Collection of Hiking Courses in the Capital Region Starting from Subway and Bus

Hiking without a car removes the worry of parking and makes it easier to plan a route that ends at a different location from the starting point. However, if you overlook the distance from the station to the trailhead, bus schedules, or transfer methods after descending, the actual travel time can become longer than the hike. This list includes actual trails in the capital region that can be accessed by walking from subway stations or are relatively easily connected by bus. Starting and ending points are provided together to allow for a quick comparison of routes on the map.

When using public transportation for hiking, it's more practical to check bus intervals before the last one. While subways in downtown areas come frequently, buses that go to mountain parks or entrances can have long intervals even on weekends. Be sure to allow extra time for your planned descent and save the names of bus stops and the boarding locations for the opposite direction in advance. Some routes do not have convenience stores or water stations after the trailhead, so it's important to bring water and snacks from around the station and plan to carry back any trash.

This collection features a mix of short circular trails, valley forest paths, fortress circuits, and out-and-back courses. Just because a trail is close to a station does not necessarily mean it's easy. There are short but challenging sections like rocky ridges at Inwangsan (Inwang Mountain) or steep stairs at Cheonggye Mountain where the sun and incline can be taxing. If you're new to the area, check the mid-descent routes on the map, and decide where to shorten your itinerary if travel times take longer. Remember that access by transportation and trail difficulty are different criteria.

Using public transport allows you to freely choose one-way hiking courses. Trails like the Seoul Trail or Fortress Trail, which have different starting and ending stations, provide a significant change in scenery since you don't have to retrace your steps. However, fixating on your planned endpoint can lead to unnecessarily increasing the distance you have to cover while fatigued. Mark more than two connecting stations and bus stops along the way, and if you start feeling hot or have foot pain, you can finish your hike at the nearest point.

After descending, you'll likely find yourself on a train or bus with strong air conditioning while still wearing your sweaty clothes. Bringing a thin outer garment, a small towel, and dry socks can help reduce sudden drops in body temperature. It’s also good to protect the tips of your trekking poles in the vehicle, and carry your backpack in front to avoid blocking the aisle. If you have muddy shoes, a quick shake-off will make your travel using public transport comfortable for other users as well.

Just before you head out, check both the real-time arrival information on your map app and the official hiking route guidance together. This flexibility to change to nearby parks or shorter paths during extreme heat or heavy rain is one of the advantages of hiking using public transportation in the capital region. Rather than hastily running or chasing the last bus to save time, prioritize securing enough relaxation time for your descent. The more accessible the route, the more you can break the hike into several parts, so you don't have to finish everything in one day. Even a short completion can still be quite enjoyable for your travels.