If you want to see a different side of Seoul, leave the shopping streets and cafés behind for a few hours and head for the mountains.
Seoul is unusual among major cities because hiking trails are surprisingly close to subway stations and busy neighborhoods. You can spend the morning walking along a rocky ridge and still be back in central Seoul for dinner.
Hiking is also becoming increasingly popular among international visitors. According to Seoul Metropolitan Government data, foreign visitor numbers at several of the city’s mountains increased in 2025, with particularly strong growth at Achasan and Gwanaksan.
But which mountain should you choose?
For most travelers, the decision comes down to four excellent options: Bukhansan, Inwangsan, Achasan, and Gwanaksan.
This guide compares them by difficulty, scenery, time commitment, accessibility, and the type of traveler each mountain suits best.
Quick Comparison: Which Seoul Mountain Is Best for You?
| Mountain | Best For | Difficulty | Time to Allow | Main Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bukhansan | Travelers who want a real mountain hike | Moderate to challenging | Half day or longer | Dramatic peaks and panoramic views |
| Inwangsan | First-time visitors with limited time | Easy to moderate | About 2–3 hours | Seoul skyline and City Wall |
| Achasan | Beginners and casual hikers | Easy | About 2–3 hours | Han River and city views |
| Gwanaksan | Active travelers wanting a tougher hike | Moderate to challenging | Half day | Rocky terrain and summit views |
The important thing to remember is that each mountain has multiple routes. Your actual hiking time and difficulty can therefore vary considerably depending on the trail you choose, weather conditions, and your fitness level.
1. Bukhansan: Best for the Full Seoul Hiking Experience
If hiking is one of the main activities you want to experience in Seoul, Bukhansan is the strongest choice.
Bukhansan National Park is famous for its granite peaks, forests, valleys, temples, and expansive views over Seoul. It also attracts more foreign hikers than the other major mountains analyzed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The best-known destination is Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan.
Getting there requires considerably more effort than walking up Inwangsan or Achasan. Parts of the route are steep and rocky, so proper footwear is strongly recommended.
The reward is a genuine mountain experience without having to travel far outside Seoul.
Getting there
One convenient starting point is Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Line.
The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center – Bukhansan Branch is located about five minutes from the station and can help international travelers choose a trail. The center provides multilingual hiking information as well as rental equipment including hiking boots, clothing, trekking poles and backpacks.
This is particularly useful if you did not plan to bring hiking equipment to Korea.
Choose Bukhansan if:
- You enjoy hiking rather than simply walking.
- You want dramatic mountain scenery.
- You can dedicate at least half a day.
- Reaching a major summit is part of the experience you want.
If you only have two hours available, however, Bukhansan probably should not be your first choice.
2. Inwangsan: Best for a Short Hike with Classic Seoul Views
Inwangsan is one of the easiest mountains to add to a busy Seoul itinerary.
It rises directly behind central Seoul, and part of the trail follows the historic Seoul City Wall.
From the ridge, you can look toward Gyeongbokgung Palace, central Seoul and the surrounding mountains.
The official Seoul tourism guide describes the main ridge hike as relatively easy and estimates roughly two hours for the route. Visit Seoul
That makes Inwangsan particularly attractive for travelers who want a memorable view without committing half a day to hiking.
Why travelers like Inwangsan
Its location is the biggest advantage.
You can combine the hike with places such as Gyeongbokgung, Seochon or Buam-dong, making it possible to mix history, neighborhoods and hiking in the same day.
You also get a very different perspective on Seoul.
Instead of looking at the mountains from the city, you are standing above the old city and looking back toward its palaces, neighborhoods and skyline.
Choose Inwangsan if:
- This is your first trip to Seoul.
- You have limited time.
- You want great photographs of the city.
- You prefer a shorter hike.
- You want to combine hiking with sightseeing in central Seoul.
For many first-time visitors, Inwangsan offers the best balance between effort and reward.
3. Achasan: Best for Beginners and Han River Views
If you are not an experienced hiker, consider Achasan.
The mountain is known for relatively accessible trails and open views over the Han River and eastern Seoul.
According to Seoul’s official tourism guide, Achasan has a number of easy hiking trails, and its viewpoints offer panoramas stretching across Jamsil, Namsan and other parts of the city.
It is therefore a good option for travelers who want a relaxed outdoor activity rather than a demanding mountain climb.
Achasan is also becoming more popular with international visitors. Seoul’s tourism analysis recorded an 11.8% year-over-year increase in foreign visitors, the strongest growth among the four mountain areas included in that particular analysis.
Getting there
You can approach the mountain from Achasan Station or Gwangnaru Station on Subway Line 5.
Because the mountain is on the eastern side of Seoul, it can work particularly well if your itinerary also includes Jamsil or other attractions in eastern Seoul.
Choose Achasan if:
- You are a beginner.
- You want an easier hike.
- You enjoy river and city views.
- You do not want hiking to consume most of your day.
- You are staying in eastern Seoul.
Achasan is also a good choice for travelers who simply want to experience Korea’s hiking culture without tackling a difficult summit.
4. Gwanaksan: Best for Travelers Who Want More of a Challenge
On the southern side of Seoul, Gwanaksan offers a very different experience.
Expect forests, valleys, rocky sections and excellent views from higher elevations.
One major advantage in 2026 is accessibility. The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center – Gwanaksan Branch is located inside Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Line, and hikers can head toward the mountain directly from the station.
There isn’t just one Gwanaksan hike.
Beginners can choose gentler forest and stream routes, while more experienced hikers can head toward Yeonjudae or tackle rocky ridge sections such as the Jaunam Ridge Course. Visit Seoul
That makes Gwanaksan particularly useful for groups in which people have different hiking abilities.
Choose Gwanaksan if:
- You want something more challenging than an urban walk.
- You like rocky mountain scenery.
- You want a half-day outdoor activity.
- You are comfortable with steeper sections.
- You are staying in southern Seoul.
International interest is increasing here as well. Foreign visitor numbers at Gwanaksan increased 10.0% year over year in the Seoul tourism analysis.
Bukhansan vs Inwangsan: Which Should First-Time Visitors Choose?
This is probably the most important comparison for travelers.
Choose Bukhansan if the hike itself is one of the highlights of your trip.
Choose Inwangsan if hiking is just one part of a day exploring Seoul.
Bukhansan provides the more impressive wilderness experience, but Inwangsan is much easier to fit between other attractions.
For a five-day Seoul trip, for example, Bukhansan can justify most of a morning or afternoon.
For a two-day Seoul trip, Inwangsan is usually easier to incorporate without sacrificing other major sights.
Achasan vs Gwanaksan: Easy or Challenging?
These two mountains suit almost opposite types of hikers.
Choose Achasan if you want an accessible walk with rewarding city and Han River views.
Choose Gwanaksan if you want a more substantial hike with the option of steeper trails and rocky terrain.
Families, beginners and travelers without hiking gear may feel more comfortable starting with Achasan.
More active travelers may find Gwanaksan more rewarding.
Can You Rent Hiking Gear in Seoul?
Yes.
This is one of the reasons hiking has become much easier for international travelers.
The Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers provide multilingual information, and the Bukhansan and Gwanaksan branches offer equipment rental services. Depending on availability, equipment can include hiking shoes, clothing, trekking poles and backpacks. Visit Seoul
This means you do not necessarily need to pack hiking boots for your entire Korea trip just because you want to spend one day in the mountains.
Check availability and operating information before visiting, especially if you need specific sizes or equipment.
When Is the Best Time to Hike in Seoul?
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons.
Late September through October can be particularly pleasant as temperatures become cooler, although popular trails can become busy during the fall foliage season.
Summer hiking requires more attention to heat, humidity and hydration.
Winter can provide exceptionally clear views, but snow and ice can make mountain trails considerably more difficult. Proper winter equipment may be necessary.
Always check the weather before leaving your hotel, and avoid exposed ridges during severe weather.
What Should You Bring?
Even for an easy Seoul hike, bring:
- Comfortable shoes with good grip
- Water
- A charged phone
- A light layer or jacket
- Sun protection
- A small snack
For Bukhansan or the more difficult Gwanaksan routes, proper hiking footwear is strongly preferable.
Remember that conditions near a summit can feel very different from conditions at a subway station.
Which Seoul Mountain Should You Choose?
If you want the simplest answer:
Choose Bukhansan for the best full mountain experience.
Choose Inwangsan for the best combination of hiking, views and central Seoul sightseeing.
Choose Achasan for an easy and beginner-friendly hike.
Choose Gwanaksan if you want a more challenging half-day adventure.
You do not have to leave Seoul to experience Korea’s mountain culture. That is exactly what makes hiking here special: a subway ride can take you from one of the world’s busiest cities to forests, rocky ridges and panoramic mountain views.
For travelers who have already seen Seoul’s palaces, markets and shopping districts, a morning on one of these mountains can reveal an entirely different side of the city.
FAQ
What is the easiest mountain to hike in Seoul?
Among these four choices, Achasan is one of the easiest options for beginners, with accessible trails and excellent views. Inwangsan is another good choice for travelers looking for a relatively short hike.
What is the best mountain in Seoul for first-time visitors?
It depends on your schedule. Inwangsan is convenient for a short first visit because it is close to central Seoul attractions. If you have half a day and want a more complete hiking experience, choose Bukhansan.
Can beginners hike Bukhansan?
Yes, but choose your route carefully. Bukhansan has trails of different difficulty levels. Reaching Baegundae is substantially more demanding than taking one of the gentler walking routes. The Bukhansan Hiking Tourism Center can provide route information for international visitors.
Do I need hiking boots in Seoul?
Not necessarily for an easy walk such as Achasan or a shorter urban hiking route, but shoes with good grip are important. For steep or rocky routes on Bukhansan and Gwanaksan, hiking footwear is strongly recommended.
Can I rent hiking equipment in Seoul?
Yes. Seoul’s Hiking Tourism Centers at Bukhansan and Gwanaksan provide hiking equipment rental services as well as multilingual trail information.
Is hiking in Seoul free?
Most ordinary mountain trails discussed in this guide can be accessed without an admission fee. However, certain controlled trails can have reservation requirements. For example, Bukhansan’s Uiryeong Trail requires advance reservation.