Best National Parks and Hiking Trails in Korea 2025

South Korea is a country where nature and humanity are perfectly integrated. Its national parks and hiking trails attract global travelers with their diverse landscapes and unique charm. Whether you want to challenge yourself to climb a peak or find a quiet corner to relax, there is a hiking trail suitable for you. This article will take you to the most beautiful national parks in South Korea and recommend classic hiking routes to help you plan a natural journey full of adventure and discovery!

 

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1. Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

2. Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원)

3. Hallasan National Park (한라산국립공원) – Jeju Island

4. Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원) – Seoul

5. Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)

6. Odaesan National Park (오대산국립공원)

7. Taeanhaean National Park (태안해안국립공원)

8. Dadohaehaesang National Park (다도해해상국립공원)

 

1. Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

Address:1-1 Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea（강원도 속초시 설악동 산1-1）

 

Highlights:

• One of the most famous national parks in South Korea, known for its majestic peaks, clear streams and autumn leaves.
• Major attractions include Daecheongbong Peak, Ulsanbawi Rock and Cheonbuldong Valley.

 

Classic route:
Ulsanbawi Trail
This is one of the most famous routes in Seoraksan, about 4.7 kilometers in total, suitable for intermediate hikers. There are different attractions along the way, such as "Big Rock Wonder" and "Thousand-year-old Tree". Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can see a very impressive panoramic view.

 

Best time to visit:

Autumn (September to November), especially the autumn leaves season, the autumn leaves of Seoraksan are very charming.

                                                 Autumn scenery of Seoraksan Mountain

What to do:

• Hiking: Hiking routes for different difficulty levels, such as Daecheongbong (12 kilometers, about 6 hours) and Gwongeumseong (3.8 kilometers, about 2 hours).
• Visit temples: such as Sinheungsa Temple.
• Enjoy natural landscapes: valleys, waterfalls and strange rocks.

 

2. Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원)

Address:320 Jirisan-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea（전라북도 남원시 산내면 지리산로 320）

 

Highlights:
The largest national park in South Korea, with rich ecosystems and cultural heritage.
The highest peak is Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915 meters above sea level).

 

Best time to visit:

• Spring (April-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom.
• Autumn (September-October): Red leaves and cool weather.

 

What to do:

• Hike: Cheonwangbong Peak (about 12 hours round trip) and Chilseon Valley.
• Camping: There are several campsites in the park.
• Visit temples: Such as Hwaeomsa Temple.

 

3. Hallasan National Park (한라산국립공원) – Jeju Island

Address:1100-ro, 2070-61, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea（제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2070-61）

 

Highlights:Hallasan (1,950m), the highest mountain in South Korea, is located in the center of Jeju Island.
Volcanic landforms and unique ecosystems.

 

Classic Route:

Seongpanak Trail

This is the classic route to the top of Hallasan Mountain, with a total length of about 9.6 km. The route is moderately difficult and suitable for most climbers. You can enjoy rich natural scenery along the way and finally reach the crater lake of Seongpanak.

 

Best time to visit:

• Spring (April-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom.
• Autumn (September-October): Red leaves and sunny weather.

 

What to do:

• Hike: The main routes include Seongpanak (about 9 hours round trip) and Gwaneumsa (about 7 hours round trip).
• See volcanic lakes: such as Baengnokdam Crater Lake.
• Explore natural landscapes: such as Eorimok Valley.

 

4. Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원) – Seoul

Address:262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea（서울특별시 성북구 보국문로 262）
 

Highlights:

• Located near downtown Seoul, convenient transportation.
• Famous for its granite peaks and historical and cultural relics.

 

Best time to visit:

• Spring (April-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom.
• Autumn (September-October): Red leaves.

 

What to do:

• Hiking: such as Baegundae Peak (about 4 hours round trip).
• Visit temples: such as Dobongsan Temple.
• Enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

 

Note before climbing:
1. Be sure to bring water before climbing. If you forget to bring it, there is a self-service water vending machine after climbing the 1.8km section. There is also a toilet in this place. There is no water and toilet after that.
2. It is recommended to wear a pair of gloves! The last 200m requires the use of hands and feet. Wearing gloves will increase a lot of friction and make it much easier.
3. Wear non-slip shoes. Because it is all stone roads, it is easy to slip and fall. Non-slip shoes will try to avoid the possibility of slipping.

 

5. Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)

Address:936 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea（서울특별시 성북구 보국문로 262）

 

Highlights:Famous for its autumn leaves, it is known as "the most beautiful autumn leaves resort in Korea".

 

Main attractions include Naejangsan and Naejangsa Temple.

 

Best time to visit:
Autumn (mid-October to early November): autumn leaves.

 

What to do:

• Hike: such as the main peak of Naejangsan (about 4 hours round trip).
• Visit temples: such as Naejangsa Temple.
• Enjoy waterfalls and valleys.

 

 

6. Odaesan National Park (오대산국립공원)

Address:2 Odae-san-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea（강원도 평창군 진부면 오대산로 2）

 

Highlights:Centered by Odaesan Mountain, it has a rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

 

Major attractions include Woljeongsa Temple and Sangwonsa Temple.

 

Best time to visit:

• Summer (June-August): Cool climate.
• Autumn (September-October): Red leaves.

 

What to do:

• Hike: such as the main peak of Odaesan Mountain (about 4 hours round trip).
• Visit temples: such as Woljeongsa Temple and Sangwonsa Temple.
• Enjoy natural scenery such as azalea fields and stream valleys

 

7. Taeanhaean National Park (태안해안국립공원)

Address:29-31 Mallipo 1-gil, Sowon-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea（29-31, 충청남도 태안군 소원면 만리포1길）

 

Highlights:

• Famous for its coastline and beaches, it is suitable for tourists who like ocean scenery.
• Major attractions include Mallipo Beach and Anmyeondo Island.

 

Best time to visit:
Summer (June-August): suitable for beach activities.

 

What to do:

• Walk on the beach and swim.
• Visit the lighthouse and marine ecology exhibition hall.
• Enjoy seafood cuisine.

 

8. Dadohaehaesang National Park (다도해해상국립공원)

Address:51 Cheonghaejinam-ro, Wando-eup, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea（전라남도 완도군 완도읍 청해진남로 51）
 

Highlights:

• South Korea's largest marine national park, consisting of many islands.
• Major attractions include Heuksando and Hongdo.

 

Best time to visit:
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): pleasant weather.

 

What to do:

• Island exploration and hiking.
• Sea sightseeing and fishing.
• Admire the unique marine ecosystem.