Hiking in Seoul Made Easy : The Ultimate Guide to Using Seoul Urban Hiking Tourism Center for Foreign Visitors

Is there another capital city in the world where you can reach a hiking trail within 30 minutes by subway? Seoul, globally known as the hub of K-culture and cutting-edge technology, also boasts an unexpected charm—it’s one of the world’s most hike-friendly cities. With a quick ride on public transportation, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forest paths, mountain temples, and panoramic views, offering a natural escape from the city's fast pace.

Seoul is encircled by beautiful mountains like Bukhansan, Gwanaksan, Bugaksan, Inwangsan, and Namsan, providing options for everything from casual strolls to challenging hikes.

To help foreign visitors enjoy this experience, the city operates Seoul Urban Hiking Tourism Centers, which offer rental gear, multilingual guidance, and cultural experiences. Here’s everything you need to know to start your Seoul hiking adventure.

1. What Are Seoul Urban Hiking Tourism Centers?

These centers are operated by the Seoul Tourism Organization and serve as all-in-one hubs designed specifically for international visitors. You’ll find them near some of Seoul’s most iconic mountains—Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Gwanaksan. They aim to eliminate language and equipment barriers, offering everything you need for a seamless hiking experience.

Key Services:

Multilingual Support: Trail information in English, Chinese, and Japanese
Rental Equipment: Affordable hiking boots, clothing, poles, and more
Cultural Activities: Try traditional Korean crafts and experiences
Convenient Facilities: Lockers, rest areas, shoe sterilizers
Custom Trail Advice: Beginner to advanced trail recommendations based on fitness level

2. How to Use the Centers

🗓 Booking & Visit Guidelines

Walk-In Visits: No reservation needed to visit the centers
Gear Rental: Available on-site (online booking recommended during peak times)
Cultural Programs: Some experiences require advance reservation (priority given to foreigners)

✅ What to Bring

Passport or Alien Registration Card (Required for gear rental)
Comfortable clothes, reusable water bottle, light snacks

🧢 Rental Gear & Fees (Daily Rates)

Hiking boots: 2,000 KRW
Hiking clothes set: 3,000 KRW
Hiking poles: 1,000 KRW
Rain jackets, backpacks, crampons (winter): 1,000–2,000 KRW
Gloves, hats, accessories: 500–1,500 KRW
(*Prices may vary)
Return by: 6:00 PM same day
ID Required: Some items may need a small deposit
Eligibility: Foreigners or Koreans accompanying foreigners

🌍 Multilingual Info

Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Services: Trail maps, duration estimates, difficulty levels, safety tips, nearby attractions, transport access

3. Center Locations & Featured Mountains

🏞 Bukhansan Hiking Tourism Center

Bukhansan is Seoul’s tallest peak (Baegundae, 836m) and offers sweeping city views from the summit. The mountain is home to ancient temples like Samcheonsa and Mangwolsa, blending culture with nature.

Location: 181-7, Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (5-min walk from Bukhansan Ui Station, Ui-Sinseol Line)
Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays)
Contact: +82-1533-2608

Top Trail Picks:

Beginner: Ui Visitor Center → Doseonsa Temple → Samcheonsa (2–3 hours) – A serene trail along the valley with temple visits
Intermediate: Ui Visitor Center → Daedongmun → Baegundae Peak (3–4 hours) – Iconic route to the summit, with rocky paths and forest trails

Highlights:

Indoor climbing wall for warm-up or rainy days
Full equipment rentals for all seasons
Personalized trail advice based on fitness level

🏯 Bugaksan Hiking Tourism Center

Bugaksan (342m) is a modest peak with a unique urban trail along ancient fortress walls. Connected to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the Blue House, it’s ideal for combining hiking with sightseeing. At night, the city lights create a magical backdrop.

Location: 88, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (15-min walk from Anguk Station or take bus #11 from Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2)
Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Closed Tuesdays)
Contact: +82-1533-2158

Top Trail Picks:

For Beginners: Bugak Pavilion → Sukjeongmun → Changuimun (2–3 hours) – Gentle slope, rich in history, great photo ops
Night View Course: Bugak Skyway → Peak (1–2 hours) – Best enjoyed at sunset for panoramic city lights

Highlights:

Located in a remodeled traditional Korean hanok
Offers cultural programs like calligraphy, hanji crafts, and traditional games (*extra fees apply)
Guided cultural insights in multiple languages
Photo zones and walking routes along Seoul Fortress Trail

⛰ Gwanaksan Hiking Tourism Center

Located in southern Seoul, Gwanaksan (632m) is famous for its dramatic rocky ridges. It offers steeper trails for experienced hikers, but also gentler paths perfect for families. On clear days, views stretch from the summit to the Han River and Namsan Tower.

Location: Basement level, Gwanaksan Station, Sillim Line, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
Contact: +82-1533-2162

Top Trail Picks:

Intermediate+: Seoul Nat'l Univ. Entrance → Yeonju Peak → Gwanak Gate (3–4 hours) – Iconic route with thrilling rock scrambles and panoramic views
Family-Friendly: Gwanak Natural Park → Samseongsan → Hoamsan (2–3 hours) – Gentler terrain ideal for beginners and families

Highlights:

The newest hiking center (opened Nov. 2024)
Directly connected to public transport
Premium amenities: gear drying stations, lockers, foot sterilizers
Rock climbing safety guidance and route briefings

Seoul’s Urban Hiking Tourism Centers make it incredibly easy to explore the city’s natural beauty—no advanced prep required. With affordable rentals, multilingual guides, and rich cultural programs, even first-time hikers can confidently head into the mountains.

Each center has its own charm:

Bukhansan offers dramatic peaks and temple trails
Bugaksan combines history and scenic city views
Gwanaksan delivers rugged excitement and nature immersion

So lace up your boots, choose your mountain, and experience a side of Seoul you’ll never forget.