Collection
National Parks
2026.07.18
A Collection of Must-Know Mountains for National Park Hiking in Korea
Famous mountains like Jirisan, Seoraksan, Hallasan, and Bukhan Mountain that combine natural scenery and trail management
Mountains designated as national parks not only offer beautiful landscapes but also benefit from managed trails, control information, rescue systems, and ecological conservation standards. However, the more famous the national park, the more challenging the trails and the greater the weather variability, making it potentially dangerous to take a casual approach based on names alone. This list compiles representative mountains worth knowing for those organizing their first hikes in Korea's national parks.
Jirisan
Jirisan holds significant symbolism in our country's hiking culture. You can approach it in various ways, from serious hikes aiming for Cheonwangbong to exploring Nogo-dan, and walking the Jirisan Dulle-gil. Due to its large terrain and rapid weather changes, beginners may find long-distance courses to be risky. Some trails may require reservations or have access restrictions, so it’s essential to check the Korea National Park Service’s reservation system and trail information in advance. Jirisan is not just a mountain with a single peak but one that is attractive in every season, with valleys, ridges, and village paths, making it important to choose a course that suits your physical strength and schedule.
Seoraksan
Seoraksan is considered one of the most dramatic mountains in Korea. It boasts many famous courses, such as Ulsanbawi, Daecheongbong, Dinosaur Ridge, Biseondae, and Cheonbuldong Valley. However, Seoraksan’s rugged terrain and rapid weather changes, along with many long-distance and rocky courses, can pose risks for beginners. If it's your first visit, it's advisable to start with less challenging options like those around the cable car or short valley trails. Reaching Daecheongbong or Dinosaur Ridge requires adequate physical strength, equipment, experience, and a plan to set out before sunrise. Be sure to check the national park's control information and seasonal entry times.
주소 강원특별자치도 양양군 서면 오색리
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Hallasan
Hallasan is a popular mountain for those planning to combine a trip to Jeju with hiking. While it symbolizes the highest peak in our country, summiting is by no means a light task. The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails operate under rules for prior reservations and timings for entering and exiting, so it’s important to check this in advance according to your travel schedule. Jeju’s weather can change rapidly with wind, rain, and fog, so there's no guarantee of a clear view from the summit. Beginners can consider routes that do not require reaching the top, such as Eorimok, Yeongsil, or Donnaeko. It’s safer to plan for a hiking schedule that fully dedicates a day rather than just viewing Hallasan as one stop on a Jeju tour.
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhan Mountain National Park
Bukhan Mountain National Park is very special as it is located close to Seoul's city center. With good public transport access and many trail options, it attracts many visitors; however, this also comes with overcrowding and accident risks. The Bukhan region features remarkable rock landscapes like Baegundae and Bukhanseong, while the Dobongsan area boasts Joweibong and Obong. Beginners should choose gentle trails or a Dulle-gil, and for routes that include rocky terrain, it's essential to prepare gloves, hiking boots with good grip, and sufficient water. During weekends, with many visitors, it’s important to manage early starts and descent times.
Sobaeksan
Sobaeksan is a national park mountain loved for its broad ridges, azaleas, and winter scenery. The area around Birobong offers excellent openness, but strong winds and cold perceived temperatures make seasonal gear important. There are several routes up from the Danyang and Yeongju areas; beginners should check the distance and altitude differences and opt for manageable round-trip courses. During the azalea season in spring and winter hiking season, visitor numbers can increase, leading to crowded conditions. Don't be lulled into a false sense of ease just because the ridges seem gentle; it’s advisable to check the national park trail information and weather before planning hikes with a descent planned before sunset.
Woraksan
Woraksan is an impressive national park that harmonizes with the scenery of Chungju Lake. The hike towards the Youngbong peak has a significant incline and can be physically demanding, so it's necessary to check the course difficulty rather than just taking a light approach from the start. Woraksan is great for planning a travel route that includes not just hiking but also Chungju Lake, Songgye Valley, and surrounding historical and cultural attractions. There may be many rocky and stair sections, so consider knee strain and descent times. In summer, caution is needed regarding valleys and humidity, while in winter, watch out for icy sections; checking the national park’s trail guidance for control and safety information is crucial.
When hiking in national parks, it is essential to check the trail information, control notices, and weather updates from the Korea National Park Service. Even within the same mountain, there can be significant differences in difficulty between short beginner courses and long expert routes. Prioritizing safe descents and nature conservation is paramount, and entering unregulated trails should be avoided due to the risk of accidents and fines.
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#Domestic Travel#Checklist#Locally Sourced#Hiking#Nature Travel#National Park#Famous Mountains#Exploration Trails#Korea Forest Service's 100 Major Mountains
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