5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING TOURISM IN SEOUL

Have you ever wondered what it is like to hike through ancient city trails, surrounded by nature, all while standing in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world – Seoul? Whether you are a curious expat in search of adventure and exploration or an international student eager for a weekend escape, if you’re looking to explore the city's natural beauty, you need to know that the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre offers plenty of high-quality resources to enhance your hiking experience.

1.  DIVERSE HIKING PROGRAMS

Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre organises various hiking programs suitable for people with different skill levels. The programs are designed to showcase the impressive beauty of Seoul’s mountains, such as Bukhansan, Gwanaksan, Bugaksan, and Inwangsan, allowing hikers to enjoy beautiful natural scenery within the city.

There is a Seoul Hiking Tourism Guide Book accessible in English, provided by Seoul Tourism Organisation, available on the official website of the centre, with detailed information about what to expect from each of the four hiking programs available. If you scroll through the guide, you will find a hiking course map for each mountain with its associated courses and trails and their level of difficulty from very easy to advanced. The guide presents the most important historical ladmarks and natural features you can expect to bump into by following the trails such as temples, museums, gates, altars, fortresses, pavilions, shrines, hermitages, observatories, bridges,  campgrounds, cafes, parks, peaks, forests, ridges, valleys, rocks, hills, springs and streams. The guide also includes essential information about what to expect weather-wise from each of the four seasons, from how to dress properly to face the usual weather conditions with no problems, to what activities are possible during each season.

2.     FREE-OF-CHARGE EXPERIENCE

The centre runs a free hiking program for foreigners travelling to or staying in Seoul, so you don’t have to pay for the hiking experience. However, what you need to keep in mind is that each of the programs available is always limited to about 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, so you need to reserve your place by filling out the registration form found online on their official website. Programs may be officially changed or cancelled in case of bad weather, and if participants are unable to attend a scheduled program anymore, they are asked to announce their absence in advance via e-mail. Participants are asked to be equipped with everything they need – a nutritious and energy-boosting lunch, delicious snacks and plenty of water for staying hydrated.

Rental of hiking gear has accessible prices, but if you want your experience to be completely free of charge, you can apply for the free hiking gear rental promotion for foreigners at Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre by completing a form you can find in the linktree provided on social media. The form requires your personal information, including your full name, e-mail address, phone number, nationality and region, age group and gender, used for the sole purpose of managing your participation in the promotion.

3.     ACCESSIBLE HIKING GEAR RENTALS

Personal hiking equipment is not necessary if you want to attend any of the programs because Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre offers free gear rentals with proper attire for each type of weather condition. The hiking gear is provided free of charge only at the centre, so you are required to come in person to benefit from it. This service is available to foreign tourists and Koreans accompanied by their global friends, ensuring that everyone has the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable hike. The hiking gear rental services include clothing and footwear items such as full hiking attire, hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves and crampons. Moreover, there is a lounge equipped with storage lockers for visitors, so they can pack up and reset before hiking. 

If you want to book your hiking gear online, you can find more information about rental by accessing the linktree provided by the centre. The link will direct you to the website Klook, where you can find more information about the packaging options available only for foreigners. On Klook, you can choose the hiking gear you need based on your gender and size, but items selected are charged at a small price of US$ 1.45 each. For renting the hiking gear, make sure you bring a valid ID card (passport or Alien Registration Card - ARC). Rental may be restricted if your reference is unknown or invalid. Make sure to read the precautions on the website before renting the gear so you won’t have problems when returning it after the hike. Klook allows you to read the reviews of foreigners who previously went on hiking trips and used the hiking gear rental service, so you can have a clear picture of what to expect.

4.     MULTILINGUAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

To cater to the international community, the centre provides information and resources in multiple languages, including English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Spanish. This ensures that language barriers do not hinder your hiking experience in Seoul. Seoul hiking tourism materials are found on the official website of the centre, so you are advised to access the site and inform yourself of everything you want to know before going on the hiking experience. The website provides information about the hiking centres and each of the four mountains, and the official guide that includes information about everything you need to know, available in seven languages.

The centre information includes information about the locations of each centre, their experience programs and trails, hiking gear rental and other facilities for the three main centres - Bukhansan, Gwanaksan, and Bugaksan. The mountain information includes details about Bukhansan, Gwanaksan, Bugaksan, and Inwangsan Mountains and their available trails, maps and tourist activities. Make sure you use all these resources to inform yourself properly before you sign up for the hiking programs.

5.     ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

The Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre maintains an active social media presence to engage with the hiking community and provide up-to-date information on their programs and services. Through their Instagram presence, the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre effectively connects with both local and international audiences, promoting the joys of hiking in Seoul and providing essential information to enhance the hiking experience. Their official Instagram account, @seoulhikingtourism_official, serves as a vibrant platform showcasing the beauty of Seoul's mountains and the centre's various activities. You are advised to follow it for updates about program announcements, visual highlights, engagement with the hiking community and resource sharing. On the main feed, you can find gorgeous pictures and reels from Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Gwanaksan hiking trails, regular post updates on upcoming hiking programs, including themed hikes and cultural experiences, and information on gear rentals, safety tips, and links to their Linktree for easy access to reservations and additional resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://seoulhiking.or.kr/

LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/seoulhikingcenter

KLOOK TRAVEL WEBSITE FOR GEAR RENTAL: www.klook.com

E-MAIL ADDRESSES: seoulhiking@wafcompany.com / seoulhiking@sto.or.kr  

CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS:

Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre Bukhansan – 1533-2608

Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre Bugaksan – 1533-2158

Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre Gwanaksan – 1533-2162

Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a curious first-timer, hiking tourism in Seoul offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and community. Enrich your experience and make unforgettable memories in South Korea with the free hiking programs, impressive hiking trails, and comprehensive support for foreigners, all provided by Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre. Lace up your boots — Seoul’s breathtaking mountains are waiting!