Hiking in South Korea's National Parks: Bukhansan, Gyeongju, Sobaeksan & Seoraksan - 9 Days
Highlights
- Explore Seoul's palace, Gyeongbokgung, while wearing a traditional hanbok
- Climb to the ancient Seunggasa Temple in Bukhansan National Park
- Hike between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju National Park
- Take a cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress in Seoraksan National Park
- Climb the 800 steps to Seoraksan's iconic Ulsanbawi Rock for dramatic views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Self-guided Han River Cruise | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Seoul Tour | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Hiking Tour of Bukhansan National Park with Seunggasa Temple | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Train to Gyeongju, Hiking in Gyeongju National Park: Samneung Trail | Gyeongju |
| Day 5 | Hiking in Gyeongju National Park: Tohamsan Trail | Gyeongju |
| Day 6 | Train to Danyang, Hiking in Sobaeksan National Park | Danyang |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Sokcho, Hiking in Seoraksan Park: Gwongeumseong Fortress | Sokcho |
| Day 8 | Hiking in Seoraksan National Park: Biryong Falls & Ulsanbawi Peak | Sokcho |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Incheon, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Self-guided Han River Cruise
Welcome to South Korea! Touch down in the dizzying capital, Seoul, where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Get your first glimpse of this futuristic metropolis, a sprawling mass of towering skyscrapers set against decorative Buddhist temples, landscaped sculpture parks, and mazelike street markets. Fashion, tech, and karaoke loom large in Seoul, alongside historical palaces and museums.
Settle in and then spend the rest of the day resting at your hotel or exploring the neon streets of the city. Enjoy a cozy afternoon in one of the many themed cafés, which range from board game venues to cat cafés, wander around the artistic Mural Village, or visit a jjimjilbang (bathhouse) to soak in hot pools. End the day with an evening cruise along the Han River, spotting local landmarks and passing under some of Seoul's 27 bridges.
Day 2: Highlights of Seoul Tour
Today, you'll discover the best of Seoul's culture and history during a full-day immersive city tour. After meeting your private guide, you'll go to the beautiful Gyeongbokgung, a palace dating from the 14th century. Here, you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) to immerse yourself in Korean culture as you wander the palace. Learn about the ancient Joseon Dynasty, and watch the traditional ceremonies, like the Changing of the Royal Guard, that occur daily. Stop for a bite to eat at the neighboring Gwangjang Market for authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
Learn more about the Joseon Dynasty from your guide as you stroll through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, with its small streets featuring traditional dynasty architecture, cultural centers, and museums. Continue to Namsan Park, where you can hike or ride a cable car to the iconic N Seoul Tower for 360-degree city views. Be sure to see the love lock fence on the observatory, a favorite local dating spot that is particularly lovely in the spring. Wrap up your day with a tasty perusal of typical street fare such as bibimbap (a rice-based dish) along the shopping street Myeongdong.
Day 3: Hiking Tour of Bukhansan National Park with Seunggasa Temple
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast at your hotel in Seoul, lace up your hiking shoes and set off on a full-day adventure that begins with a hike in Bukhansan National Park. This is one of South Korea's most popular hiking destinations, with various trails for all levels, from easy to advanced. Follow your guide for a few hours through the park's picturesque valleys, along streams, and up the granite mountain, Bukhansan, as you make your way to the historic temple, Seunggasa.
Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this 1,000-year-old temple, where nature and Buddhism harmoniously coexist. Enjoy the panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding landscape before returning to Seoul in the late afternoon for some rest before dinner. Enjoy your last night in the city by visiting the multicultural Itaewon neighborhood, which has a wide range of international restaurants and rooftop bars.
Day 4: Train to Gyeongju, Hiking in Gyeongju National Park: Samneung Trail
Catch the two-hour bullet train from Seoul to historic Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE to 935 CE). Today, it's nicknamed the "museum without walls." Check into your hotel, then grab your boots to explore the nearby Gyeongju National Park, one of South Korea's greatest treasures, with ancient temples, thick forests, and endless mountain views. As you begin your four-hour hike, keep an eye out for the park's rare wildlife species, such as the Eurasian otter, the white-tailed sea eagle, the Siberian flying squirrel, and the leopard cat.
The park is split into eight districts, and today, you'll hike along the Samneung Trail in the district Namsan, known for its historical and cultural sites. Your hike starts at Samneung, three royal tombs situated at the foot of Namsan Mountain. Follow your guide along the well-signposted path, then begin a 1-mile (2.1 km) trek through the forest to Geumobong Peak. Stop at statues and vistas along the way, then, after taking a break at the peak, descend 2 miles (2.5 km) to the charming Yongjang Village, where you'll end today's hike and return to your hotel in Gyeongju.
Day 5: Hiking in Gyeongju National Park: Tohamsan Trail
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, continue your hiking adventure in Gyeongju National Park on the Tohamsan Trail. This trail links the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa temple, the Seokguram Grotto, and the top of Tohamsan (Mount Toham). Explore the temple, regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art, which houses six national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. Hike the trail for 1 mile (2.2 km) to the enchanting grotto on the mountainside, famed for its monumental Buddha statue looking toward the East Sea and surrounded by depictions of gods and disciples.
Constructed in the eighth century, this landmark was an engineering feat, with mammoth granite blocks transported along a mountain path. Continue hiking for half an hour to the top of the peak, Tohamsan, which stands at 2,440 feet (745 m). Rest and recharge here to enjoy the far-reaching views, then follow your guide back down to Gyeongju. If you're an experienced hiker, you might like to finish the whole 6.5-mile (10.5 km) course, which will take another 2.5 hours to complete.
Day 6: Train to Danyang, Hiking in Sobaeksan National Park
Leave Gyeongju behind this morning as you embark on a 2.5-hour train journey to Danyang, home to Sobaeksan National Park, the country's third-largest park and a less-traveled gem. Check into your hotel, then begin your guided half-day trek along the Cheondong Trail from the Cheondong Park Information Center. Hike through the forest trail until you reach a picnic area. From here, you'll climb a steeper, more rocky path along the ridgeline up to Birobong Peak, the tallest peak in the park at 4,720 feet (1,439 m).
The terrain can be rugged, so take breaks to appreciate the blooming azaleas in the spring or the brightly colored autumn foliage. After hiking for two hours you'll reach the mountaintop. Stop to admire the views, then descend via the more adventurous Eouigok Trail to find more beautiful vistas, or trek back down the way you came. Spend your evening resting at your Danyang hotel before an early start tomorrow.
Day 7: Transfer to Sokcho, Hiking in Seoraksan Park: Gwongeumseong Fortress
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for a 3.5-hour transfer to Sokcho, where you'll check into your hotel. Today, you'll discover the beauty of Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District, with a private guide. Start by riding the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress Peak to view the park's diverse landscapes and a castle ruin. When you arrive, admire the scenic vista of Seoraksan, one of Korea's highest mountains, and visit the historic seventh-century Buddhist Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple on the mountain slopes.
Marvel at the Tongil Daebul (Great Unification Buddha) statue, symbolizing the Korean people's wish for reunification. Take photos of snowy valleys, frozen waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna throughout the park, which is beautiful in every season. After exploring, you might like to hike the 3-mile (6 km) loop of the Biseondae Rock Course, which follows a stream along a picturesque valley to Biseondae Rock, a giant monolith etched with words by ancient poets. The moderate hike should take about three hours to finish. Afterward, you'll stay the night in charming Sokcho.
Day 8: Hiking in Seoraksan National Park: Biryong Falls & Ulsanbawi Peak
Discover more of Seoraksan National Park today with another full-day hiking tour. Begin at the Biryong Falls Course, which starts near the park entrance. Take forest paths and cross a picturesque stone bridge before stopping at the six small waterfalls that form Yukdam Falls. Climb a rockier and steeper path to the dramatic Biryong Falls, savoring the wildflowers or changed leaves, then hike another few minutes to Towangseong Falls Observatory, a tough trek well worth the gorgeous views of the 1,050-foot-high (320 m) waterfall gushing down a dramatic rock cliff.
If you're up for a more challenging hike next, tackle the Ulsanbawi Peak Course, the most difficult trail in the park, which also affords the best views. The entire loop is about 2.5 miles each way and takes around three hours to complete, depending on your ability. The trail's highlight is the 800-stepped staircase, which leads to the iconic Ulsanbawi Rock, with its dramatic granite ridge. After your hike, you'll return to your Sokcho hotel for the last night of your tour.
Day 9: Transfer to Incheon, Depart
Today, your journey in South Korea comes to an end. Your driver will transfer you the 3.5 hours from Sokcho to Incheon International Airport in time to board your departing flight. Safe travels, wherever you go next!
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