New to hiking in Korea? Start with Bukhansan (right in Seoul) and Seoraksan (near Sokcho). This 2025 cheat-sheet curates easy, scenic routes, how to secure the Uiryeong-gil reservation, when to use the Seoraksan cable car, where to rent gear, how to get there, what it costs, and crucial safety rules.
Why These Two (Who it’s for)
Bukhansan puts forest paths and fortress walls within subway reach; Seoraksan adds coastal panoramas and a cable car option from the park’s Sogongwon (Outer Seorak) entrance. Both are national parks with no general entry fee (parking/facilities may charge). Seasonal fire-prevention or weather controls can temporarily close trails—always recheck official notices before you go.
Best Beginner Routes — Bukhansan
• Dulle-gil Section 21 “Uiryeong-gil” (reservation-only): a shaded, gently undulating forest road—ideal first hike; book at the KNPS reservation system, bring ID, and enter during posted hours.
• Bukhansanseong fortress loop: culture + scenery with mild gradients and multiple bail-out points.
• Temple paths (e.g., Samcheonsa / Jingwansa): mellow walking with heritage stops.
Tip: Save Baegundae summit for a later visit; the final slab/railing sections push it beyond “beginner.”
Best Beginner Routes — Seoraksan
• Sogongwon ↔ Sinheungsa: postcard-ready temples and streams on level paths.
• Sogongwon ↔ Biryong Falls (return): short, pretty, and a touch more effort; turn around at Yukdam Falls if time is tight.
• Cable car → Gwongeumseong: buy round-trip tickets on the day; enjoy summit views with a short stroll. Ulsanbawi is spectacular but stair-heavy—tackle it once you’ve got a few hikes under your belt.
Beginner routes at a glance
| Route | Distance · Time · Notes |
|---|---|
| Bukhansan — Uiryeong-gil (Dulle-gil 21) | ~6–7 km · 2–3 h · Reservation-only; gentle dirt road, shade, ID check at gate. |
| Bukhansanseong Loop | 4–8 km variable · 2–4 h · Fortress gates, rolling ups/downs, many exit points. |
| Seoraksan — Sogongwon ↔ Sinheungsa | ~2–3 km · 1–1.5 h · Level paths; scenic bridges and temple views. |
| Seoraksan — Biryong Falls (return) | ~4–5 km · 1.5–2.5 h · Creekside trail; a few short stair sections. |
| Seoraksan — Cable car → Gwongeumseong | Ride 10 min · Stroll 20–40 min · Round-trip tickets only; weather-dependent. |
Getting There & Moving Around
Bukhansan: use Ui-Sinseol Line → Bukhansan Ui for Uiryeong-gil and the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center; Gupabal/ Bulgwang/ Dobongsan stations connect by frequent buses to major trailheads. Seoraksan: frequent express buses run Seoul Express Bus Terminal ↔ Sokcho (~2 h 20 m). From Sokcho, hop a city bus or taxi to Sogongwon (park gate). The cable car sells same-day round-trip tickets and stops in high winds; in peak foliage weekends, expect morning sell-outs and lines.
Seasonality, Safety & Rules
Expect rotating trail protections during dry fire-risk seasons and after storms (ice/snow). High-elevation starts in Seoraksan may have entry time windows—plan to enter early. Rent quality gear (boots, apparel, poles, seasonal crampons) at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center near Bukhansan Ui. National park rules: stay on trails, no smoking/drinking, pack out all trash, and respect wildlife and cultural sites.
Costs & Time Budget
| Item | Typical cost / time (KRW · USD approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park entry | Free (parking/facilities extra) |
| Seoul ↔ Sokcho express bus | ₩13,000–23,000 (≈ US$10–17) · ~2 h 20 m |
| Seoraksan cable car (round-trip) | From typical adult fares posted on site; weather-dependent sales on the day |
| Gear rental (Seoul Hiking Tourism Center) | Shoes/clothes/poles/crampons available at low rental rates |
1-Day Itineraries
Bukhansan “first hike” (3–4 h): Bukhansan Ui → pick up rentals → Uiryeong-gil stroll → fortress gate viewpoint → coffee & return.
Seoraksan “views with ease” (3–4 h): Bus to Sokcho → Sogongwon → cable car & Gwongeumseong stroll → Sinheungsa loop → Sokcho market/sea walk.
On-Trail Etiquette & Packing
Uphill has right-of-way; keep speakers off; carry layers, sun/bug protection in summer and micro-spikes in icy seasons; pack water and snacks; and always carry out your trash. For live trail status, check official park notices before departure.