Climbing in Seoul: The place to Go & What to Carry

When you consider climbing, plenty of locations come to thoughts – from the Alps to the Himalayas of Nepal. However have you ever ever thought-about South Korea? Climbing in Seoul is a novel expertise, full with gorgeous views, straightforward accessibility, and all method of terrains. Nicole, our Journey Excursions Gross sales Advisor, gave us the lowdown on the perfect spots and prime suggestions for climbing in Seoul.

I had absolutely the pleasure of residing in Seoul for 2 and a half years, and considered one of my absolute favorite actions to do on the weekend was to climb one of many many gorgeous mountains which can be positioned inside and round Seoul. If you’re 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 number of trails for all skills, so whether or not you’re a newbie searching for stroll, or a climbing professional searching for a problem, there might be a mountain for you! 

Namsan

Altitude: 270m

In the event you’re new to climbing, that is the place you’ll want to begin. Namsan gives a pleasing hike as much as the enduring 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 take up and down the mountain if you’re trying to relaxation your legs! Namsan is positioned 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 Ok-Pop fan, this mountain nonetheless makes for a terrific climb and gives improbable panoramic views of Seoul. It is a comparatively straightforward and low-altitude climb. Solely 40 minutes from Achasan Station, right here you can even 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 resolve if you wish to proceed the path or flip again and head again down. Achasan is positioned within the east aspect of Seoul, not too removed from Seoul Forest or Seoul Youngsters’s Grand Park Zoo. 

After your hike, in case you fancy going someplace vigorous, you would possibly wish to head to Konkuk College Station, the place yow will discover countless bars, eating places, cafes and outlets. You’ll have positively earned meal and a refreshing drink after your hike! 

Yongmasan

Altitude: 348m 

Related to Achasan by the Seoul path, you will see Yongmasan. The next mountain with fantastic views (and plenty 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 possibly can benefit from the views of the waterfall and watch folks try the climbing partitions that are additionally positioned there.

On the best way down, we ended up on a route that was fairly difficult and steep, so it’s value performing some additional analysis on the perfect trails down earlier than heading up the mountain! After getting made it again down the mountain, you could fancy leaping on the subway to Seoul Forest and Seongsu Cafe Avenue, the place you will see 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 positively one to analysis beforehand! 

Situated in southern Seoul, we adopted the route from Sadang Station, passing temples, sculptures and even some navy bunkers en route. Our aim was to succeed in the remaining space, as we knew after this level it was going to be barely too difficult for our capability. In the event you’re a pro-hiker, this could possibly be the one for you! Observe the numerous wood and steel staircases and take within the view of town. It’s instances like this if you realise simply how massive Seoul is – and the way superb the panorama seems, the place the buildings and the mountains meet. 

Bukhansan 

Altitude: 836m 

This was the hardest hike I did in Seoul, however one which was positively well worth the sweat. The views if 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. In the event 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 assist, as you climb the steepest a part of the mountain. On the prime of the mountain, you’ll discover a big rock face to sit, admire the view, and revel in a nicely deserved snack. 

Bukhansan is positioned north-west of Seoul and is definitely a hike you’ll want an entire day for!

Seoraksan 

Altitude: 1,708m

Situated outdoors of Seoul (however a part of considered one of our South Korea tour itineraries), Seoraksan Nationwide Park is residence to one of the vital spectacular mountains within the nation. Right here, you will see 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 charge 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 a must to spend within the park, your climbing capability, and what you wish to see when you stroll. 

• Possibility 1: You’ll be able to take the cable automotive, earlier than a 20 minute, mild hike to the height.
• Possibility 2: Hike via Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, on a pleasant stroll that takes round 3 hours. 
• Possibility 3: Hike via 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 can reward you with actually spectacular views. 

After your hike, you possibly can head into Sokcho City to search out contemporary seafood and soju, and toast to a profitable hike!

Honourable Mentions:

Daemosan

Altitude: 293m 

A small mountain positioned south of the river, I had the pleasure of residing 5 minutes from Daemonsan, so I managed to do that hike a couple of instances. With views of Gangnam, Lotte Tower and extra, it’s a beautiful mountain to hike if in case you have a free afternoon. 

Inwangsan

Altitude: 338m

It is a hike to do if you’re trying to see a number of the greatest sights of Seoul alongside the best way. Following the Seoul Fortress Wall, you might even see glimpses of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower and Cheong Wa Dae, the previous presidential residence that’s often known as the Blue Home. 

Enjoyable reality: Did you discover that every one the names of the mountains finish with ‘san’? Nicely ‘Mountain’ in Korean is ‘San’ ( 산 ).

How you can get there:

When town is filled 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 suggest downloading the app Naver Map or Kakao Map. Each have English and make discovering your approach across the metropolis a lot simpler! (I’d additionally suggest 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 trying to courageous a mountain like Bukhansan. Remember to keep in mind the next:

• Backpack or a cross-body bag: A small bag that’s snug to hold. 
• Comfy sneakers and appropriate clothes: These hikes don’t require full climbing boots, nevertheless, do make sure that your sneakers are snug and supportive – with good grip. Dressing for the event is all the time essential, because the climate in Korea can change relying on if you go to.
• Water: There’s nothing worse than working out of water midway up the mountain! Remember to convey 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 would possibly discover that you’re prepared for a snack! Chances are you’ll discover some folks 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 choose up some scrumptious snacks like gimbap, candy potato, or potato chips. 

So there you might have it! Climbing in Seoul is an incredible technique to get to know town and its superb environment – and with all these mountains to select from, you’ll make sure you discover a path for you. In the event you’d wish to be taught extra concerning the time we spend in Seoul and Seoraksan, head to our tour itinerary right here.

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