[ad_1]
When you concentrate on mountain climbing, a number of locations come to thoughts – from the Alps to the Himalayas of Nepal. However have you ever ever thought-about South Korea? Mountaineering in Seoul is a singular expertise, full with gorgeous views, simple accessibility, and all method of terrains. Nicole, our Journey Excursions Gross sales Advisor, gave us the lowdown on the most effective spots and high suggestions for mountain climbing in Seoul.
I had absolutely the pleasure of dwelling in Seoul for 2 and a half years, and one in every of my absolute favorite actions to do on the weekend was to climb one of many many gorgeous mountains which can be positioned inside and round Seoul. If you’re planning on spending time within the metropolis and are up for a hike, maintain studying for some nice suggestions!
Enjoyable truth: Mountains cowl 70% of South Korea’s territory!
The place to Hike:
Seoul has quite a few mountains in and round itself, so there are tons to select from. They provide a number of trails for all skills, so whether or not you’re a newbie in search of an excellent stroll, or a mountain climbing professional in search of a problem, there might be a mountain for you!
Namsan
Altitude: 270m
For those who’re new to mountain climbing, that is the place it would be best to begin. Namsan affords a pleasing hike as much as the long-lasting Namsan Tower. You may observe the principle path up and attain the summit inside an hour – there’s additionally a cable automobile and buses, which you’ll take up and down the mountain in case you are seeking to relaxation your legs! Namsan is positioned centrally in Seoul, with Myeongdong being the closest subway station. It’s a tough one so that you can miss, as Namsan Tower stands tall at its peak. It’s the proper introduction to the spectacular views that mountain climbing in Seoul can give you!
Achasan
Altitude: 295.7m
Followers of BTS could recognise this mountain from when RM and V misplaced a problem on RUN BTS. Nevertheless, even when you’re not a Ok-Pop fan, this mountain nonetheless makes for an important climb and affords incredible panoramic views of Seoul. This can be a comparatively simple and low-altitude climb. Solely 40 minutes from Achasan Station, right here it’s also possible to discover Goguryeojeong Pavillion and nice views of the town. This implies you don’t even have to go to the height of the mountain to get the views! You may then resolve if you wish to proceed the path or flip again and head again down. Achasan is positioned within the east facet of Seoul, not too removed from Seoul Forest or Seoul Youngsters’s Grand Park Zoo.
After your hike, when you fancy going someplace vigorous, you would possibly wish to head to Konkuk College Station, the place yow will discover countless bars, eating places, cafes and retailers. You’ll have undoubtedly earned an excellent meal and a refreshing drink after your hike!
Yongmasan
Altitude: 348m
Linked to Achasan by the Seoul path, you can find Yongmasan. A better mountain with great views (and plenty of stairs alongside the best way) assure you’ll be working these legs! There’s an possibility to begin a path from Yongmasan Waterfall Park, the place you possibly can benefit from the views of the waterfall and watch individuals try the climbing partitions that are additionally positioned there.
On the best way down, we ended up on a route that was fairly difficult and steep, so it’s value performing some further analysis on the most effective trails down earlier than heading up the mountain! Upon getting made it again down the mountain, chances are you’ll fancy leaping on the subway to Seoul Forest and Seongsu Cafe Avenue, the place you can find some a lot wanted refreshments.
Gwanaksan
Altitude: 632m
There are numerous trails to observe up this mountain, with some being simpler than others – so it’s undoubtedly one to analysis beforehand!
Positioned in southern Seoul, we adopted the route from Sadang Station, passing temples, sculptures and even some navy bunkers en route. Our objective was to succeed in the remainder space, as we knew after this level it was going to be barely too difficult for our capacity. For those who’re a pro-hiker, this might be the one for you! Comply with the various wood and metallic staircases and take within the view of the town. It’s instances like this while you realise simply how massive Seoul is – and the way superb the panorama seems, the place the buildings and the mountains meet.
Bukhansan
Altitude: 836m
This was the hardest hike I did in Seoul, however one which was undoubtedly definitely worth the sweat. The views while you stand on the peak are spectacular, the surroundings alongside the best way is gorgeous, and also you’ll uncover hidden gems inside Bukhansan Nationwide Park. For those who’re following the Baegundae Peak path, be warned that the ultimate half shouldn’t be for the faint-hearted, as you’ll observe many stairs, holding on to the fastened rope for assist, as you climb the steepest a part of the mountain. On the high of the mountain, you’ll discover a big rock face to sit down, admire the view, and revel in a effectively deserved snack.
Bukhansan is positioned north-west of Seoul and is actually a hike you’ll want an entire day for!
Seoraksan
Altitude: 1,708m
Positioned exterior of Seoul (however a part of one in every of our South Korea tour itineraries), Seoraksan Nationwide Park is dwelling to some of the spectacular mountains within the nation. Right here, you can find Buddhist Temples, all method of natural world, and a cable automobile that may take you as much as one of many peaks of Seoraksan when you don’t fancy a hike. There may be an entry payment to the park – however in case you are participating in our 12-day tour, that is included in your journey!
There are numerous size hikes to select from, relying on how a lot time it’s important to spend within the park, your mountain climbing capacity, and what you want to see whilst you stroll.
- Choice 1: You may take the cable automobile, earlier than a 20 minute, light hike to the height.
- Choice 2: Hike by Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, on a pleasant stroll that takes round 3 hours.
- Choice 3: Hike by the Park’s gorgeous waterfalls (Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls) on a trek that takes round 2 hours.
- Choice 4: Hike to Ulsanbawi Rock, on a testing 4 hour hike that may reward you with actually spectacular views.
After your hike, you possibly can head into Sokcho City to seek out contemporary seafood and soju, and toast to a profitable hike!
Honourable Mentions:
Daemosan
Altitude: 293m
A small mountain positioned south of the river, I had the pleasure of dwelling 5 minutes from Daemonsan, so I managed to do that hike a number of instances. With views of Gangnam, Lotte Tower and extra, it’s an exquisite mountain to hike if in case you have a free afternoon.
Inwangsan
Altitude: 338m
This can be a hike to do in case you are seeking to see a few of the greatest sights of Seoul alongside the best way. Following the Seoul Fortress Wall, you may even see glimpses of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower and the President’s Blue Home.
Enjoyable truth: Did you discover that every one the names of the mountains finish with ‘san’? Effectively ‘Mountain’ in Korean is ‘San’ ( 산 ).
Find out how to get there:
When the town is filled with mountains, it isn’t too difficult to seek out them, and for a lot of of those hikes in Seoul, some trails will be discovered solely 5-10 minutes from a subway exit.For navigating round Seoul, I’d advocate downloading the app Naver Map or Kakao Map. Each have English and make discovering your approach across the metropolis a lot simpler! (I’d additionally advocate downloading Kakao Metro to assist navigate the metro system.)
What to pack:
It’s necessary to be ready when mountain climbing in Seoul, particularly in case you are seeking to courageous a mountain like Bukhansan. Make sure you bear in mind the next:
- Backpack or a cross-body bag: A small bag that’s comfy to hold.
- Comfy sneakers and appropriate clothes: These hikes don’t require full mountain climbing boots, nevertheless, do be sure that your sneakers are comfy and supportive – with good grip. Dressing for the event is all the time necessary, because the climate in Korea can change relying on while you go to.
- Water: There’s nothing worse than operating out of water midway up the mountain! Make sure you carry an excellent sized bottle (or two) and maintain hydrated as you stroll.
- Snacks: While you’ve labored up a sweat, caught your breath, and admired the view, you would possibly discover that you’re prepared for a snack! You could discover some individuals promoting ramen or ice cream on the mountain, however if you wish to be ready with your individual, head to the comfort retailer earlier than you begin the hike, and decide up some scrumptious snacks like gimbap, candy potato, or potato chips.
So there you could have it! Mountaineering in Seoul is a tremendous method to get to know the town and its superb environment – and with all these mountains to select from, you’ll make sure to discover a path for you. For those who’d prefer to be taught extra in regards to the time we spend in Seoul and Seoraksan, head to our tour itinerary right here.
This put up is courtesy of:
[ad_2]
