Experience Korea’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems through these carefully curated walking tours designed for foreign visitors. Lace up your most comfortable shoes and let’s discover Korea step by step!
🌆 1. Seoul Heritage Trail: Palaces & Hanok Villages
Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace (Watch the royal guard-changing ceremony at 10am/2pm). Walk through Samcheong-dong’s gallery-lined streets to Bukchon Hanok Village’s traditional houses. End in Insadong for tea ceremonies and artisan crafts.
Tip: Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) for free palace entry!
🌊 2. Busan Coastal Walk: Beaches & Cliffs
Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Begin at Haeundae Beach, stroll along the Dongbaekseom Coastal Trail to Nurimaru APEC House. Continue to Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk overlooking jagged cliffs. Finish with sunset views at Gwangalli Beach with Diamond Bridge illuminations.
Must-try: Fresh sashimi at Jagalchi Fish Market!
🏮 3. Jeonju Hanok Village: Food & Tradition
Duration: Full Day | Difficulty: Easy
Wander through 800+ traditional hanok houses. Join a bibimbap cooking class (Korea’s UNESCO-listed dish). Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Omokdae Pavilion viewpoint. At dusk, explore Pungnam-dong’s lantern-lit alleys and craft breweries.
Food crawl: Korean pancakes, makgeolli (rice wine), and kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup).
🍃 4. Seoraksan National Park: Mountain Wonders
Duration: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
From Sogongwon Park, hike to Ulsanbawi Rock (876 steps!) for panoramic views. Descend through Biryong Falls Valley. Reward yourself with sundubu jjigae (spicy tofu stew) in Sokcho town. Autumn foliage (Oct-Nov) is spectacular!
Pro tip: Take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress for easier access.
🌃 5. Seoul Night Walk: City Lights & Street Food
Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Start at N Seoul Tower for city skyline views. Walk down Namsan trails to Myeongdong’s neon-lit streets. Sample tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped bread). End at Dongdaemun Design Plaza’s futuristic architecture.
Nightlife option: Hongdae’s live music cafes.
📍 Walking Tour Essentials
- Best Times: Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October)
- Apps: Naver Maps (English), KakaoMetro, MangoPlate (food reviews)
- Gear: Cushioned walking shoes, portable Wi-Fi egg, rechargeable fan (summer)
- Etiquette: Remove shoes indoors, receive items with both hands
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
Experience Korea’s soul beyond guidebooks – one step at a time! Share your favorite walking discoveries with #KoreaOnFoot 👣