Seoul isn’t just neon lights and palaces—it’s a hiker’s paradise! While Bukhansan grabs headlines, these lesser-known trails offer serene nature, cultural secrets, and Instagram-worthy views without the crowds. Lace up your boots and explore like a local!
1. Buramsan Mountain (북한산) – The Fortress Explorer
📍 Location
Near Gangbuk-gu. Take Line 4 to Suyu Station (Exit 3), then bus 1144 to Buramsan trail entrance.
🌄 Why You’ll Love It
Walk along ancient fortress walls (part of Bukhansanseong) with panoramic city vistas. The “Heungwangsa Temple” route (3.5km, ⏱ 2 hours) reveals moss-covered shrines and spring azaleas.
📌 Tip: Moderate difficulty. Pack water—vendors are scarce. Best at sunrise when fog hugs the valley!
2. Achasan Mountain (아차산) – History Meets Skyline
📍 Location
Eastern Seoul. Ride Line 5 to Gwangnaru Station (Exit 2), then 10-min walk to trailhead.
🏯 Adventure Highlights
Climb past WWII bunkers and a mini-Great Wall to a peak overlooking Han River and Lotte Tower. The “East Seoul Wall Trail” (4km, ⏱ 2.5 hours) ends at Yongmasan Falls—perfect for cooling off!
🍱 Foreigner-Friendly Perk: Grab kimchi-mari (seaweed rolls) at base stalls. Easy-moderate grade.
3. Guryongsan Mountain (구룡산) – Bamboo Forest Escape
📍 Location
Near Seocho-gu. From Line 3 Suseo Station (Exit 5), take bus 4432 to Guryongsa Temple stop.
🎋 Secret Sauce
Wander through whispering bamboo groves leading to Guryongsa Temple (9th-century!). The “Valley Path” (5km loop, ⏱ 3 hours) peaks at rocky outcrops with sunset views over Gangnam’s skyscrapers.
⚠️ Note: Steep sections—hiking poles help. Visit weekdays to spot deer!
4. Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산) – Seoul’s Spiritual Hike
📍 Location
Downtown! Accessible from Gyeongbokgung Palace. Walk 15 mins from Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station.
🧘♀️ Unforgettable Vibes
Combine culture + cardio! Trek past shamanist shrines with drumming rituals, then scale ridges framing Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower. The “Seoul City Wall Trail” section (2.7km, ⏱ 1.5 hours) is short but magical at golden hour.
📸 Pro Move: Snap the “Dragon’s Back” rock formation—it’s legendary!
✨ Final Tips for Foreign Hikers ✨
- Trail Etiquette: Bow and say “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo) to passing hikers.
- Gear Up: Naver Maps > Google Maps for trails. Rent poles at Namdaemun Market.
- Safety: Download “Emergency Ready” app (disaster alerts in English).
- Post-Hike Bliss: Soak in a jjimjilbang (spa)—try Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station.
Seoul’s mountains are whispering your name. Ditch the guidebooks, embrace hidden paths, and see why locals say, “When in doubt, hike it out!” 🥾✨
Got questions? Drop them below—we’re trail experts!