labeled Korea’s most beautiful hike. Located on the small island of Saryang-do off of Geoje Island, you must take a ferry to get there. The entire hike is about 6 km and can be completed in 4 or so hours.

This hike gets its name from the rocky ridges and boulders you hike over. The views of the surrounding islands and ocean are stunning and the trail is one of the most interesting we’ve hiked in our time in Korea!

The ferry leaves from Gaochi Ferry Terminal to Saryang Island. Don’t forget your ARC, you’ll need it to cross.  When you arrive take a bus to the far side of the island, and hike back towards the ferry terminal. Keep an eye on ferry times, so you don’t miss the last one of the day.

Jagged Ridge Attractions:

• Pretty ocean views
• Jagged Ridge Trails

7. Geumsan, Namhae (금산, 남해): 2312ft | 705m

665, Boriam-ro, Sangju-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 남해군 상주면 보리암로 665

Geumsan isn’t a particularly strenuous hike, and you can even drive up to the top if you wish, but the views of the ocean and islands dotting the coastline are lovely. If you choose not to drive, it’s only a short 1.5 km trek to the summit. At the top of the mountain sits Boriam Temple.

I recommend going beyond the temple to see a bit of the ridge before heading back down. The crowds thin out and you can have an awesome viewpoint if you walk just a bit further.

If you drive, parking is 2,000 – 7,500 depending on vehicle size.

Geumsan Hiking Tips:

• The trail leads to the famous cliffside Boriam Temple
• Continue past the temple to reach more view points of ocean and islands
• This trail was nice to go at a leisurely pace and wasn’t overly challenging
• Take your pick from the different Geumsan Hiking Trails

8. Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho (설악산) 5603 ft | 1708m

Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 속초시 설악산로 설악산국립공원 외설악매표소

Seoraksan National Park is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the entire country. There are hiking trails and things to do for people of all ages and abilities, so it’s great for everyone. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in the spring, summer or fall – it’s lovely in all seasons.

You can opt to take a day trip from Seoul – it will be a very full day, but possible – or choose to spend the night. There are traditional Korean guesthouses around the park you can stay at. Even though it’s not actually in Seoul, it’s definitely THE best of the hiking in Seoul / the entire country.

Seoraksan National Park things to do:

• Biseondae Valley – an easy trail for all levels that totals 3 km.
• Ulsanbawi iconic view – a moderate/difficult hike with a lot of stairs, but worth it if you’re up for the challenge. A 2.1 km stair climb up (about 4 km total) that takes 2-3 hours round-trip.
• Geumganggul Cave – a moderate and very steep, but short, hike to a cave carved into the steep face of the mountain. Offers amazing views and the cave is occupied by a monk
• Daecheongbong Peak – the highest in the park. Only if you have the time and are an avid hiker. This hike can take the better part of a day to complete depending on the trail.
• Cable Car to Gwongeumseong Fortress 
• Sinheungsa Temple
• Biryong Falls – a flatish 2.4 km trail through a different valley with numerous waterfalls to marvel at. If you want more of a challenge climb the last 0.6km up to a look-out of the final waterfall.

9. Inwangsan, Seoul (인왕산) 1115ft | 340m

29, Inwangsan-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 인왕산로1길 29 (사직동)

Inwangsan is a section of the famous circular route that encompasses Seoul. The trails follow the ancient fortress walls and offer fantastic views of the palaces, N.Tower and city skyline. Expect to see a scattering military outposts due to the proximity to the Blue House.

This hike along the ancient city walls is fairly easy with a few stair climbs. It should take the average person 2-3 hours depending on time spent to enjoy the views. Try to plan your visit during a clear day (low pollution) so you have the best visibility of the city. This is, in my opinion, one of the best hikes in Seoul.

Inwangsan hiking tips:

• Part of the trail follows the old fortress walls
• This hike features an unobstructed view of Seoul
• There’s a military base along ridge so certain areas are fenced off
• Check out these Inwangsan Hiking Trails

10. Igidae Coastal Trail, Busan (이기대)

68, Igidaegongwon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
부산광역시 남구 이기대공원로 68 (용호동)

The entire coastal edge of Busan is made up of fabulous walking trails. One of the most interesting sections of these coastal trails is Igidae park. In total the trail is about 4 km and does include a few ups and downs, but is more of a walk than a hike up a mountain. It’s one of the easier hikes in Busan, but still very pretty.

Igidae Coastal Trail tips:

• An easy hike with views of Busan’s skyline across ocean.
• Oryukdo Skywalk is a free transparent walkway at the west side of the trail allowing you to peer into the ocean below. Open 9-6, but can vary.
• Learn more about the Igidae Hiking Trails

11. Hallasan, Jeju (한라산): 6387ft | 1947m

2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2070-61

Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest mountain. This dormant volcano is located in the center of Jeju Island. Visitors enjoy making the long trek to the peak to see the crater at the top. Because this hike takes a bit of time, there are certain checkpoints along that way that you must reach by certain times.  

This hike is a bit of a doozy, and takes approximately 9 hours to go up and down the mountain. Although the trails to the top don’t offer the most stunning views, once you get to the top you feel accomplished for seeing the most famous hike in Korea.

Hallasan hiking tips:

• There is a cool crater at the top but in certain weather conditions it may be too foggy to see.
• Korea’s tallest mountain has a long and steady incline and the hike takes over 7 hours to complete.
• Here’s what to know about Hallasan Hiking trails

12. Jirisan, Gyeongsangnam-do (지리산): 6282ft | 1915m

320-2, Jirisan-daero, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 산청군 시천면 지리산대로 320-2

Jirisan is South Korea’s second tallest mountain – first on the mainland – and is a hiker’s favorite for longer, multi-day treks. The ridge can be completed in three days with mountain shelters located along the ridge for overnight stays. Day treks are entirely possible, depending on the trail and route selected and people love to climb to the highest peak and enjoy the sunrise.

Jirisan things to do:

• Hiking to see the sunset at top is a popular thing to do amongst hikers
• It’s possible to turn this hike into a multi-day trek and the mountain has shelters for overnight stays.
• Highlights include views of the scenic Piagol Valley

For more information of how best to hike Jirisan, check out Klimbing Korean Mountains guide. They have a lot of great guides for all things hiking in South Korea!

13. Olle Trails, Jeju

The Olle Trails are a series of paths that loop around the outskirts of Jeju island for a total of about 422 km. The trail is sectioned off into 21 main routes and 5 sub-routes, each with its own designated number. The majority of the trail follows the stunning coast of the island, but also passes through beaches, small villages, farmland and more –  making it a fantastic way to see the island.

Best Olle Trails and Attractions:

• Olle 6 offers views of some of Jeju’s most beautiful coastal sights
• Olle 8 passes the Jusangjeolli cliffs, my Jeju highlight
• Olle 10 encompasses Mt. Songak, with stunning coastal boardwalks to explore
• Olle 14.1 takes you through the Gotjawal forest and green tea fields
• My favorite trails personally are Olle 8 and Olle 10
• See more Olle Hiking trails

14. Bukhansan, Seoul  (북한산): 2742ft | 836m

86, Dobongsan-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 도봉구 도봉산길 86 (도봉동)

Bukhansan is an awesome hike for hiking enthusiasts visiting Seoul. You can get there easily via the subway and there are multiple trails to choose from. Most people traverse the mountain from Bukhansanseong Information Center to one of the many offices on the east side.

This specific trail is about 7-8 km and passes the peak. The summit is famous for its large flat rock surface with wonderful views over Seoul. Many come to have a picnic and a rest at the top before making the trek back down.

Bukhansan hiking tips:

• Highlights of this trail include seeing the Golden Buddha, Seoul’s city walls, and the city skyline.
• To reach the peak is a very steep but short climb with ropes on the rock face.
• This is a very popular hike in Seoul and can get crowded with lines to the top.
• Learn more about the Bukhansan Hiking trails

15. Taebaeksan, Gangwon-do (태백산): 5141ft | 1567m

4778, Taebaeksan-ro, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 태백시 태백산로 4778 (소도동)

Taebaeksan is most famous for its stunning winter landscape. The entire mountainside becomes blanketed in bright white snow in the winter months. Even when you google Taebaeksan, most of the images are of the mountain in winter. If you dare trek in the frigid winter months, be sure to bring your crampons and poles – and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa as well!

Taebaeksan hiking tips:

• Taebaeksan is best known for its beautiful winter scenery and is one of the best things to do in Korea in winter.
• Every winter the mountain hosts an enchanting Snow Festival
• See some of the best Taebaeksan Hiking Trails

16. Namsan, Seoul (남산): 889ft | 271m

231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 삼일대로 231 (예장동)

Probably the most famous mountain in Seoul, this short but steep 45-minute hike upstairs takes you up to the famous N.Tower for a 360 panoramic view over Seoul. Aim to come an hour or so before sunset to see the day and night views in one trip.

Namsan Attractions.

• Cable car: whisks you almost to the top of the hill in 2 minutes for 8,500 return or 6,000 one way.
• N.Tower: 10,000 to head to the top of the tower and admire Seoul. Or just take in the views from the mountain peak
• Learn more about the Namsan Hiking Trail

17. Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju (성산일출봉) 597ft | 182m

284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12

Also famously known as Sunrise Peak, this volcanic crater was created 100,000 years ago. As the nickname says, Seongsan Ilchulbon is a famous place to watch the sunrise and see fields of spring canola flowers. Open between 7-6 (season depending), this short hike to the top is a must-do when in Jeju Island.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Attractions:

• Volcano crater: An impressive landmark at the top.
• Diving women – watch the famous Jeju Haenyeo women perform their traditional prayer routine before diving for up to 7 hours a day and holding their breath for a minute at a time to collect shellfish.
• Heads up: you have to pay to enter the nature area
• Learn more about the Seongsan Ilchulbong Hiking Trail

18. Gayasan (가야산): 4701ft | 1433m 

1200, Gayasan-ro, Gyeongsangbuk-do
경상남도 합천군 가야면 가야산로 1200 , 경남 거창군 가조면, 경북 성주군 수륜면

Gayasan National Park is home to not only to fabulous hiking trails, but the famous Haeinsa Temple. The trail to the peak is a 4.8 km gradual climb, with a short section of stairs and rock traversing towards the end. The trail up is an out and back trail so you’ll come back the same way you came.

Gayasan Attractions.

• Haeinsa Temple: Known as one of the most famous temples in Korea, it’s home to Buddhist scripture carved into 81,350 wooden blogs from the 13th century
• Check out the different Gayasan Hiking Trails

19. Jangsan, Busan (장산): 2080ft | 634m

331-19 Jangsan-ro, Jwa 4-dong, Haeundae, Busan
대천공원부산광역시 해운대구 좌동

Jangsan is a mountain located in the Haeundae district of Busan. This mountain reaches an elevation of 634 m (2,080 ft) and offers stunning views of the city below. It’s a moderate hike that anyone can do and is fairly easy to get to from the city. It’s quite a pretty place to spend the afternoon lost in nature.

Jangsan hiking tips:

• There are active landmines on the mountains from the Korean War so be careful to stay on marked trails and heed the warning signs!
• The pretty Jangsan Waterfall can be found at the start of the trail
• From one point on the trail you can see Busan on the horizon
• The mountain has a unique terrain and has forested portions and rock slides
• Daecheon Park is nearby
• Here’s the main Jangsan Hiking Trail

20. Woraksan (월악산): 3599ft | 1097m

1647, Mireuksonggye-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
충청북도 제천시 한수면 미륵송계로 1647

Woraksan is a beautiful national park located in the center of the country. This challenging hike attracts avid outdoors folk who enjoy a good work out and the reward of the beautiful lake views from the top. Woraksan also has a few waterfalls to see and explore.

I really enjoyed my hike here and even think of Woraksan as one of the hardest hikes in Korea. To get to the peak, the trail is mostly uphill or up via steep stairs. A round trip hike is about 10 km or about 6.25 miles.

Woraksan hiking tips:

• This is a fairly challenging hike with a lot of elevation gain
• At the top enjoy a viewing platform and stairway overlooking stunning lake views
• There are also waterfalls throughout the park
• Check out this helpful Woraksan Hiking Guide

For those who are avid hikers and have the time to spare (aka living in Korea), many people add all of 19 national parks to their bucket list for the best Korean mountains for hiking. There are so many more mountains to explore in this wonderfully mountainous country!

I hope you have fun enjoying the best hiking trails in South Korea! Share below if I’ve missed any exceptional hikes on this list!