Seoul isn’t just a neon-lit metropolis—it’s a city cradled by mountains, threaded with ancient walls, and dotted with hidden trails. Forget crowded tours; lace up your hiking shoes and experience Seoul’s soul through these accessible urban hikes. Here’s your guide to walking where history, nature, and city life collide!
🌿 Course 1: Namsan Mountain Loop (Beginner-Friendly)
📍 Route: Myeongdong Station (Exit 3) → Namsan Oreumi Elevator → N Seoul Tower → Namsan Park Trails → Liberation Gate
📏 Distance/Time: 5 km / 1.5–2 hours
🌟 Highlights:
- Glide up the Namsan Oreumi outdoor escalator (free!) through lush forest.
- Snap panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower (entrance optional).
- Wander shaded paths past octagonal pavilions and fortress walls.
- End at the Liberation Gate for sunset vistas over downtown.
💡 Tips: - Start early to avoid crowds.
- Ride the cable car down (₩14,000 round-trip) if legs tire.
- Nearby Eats: Warm up with tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) in Myeongdong after!
🏯 Course 2: Seoul City Wall Trail: Dongdaemun to Naksan Park (Cultural Gem)
📍 Route: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park → Heunginjimun Gate → Seoul City Wall → Naksan Park → Ihwa Mural Village
📏 Distance/Time: 3.5 km / 2 hours (leisurely pace)
🌟 Highlights:
- Touch 600-year-old stones at Heunginjimun Gate (Great East Gate).
- Walk elevated fortress walls with skyline contrasts.
- Explore Naksan Park’s art installations and pine-scented ridges.
- Descend into Ihwa Mural Village for Instagram-worthy alleys.
💡 Tips: - Wear grippy shoes—some wall sections are steep!
- Detour to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) for futuristic architecture.
- Best at golden hour—watch the city light up!
⛰️ Course 3: Bukhansan Dulegil Trail 1 (Moderate Challenge)
📍 Route: Gupabal Station (Exit 1) → Bukhansan Ui-dulegil (Course 1) → Jingwansa Temple → Return via Bukhansanseong Fortress
📏 Distance/Time: 8 km / 3–4 hours
🌟 Highlights:
- Hike forest valleys alongside streams and maple trees.
- Visit serene Jingwansa Temple (free entry)—try temple sanchae bibimbap nearby.
- Spot granite peaks and hidden fortress ruins.
💡 Tips: - Pack water/snacks—few vendors en route.
- Download KakaoMap or Naver Map (trails are well-marked but winding).
- Combine with Course 2 for a half-day adventure!
🍃 Course 4: Inwangsan Secret Shrine Trail (Offbeat & Spiritual)
📍 Route: Muakjae Station (Exit 2) → Inwangsan Guksadang Shrine → Seonbawi Rocks → Seoul City Wall → Gyeongbokgung Viewpoint
📏 Distance/Time: 4 km / 2 hours
🌟 Highlights:
- Discover Guksadang Shrine, where shamans perform rituals (respect quiet zones!).
- Marvel at Seonbawi (Zen Rocks) shaped like praying monks.
- Unbeatable views of Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern skyscrapers.
💡 Tips: - Avoid weekends—shaman ceremonies peak then.
- Superstition alert: Don’t photograph rituals without permission!
- Cap it off with palace tours or Tongin Market lunch boxes.
✨ Why Hike Seoul?
Seoul’s trails blend cardio with culture—no tour bus needed! You’ll escape crowds, meet locals (hiking is a national pastime!), and see Korea’s harmony of old and new.
Essential Prep:
- 🥾 Footwear: Light hiking shoes or trainers.
- 🚰 Hydration: Fill bottles at public fountains (common in parks).
- 📲 Apps: Naver Map > Google Maps (better for trails).
- 🚇 Transport: Trails start near subway stations—T-money card required!
When to Go:
Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms 🍃 or autumn (October) for fiery foliage 🍁. Summers are humid; winters icy but magical!
Final Thought: Seoul’s mountains are its heartbeat. Hike them, and you’ll take home more than photos—you’ll carry stories of a city that thrives between peaks and pavement. Ready to trek? Your urban adventure starts now! 🥾🇰🇷✨