South Korea is a hiker’s land, and it has numerous landscapes ranging from mountains to coastal trails. As a beginner or expert looking for a walk or peak challenge, Korea’s very well-maintained hiking trails have something for everyone. This guide notes some of the very latest news on the best hiking spots in South Korea-under beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level trails.
Beginner-Friendly Trails1. Namsan Seoul Tower Trail (Seoul)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Length: 2 km (round trip)
Highlight: Panoramic views of Seoul from N Seoul TowerFor those looking to enjoy a light hike within the city, Namsan Mountain is the perfect choice. This short yet scenic trail is ideal for beginners and families. With multiple entry points, well-paved paths, and rest stops, it offers an easy yet rewarding experience.
Jeju Olle Trail (Jeju Island)Difficulty:
- Easy to moderate
- Trail Length: 425 km (21 segments)
Highlight: Stunning coastal views and Jeju’s unique volcanic landscapesThe Jeju Olle Trail consists of several routes along the coastline of the island Jeju. Breathtaking, discovers from those amazing views of ocean, lava cliffs and all local villages through Jeju Olle Trail. For novice hikers, they can choose segments to shorten and make the hike easier, or just do a long trek for a multi-day experience.
Intermediate Trails3: Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Length: Varies (5-10 km)
Highlight: Granite Peaks, Buddhist temples, and city views Bukhansan has become a hiking haven for denizens of Seoul. One of the most well-frequented routes is the Baegundae Peak Trail which takes hikers to touch the highest point of the park at 836 meters. This trekking route passes through tranquil temples, rocky paths, and has many stunning view points overlooking the Seoul skyline.
irisan National Park (South Gyeongsang & Jeollabuk-do)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Length: 8-20 kms
Highlight: first national park of Korea and brilliant colors of fall foliageThese are some of the most scenic trails in Korea, offering a combination of forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. There is the Nogodan Peak Trail characterized by marvelous panoramic views while an extreme ascent is not actually needed, which is very good for intermediate hikers.
Advanced Trails5. Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon Province)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Length: 10-16 km
Highlight: Rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks in winterThe Seoraksan is acclaimed to be one among the most beautiful national parks in Korea, which has invited several good hikers into its challenging terrains. Ulsanbawi Rock Trail is one of the best rovers which really includes steep climbs, crazy rock formations, and one of the best sunrise viewpoints in entire Korea.
Mount Hallasan (Located in Jeju Island)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Length: 9.6 km (Seongpanak) / 8.7 km (Gwaneumsa)
Highlight: South Korea’s topmost peak at 1,947 mHallasan is an extinct volcano at the center of Jeju Island. The two paths going to the summit crater, namely Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, give breathtaking views of the island below. Thus, only experienced hikers with knowledge of the unpredictable weather at this height should take this mountain.
Latest Updates & News (2025)Seoraksan Cable Car Expansion: Plans underway to expand the Seoraksan cable car so as to improve accessibility for those not able to hike the steep trails.
Jirisan Eco-Tourism Initiative: The new eco-tourism programs in Jirisan National Park offer sustainable hiking and conservation opportunities.
New Segments on the Jeju Olle Trail: These routes connect through hidden coastal paths and volcanic rock formations.
Safety Regulations Update: An update of hiking regulations in South Korea now requires hikers to register before tackling certain advanced trails, like Hallasan and Seoraksan.
ConclusionSouth Korea stands as one of the premier locations for hiking in all of Asia, with trails for all levels of experience. Whether you fancy an easy urban hike in the capital city of Seoul or a hard climb up Hallasan, that perfect trail is available for you. With infrastructure for hiking being improved regularly, now is the best time to explore Korea’s natural beauty.
