
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Sihŭng, Gyeonggi, Korea, South
1. Bukhansan National Park
Experience Korea's most famous mountain with breathtaking views of Seoul. Offers various trails for all skill levels.
- Diverse Trails: Caters to hikers of different skill levels with easy, moderate, and challenging trails
- Natural Beauty: Offers scenic views of lush valleys, forests, and the sprawling metropolis of Seoul
- Accessibility: Located just a short train ride from Sihŭng, making it an accessible day trip destination
2. Osan Alps Trail
Hike through stunning alpine scenery in the heart of Gyeonggi-do. Offers a challenging trek for experienced hikers.
- Alpine Scenery: Features towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys
- Challenging Terrain: Requires a good level of fitness and hiking experience due to steep inclines and rocky terrain
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds of prey and the endangered Korean Tiger
3. Guryeongsan National Park
Explore this lesser-known gem with lush forests, picturesque valleys, and a historic temple.
- Less Crowded: Offers a quieter hiking experience compared to more popular parks
- Historical Significance: Home to the historic Guryeongsa Temple, dating back over 1000 years
- Variety of Trails: Offers a variety of trails catering to hikers of different skill levels
4. Inwangsan Hiking Trail
Hike through historic Seoul with stunning views of the city and royal palaces.
- Urban Hike: Provides a unique urban hiking experience within the city limits
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by historic landmarks such as Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine
- Short Duration: Offers a short, manageable hike for those with limited time in Seoul
5. Yangpyeong Bamboo Grove Trail
Hike through a lush bamboo forest and enjoy the serenity of rural Korea.
- Bamboo Forest: Features a dense, towering bamboo grove that creates a unique and peaceful atmosphere
- Rural Experience: Provides a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Korea's countryside
- Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during autumn foliage season
6. Paektusan Mountain
Hike to the summit of Korea's highest peak and explore its mysterious volcanic landscape.
- Highest Peak: Stand atop Korea's highest peak, Paektu-bong, with an elevation of over 2700 meters
- Volcanic Landscape: Explore the unique volcanic landscape, including craters and lava domes
- Historical Significance: Of great historical significance as the birthplace of the Korean people according to Korean mythology
7. Seoraksan National Park
Hike through stunning landscapes featuring towering peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear streams.
- Diverse Landscapes: Features diverse landscapes including dense forests, rocky cliffs, and alpine meadows
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including red pandas, black bears, and deer
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous scenic viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape
8. Jeju Olle Trails
Hike along the scenic coastline of Jeju Island with stunning ocean views and unique volcanic landscapes.
- Coastal Hiking: Provides a coastal hiking experience with breathtaking ocean views
- Volcanic Landscapes: Explores unique volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes and sea arches
- Cultural Immersion: Offers opportunities for cultural immersion, including traditional villages and temples
9. Jirisan National Park
Hike through Korea's largest national park featuring towering peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams.
- Size: Spans over 2,000 square kilometers making it the largest national park in Korea
- Diverse Ecosystems: Features diverse ecosystems including subtropical forests and alpine meadows
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Korean Black Bear and Siberian Deer
10. Hallasan Volcano
Hike to the summit of Jeju Island's iconic volcano and explore its unique landscape.
- Iconic Volcano: Climb the iconic Hallasan Volcano, the highest peak in Jeju Island
- Unique Landscape: Explores unique volcanic landscapes, including lava tubes and craters
- Cultural Significance: Of great cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
11. Jiri Mountains
Hike through the rugged and remote Jiri Mountains on the famous Korean Military Academy trail.
- Rugged Terrain: Features a challenging, rugged terrain suitable for experienced hikers
- Historical Significance: Famous as the training ground for Korean soldiers and home to the historic Jiri Fortress
- Remote Location: Provides a remote, isolated hiking experience away from crowds and modern conveniences
12. Naejangsan Temple Trail
Hike through scenic landscapes dotted with historic temples in Jeollanam-do province.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers stunning, scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Historical Temples: Passes by historic temples, including Naejangsa Temple, one of Korea's most famous temples
- Autumn Foliage: Known for its stunning autumn foliage, especially during the month of October
13. Ganghwado Island Trails
Hike through the rolling hills and lush forests of Ganghwado Island, with stunning ocean views.
- Rolling Hills: Features rolling hills and verdant forests
- Ocean Views: Offers stunning ocean views from various points along the trails
- Historical Sites: Passes by historic sites, including the Ganghwa Dolmen Park and the Hanggangyeongneung Royal Tomb
14. Yangdong Cultural Village Trail
Hike through a traditional Korean village and learn about Korea's rich cultural heritage.
- Traditional Village: Explores a well-preserved traditional Korean village, Yangdong
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into Korea's rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture
- Rural Experience: Offers a rural experience, away from the hustle and bustle of city life
15. Seomjin River Trail
Hike along the picturesque Seomjin River, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Picturesque River: Features a beautiful, winding river surrounded by lush forests and rugged mountains
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous scenic viewpoints along the trail, perfect for photography enthusiasts
- Historical Sites: Passes by historical sites, including the Seomjin Fortress and the Hwanggung Royal Tomb