The best hike to do when visiting Seoul
In this post, I’ll discuss an incredible hike I did when visiting Seoul in Bukhansan National Park. In this hike, you get to visit two different active buddhist temples, streams, cliffs, forest hiking, a chain to climb up and gorgeous 360 degree views of Seoul and the surrounding mountains. If you are looking for a way to get into nature while nearby Seoul, this is the hike for you.
Stats: 6.6km and 450m of elevation gain. I’ve done my best to track the trail on this custom AllTrails map. If you want more information about other hikes in Bukhansan National Park, check out my general information post. Finally, always make sure to be prepared for recreating outside – bring the 10 essentials and be sure to leave no trace. If you are looking for gear recommendations for your next hike, I’ve included a roundup of the items I always pack with me.
How to get there
Take a bus or train from Seoul to Eupyeong Hanok Village. The ‘3’ line in the Seoul metro takes you to Yeonsinnae station. From there, you can grab a bus (usually the 7723) in the direction of Hana High School, where you’ll get off at the Hana High School / Samchunsa Temple stop. From there, you’ll just walk up the road towards the forest and you’ll see a clean washroom before entering the Samchunsa Temple. Feel free to explore the temple before you get started. The trail begins right behind the temple, up into the mountains.
Trail Description
The hike starts at the edge of the Jingwansa Temple complex. You’ll first start the hike up through the forest, high above a river below. The views begin right away! After a kilometer or so, you’ll reach the ‘technical’ part of the hike – which is really just one section with a chain to help pull yourself up the trail. You could probably do it without using the chain, and it’s not particularly dangerous. We purchased cheap gloves to wear to grip the chains, which weren’t necessary. The train continues steeply for a little bit longer until you reach a ridgeline. From there, it’s up to you which peaks you want to visit. After exploring some of the rock formations along the ridge, choose the return route that points you towards the Samcheonsa Temple. The return route can be a little slippery in parts from dust, but otherwise is not difficult to navigate. You’ll cross a beautiful bridge outside the temple and the sounds of prayer will guide you to the finish. There are restrooms at the temple as well. To get back to the Eupyeong Hanok Village area, follow the road and when it hits the highway, walk about a quarter of a kilometer to the left and you’ll be back where you started.
Food Options Nearby
Once you return to the Eupyeong Hanok Village, you have a couple of food options. We ate at a delicious Cold Noodle Restaurant. Other options included a fast casual chicken restaurant, a few brunch spots and Irin Iljan, an Instagram famous coffee shop with fantastic views. Because options are limited in the immediate vicinty, make sure to bring a bunch of snacks on the hike. You can also find dining options when you get back to the area around the metro station in Eunpyeong.
Where to stay nearby
It’s an easy trip from the heart of Seoul to the hike, but if you want to stay closer to the trails look for accommodation directly outside the park like this guesthouse. If you stay in Seoul, check out City Park Hotel which is a no frills but affordable and fantastically located spot near all the main tourist highlights, as well as within close proximity of a few metro stations. Another great option popular with foreign visitors is to stay near Myeongdong, for which Lotte City Hotel is a convenient option.
Other things to do in the area
Nearby the park, you can also explore the Eupyeong Hanok Village, which is a contemporary rendering of a traditional Hanok village. There are some street markets in Eunpyeong as well. But in general, the main reason to be in this area is to enjoy the hiking!
