“Discover Seoul’s 12 highest mountains and the best hiking trails. From the iconic Bukhansan to hidden gems like Inwangsan, find routes perfect for beginners to advanced hikers.”
 |
| View of Gyeongbokgung Palace from Inwangsan hiking trail in Seoul |
Did you know that Seoul has 44 mountains within its city limits?
That makes it one of the rare capitals in the world where you can hike in the morning and enjoy city life in the afternoon—all in the same day.
This unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty is why Seoul is becoming such a hot travel destination among foreign visitors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, Seoul offers a variety of trails with breathtaking city views.
Today, let’s explore the 12 highest mountains in Seoul, their special features, and the best hiking routes.
🏔 1. Inwangsan (338m)
-
Best for: Beginners
-
Highlight: Famous for appearing in Jeong Seon’s painting Inwang Jesaekdo.
-
View: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, and sunset over the city.
-
Recommended Route: Dongnimmun Station → Peak → Gae-mi Village descent.
🏔 2. Bugaksan (342m)
-
Best for: History lovers & casual hikers
-
Highlight: Seoul Fortress Wall, old gates of the city.
-
View: Cheong Wa Dae (former Blue House) and panoramic city skyline.
-
Recommended Route: Changuimun Gate → Peak → Waryong Park descent.
🏔 3. Yongmasan (338m)
-
Best for: Sunrise seekers
-
Highlight: Connected to Achasan, loved by locals.
-
View: Stunning sunrise with Lotte World Tower in the background.
-
Recommended Route: Yongmasan Station → Peak → Achasan direction.
🏔 4–5. Hoamsan (390m) & Samseongsan (481m)
-
Best for: Experienced hikers
-
Highlight: Connected ridges, rugged granite formations.
-
View: Gwanak and Anyang area.
-
Recommended Route: Gwanak Station → Samseongsan → Hoamsan → Gwanaksan.
🏔 6. Bulamsan (508m)
-
Best for: Families & intermediate hikers
-
Highlight: Impressive rocky ridges, accessible from multiple subway stations.
-
View: Dobongsan and Bukhansan facing each other.
-
Recommended Route: Danggogae Station → Peak → Suraksan extension.
🏔 7. Namhansan (522m)
-
Best for: Culture & history lovers
-
Highlight: UNESCO World Heritage – Namhansanseong Fortress.
-
View: Fortress walls, Suwonjangdae Pavilion, and Lotte World Tower.
-
Recommended Route: Macheon Station → Fortress trail → Peak.
🏔 8. Cheonggyesan (618m)
-
Best for: Spring season hikers
-
Highlight: Azalea Ridge, famous for pink blossoms in April.
-
Recommended Route: Cheonggyesan Station → Maebong → Wonteogol descent.
🏔 9. Gwanaksan (632m)
-
Best for: Adventurous hikers
-
Highlight: Sharp rocky ridges, diverse routes.
-
View: Central Seoul, especially from Sadang Station route.
-
Recommended Route: Sadang Station → Sadang Ridge → Peak.
🏔 10. Suraksan (638m)
-
Best for: Rock lovers
-
Highlight: Unique rock formations like Elephant Rock and Helmet Rock.
-
Recommended Route: Jangam Station → Gichabawi Rock → Peak.
🏔 11. Dobongsan (740m)
-
Best for: Strong hikers with climbing experience
-
Highlight: Sinseondae, Obong Peaks, and dramatic cliffs.
-
Recommended Route: Dobongsan Station → Sinseondae → Madangbawi → descent.
🏔 12. Bukhansan (837m)
-
Best for: Must-visit for everyone
-
Highlight: Seoul’s highest peak and a National Park inside the capital—a rarity worldwide.
-
View: Baegundae Peak, scenic ridges like Bibong and Uisang.
-
Recommended Route: Bukhansanseong Visitor Center → Baegundae → Descend via Dosonsa.
🎯 Why Seoul Hiking is Special
In many countries, you need hours of travel to reach a mountain. In Seoul, it takes just a subway ride.
This makes Seoul a dream destination for hikers and travelers who want to:
✔ Hike in the morning.
✔ Enjoy Korean food and coffee in the afternoon.
✔ Explore palaces, markets, or nightlife in the evening.
That’s why more and more foreign visitors are calling Seoul “the city where you can enjoy nature and urban life in one day.”
