10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Seoul

A natural park in the city, Bukhansan National Park is the 15th of its kind designated in the nation. It covers parts of Seoul and Gyeonggi-do and consists of Bukhansan to the south of Uiryeong Pass and Dobongsan to its north. Dozens of pure, clear valleys flow through gigantic granite peaks and, thanks to the clean natural environment, it is home to over a thousand species of plants and animals. The park also features Bukhansanseong Fortress with a 2,000-year history, countless cultural heritage and over 100 temples and hermitages, which is why it is known as a large history and culture class.

Thirteen hiking routes at Bukhansan attract scores of hiking and climbing lovers of various levels so choose a course you like based on the difficulty of the route. Moreover, 21 Dulle-gil trails, which takes on different forms such as a water trail, earth trail, forest trail and village trail, have gradual slopes that make it great for walking and enjoying nature at the same time.

Hanyangdoseong is the city wall constructed some 600 years ago by the founder of Joseon Taejo Yi Seonggye, when he designated Hanyang as the capital. The path surrounding the fortress encompass Hanyang together with Sadaemun, the four main gates, and four smaller gates. There are 169 pieces of cultural heritage here. The 18.7 km-long fortress wall path, which starts from Bugaksan and continues up to Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan, is a famous walking route in the city where you can experience history, culture and natural ecology at the same time.

At the Hanyangdoseong Museum located inside the Seoul Design Support Centre building in Dongdaemun, you will learn about the history of the city wall, stories of its excavation, and the past, present and future of Seoul, so make sure to stop by before you set out on your walking trip. Make sure to also visit Ihwa Village and Jangsu Village at the foot of Naksan Mountain that are a part of the most beautiful route to check out sculptures created by artists. When you visit the four main gates, collect stamps to claim a badge that commemorates completion of your trip.

Nami Island is a pure, romantic travel spot where culture, arts and natural ecology form harmony. The island regularly hosts various cultural events and exhibits. The island is also a filming location for many dramas taking advantage of the fabulous scenery that includes a beautiful river and forests. Ever since the hit drama “Winter Sonata” aired in 2002, becoming a hit both in Korea and abroad, the island has been a must-visit spot for tourists throughout Asia as well as foreigners living in Korea. In 2010, the island was designated the 14th UNICEF Child-Friendly Park in the world.

Nami Island’s zipwire is the largest wire-riding facility in Asia. It offers the thrilling experience of flying down the island on a wire rope that takes off from the 80 m-high zipwire tower at Gapyeong Quay. There are two courses – Adventure Course towards Jaraseom and Family Course to Nami Island. – Go on this unique experience to thoroughly enjoy the view of the island and its surroundings from the sky.

Gwanaksan is located close to Sadang, Sillim-dong, Gwacheon and other parts of the city centre allowing residents to hike the mountain in a single day. Its granite peaks form harmony with the valleys to display beautiful terrain. Every May when royal azaleas bloom, the Royal Azalea Festival kicks off with traditional culture and history for Gwanak-gu residents. In the summertime, the lush green forests and sounds of valley water are magnificent while the fall maple leaves and winter snowscape reveal why it is one of the best mountains in Korea.

The most popular hiking route starts in Sillim-dong but there are also many people who hike from Sadang, Gwacheon and Anyang. As you make your way up a forest path filled with the scent of pine while treading on palm mats, you will pass a series of rocks with unique shapes, names and myths like Dukkeobibawi, Mudangbawi, Madangbawi and Eolgulbawi. Yeonjudae Peak, which is located at the brink of a cliff, is where all hiking paths come together.

Bugaksan is the tallest of 4 mountains that encircle Seoul. The mountain, also called Baegaksan, soars high north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The city walls of Hanyangdoseong are well-preserved along the mountain ridge and the mountain has Sukjeongmun, the north gate of the Four Main Gates of Hanyangdoseong. You can easily reach one of the hiking trails and Dulle-gil by subway or bus no matter where you are in the city. One of the more popular Hanyangdoseong trekking courses, the Bugak Section, is located here. Northern Dulle-gil is especially popular because its path opened to the public for the first time in 50 years.

Bugak Skyway is a sightseeing road that connects Changuimun Gate and Jeongneung Ariranggogae Pass. You can enjoy a great view of Bukhansan, Namsan and downtown Seoul from the octagonal pavilion.

Yongmasan is the highest peak of Achasan Mountain, and continues through Achsanseong Fortress and up to the back gate of Children’s Park. Waterfall Park is famous for its three waterfalls while Sagajeong Park is equipped with facilities for relaxation and sports making these parks local attractions for a pleasant getaway. Achasan is where the view of the Hangang River and the city can be enjoyed at the same time. The panorama view of Jamsil, Namsan, Bukhansan and Dobongsan viewed from the top of the hiking trail are quite a spectacle to behold. Here, you can also check out a rock containing the legend of Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang as well as the remains of a mountain fortress built during the Three Kingdoms period. The Achasan-Yongmasan course, which is Seoul Dulle-gil Section 2, is a trail with a gradual slope so you can hike rather comfortably.

After completing the hike, try the simple but cool naengmyeon at Seobuk Myeonok in Seongsu or stop by Munchies & Goodies, also known as the Berlin of Seongsu, to check out various European items.

Yeouido Hangang Park, one of the 12 Hangang River parks, is located near Yeouinaru Station. The park is a famous attraction in Seoul with easy access by subway or bus. From the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring to the International Fireworks Festival in fall, the park hosts a variety of events, performances and things to see and enjoy. Bamseom Island and Yeouido Saetgang are established as ecological learning sites and nature-friendly parks.

There are pleasant biking paths with rental shops for those who don’t have a bike. As you glide down a biking path along the Hangang River, you will be mesmerized by the sparkling sunlit water. You will also appreciate the pleasant wind tickling your cheeks. On weekends, you can try some delicious snacks from food trucks at the night market or order food to eat in the park.

Inwangsan Mountain is made of granite and has an infinite number of large and unique-shaped rocks. The famous Seonbawi Rock resembles a Buddhist monk standing with a robe. Other notable rocks include Dwaejibawi, Dukkeobibawi and Kokkiribawi, respectively resembling a pig, a toad and an elephant. On the southern peak lies Dalpaengibawi resembling a crawling snail. The top of the mountain can be reached within two hours by taking any one of the five hiking routes. Each route passes mineral springs and gazebos along the way to the top. You can also enjoy views of mountains and streams of the Hangang River that encompass Seoul. The mountain is known for beautiful sunsets and the nightscape attracting many hikers at night.

As you make your way down along fortress walls, which still maintain their original look, to the Cheongundong side, you will reach Sejong Village Food Culture Street. Enjoy famous samgyeopsal at Daeha Sikdang full of retro vibes.

Ansan Jarak-gil is a circulating trail set up to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. You can complete a round trip in about 2 hours. Among several observatories installed along the trail, Muakjeong appears elaborate but with a neat appearance. Stop by and enjoy the view of downtown Seoul in harmony with the surrounding mountains. There is an abundance of water veins featuring many mineral springs where you can quench your thirst. A spacious rest area in the thickly wooded metasequoia forest is the cosiest place to relax.

After a stroll, visit Dongnimmun Gate and Seodaemun Penitentiary History Hall to learn about life during the Japanese occupation era. You can end your day with tasty snacks at Yeongcheon Market.

Cheonggyecheon is a downtown stream that flows through the centre of Seoul, Jongno and Jung-gu, and a park for relaxation and culture. You can easily find lovers, families and friends engaging in conversations, taking strolls or taking pictures. Cheonggye Plaza where the trail begins is decorated with a conch tower, a fountain, a waterfall and miniatures. The trail on both sides of the stream stretches 5 km and features many things to see in each section. Visit Cheonggyecheon Museum to check out how the stream looked in the past and the present. In the evening after the sun sets, many lovers and families come to enjoy the fantastic harmony between the water and lights in the fountains and waterfalls.

You can try delicious snacks at the Bamdokkaebi Night Market. Whether you go with Pyongyang naengmyeon at the three-generation Pyeongyang Myeonok, which is also listed in the Michelin Guide, or try unique flavours at Everest, a Nepalese restaurant, you are sure to have a great experience.