Why Hiking Became Popular Among Tourists in Seoul

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hiking is now one of the activities favored by tourists visiting Seoul, South Korea. There is even a term called K-hiking, which refers to the activity of climbing mountains in urban areas of Korea. This activity is popular with tourists because it is easily accessible.

As reported by the Korea Times, the number of foreign tourists visiting the mountains in Korea has increased rapidly. According to the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center, as of June 3, 2025, more than 95,000 people visited these three hiking centers, with over 26 thousand foreign tourists.

Hiking Tourism Centers

The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center opened the Bukhansan branch in 2022, followed by the Bugaksan branch the following year. The Gwanaksan branch was the latest to be opened this year. The visitors to the Bugaksan hiking center are almost 50 percent foreign, while at Bukhansan, it is even higher, approaching 70 percent. Meanwhile, the Gwankasan Center is popular among experienced climbers because of its challenging trails, which mainly cater to Korean hikers.

These hiking centers serve as information centers and resting places for those who want to explore Seoul's urban mountains. Information services are provided in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and others. Hiking equipment is available for rent on-site for visitors who do not have their own. Hiking equipment such as boots, clothing, and walking sticks can be rented from 2,000 to 5,000 won. There are also lockers, waiting areas for visitors, and bathrooms available.

Increasing Number of Tourists

Lee Chan-ho, an official from the Seoul Tourism Organization, did not expect the number of foreign tourists visiting the Bukhansan Center to exceed the number of residents. According to Lee Chan-ho, Mount Bukhan is relatively less accessible. Foreign tourists who come are truly interested in climbing Korean mountains.

"When the Bukhansan center first opened three years ago, we thought it was remarkable if the ratio of foreigners to locals was even 50:50. But now, foreigners overwhelmingly outnumber locals at the Bukhansan Center. More than two-thirds of our visitors are foreigners," he said.

According to Lee, diverse hiking trails, safety, accessibility, and WiFi connection in the mountains are the advantages of Seoul's mountains. Anyone can find a variety of hiking trails that suit their preferences. There are valleys, ridges, city views, and more challenging routes.

If interested in trying hiking in Korea, Lee recommends three mountains: Mount Bukhan, Mount Bugak, and Mount Gwanak. He also recommends Mount Acha to the east and Mount Cheonggye to the south, which are easily accessible and offer beautiful city views.

Editor's Choice: Mount Etna's Eruption Poses Minimal Impact on Travel to Sicily

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Lee Jae Myung Elected as New President of South Korea

1 hari lalu

South Korea Gears up for Snap Election; Here's How Indonesian Embassy Responds

2 hari lalu

Thousands of Illegal Hikers Removed from Mount Gede-Pangrango

3 hari lalu

Underprepared British Hikers Rescued from Japanese Mountain

18 hari lalu

Teen Hiker Missing After Attempting Mount Gamalama Climb in Ternate, North Maluku

22 hari lalu

Mount Semeru Erupts Four Times Tuesday Morning, Ash Plume Extends 1,000 Meters Above Peak

22 hari lalu

List of Baeksang Arts Awards 2025 Winners

30 hari lalu

Your Ultimate Guide: 7 Summer Vacation Tips

30 hari lalu

Prabowo, Gibran Meet High-Ranking Officials from South Korean Companies

38 hari lalu

Our Ocean, Our Action: The 10th Our Ocean Conference Opens in Busan, Korea

38 hari lalu