Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park
4.5
About
Popular among hiking enthusiasts, Bukhansan National Park is located just outside the city of Seoul. Embark on the popular and easiest Bukhansanseong Course to Baegundae Peak, which is the park’s highest point. Seasoned hikers can take on the more challenging Uisangneungseon Course to Nahangon Peak. Otherwise, take the short but steep course to Uisanbong Peak. Plan your visit for autumn, where the park comes alive with stunning fall colors. The trails are well demarcated but, if you’re afraid of getting lost, opt for a private hiking tour, with the option to relax in a sauna after the hike. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Bukhansan National Park
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
49 within 3 miles
Attractions
396 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,123 reviews
Excellent
824
Very good
264
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK2,596 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
My partner and I did the hike to the peak and back down again via the same route. I recommend using the Koreatodo website, as we found this super useful. We did the moderate rated route to Baegundae Peak which took around 3 hours to get to the top. My partner isn’t physically fit, so this can be done in a much shorter amount of time. We stopped to take photos along the way too.
You absolutely need to purchase some spikes from the outdoor shop outside, particularly if doing the hike in winter like we did. Also bring gloves to hold onto the ropes at the top. Without the spikes, you would really struggle to get to the peak. The spikes are around 9,000 WON in the shops before the entrance.
The peak itself is beautiful and breathtaking, and well worth the walk to get there. You can get some unbelievable pictures and views of Seoul. Definitely would recommend doing this hike.
You absolutely need to purchase some spikes from the outdoor shop outside, particularly if doing the hike in winter like we did. Also bring gloves to hold onto the ropes at the top. Without the spikes, you would really struggle to get to the peak. The spikes are around 9,000 WON in the shops before the entrance.
The peak itself is beautiful and breathtaking, and well worth the walk to get there. You can get some unbelievable pictures and views of Seoul. Definitely would recommend doing this hike.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,081 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Bukhansan National Park is a paradise for hikers. There are hundreds of trails with varying levels of difficulty, offering views of both mountain peaks and waterfalls.
Buses heading out of the city to various park entrances are filled with hikers decked out in what looks like professional gear. So don’t worry - you won't be alone on the trails.
Two days ago, we did a 4 km trail on the city wall that took us to the top of one of Bukhansan's relatively low mountain peaks. It was a sweat-inducing affair.
Yesterday, we hiked a 2 x 2.5 km route to Songchu Falls. You can find the trail on AllTrails dot com. The difficulty is moderate; only the very end of the trail becomes somewhat challenging, but most people in good shape will be able to complete it.
If 5 km sounds a bit short, there are several marked trails so you can pass Songchu Falls and go higher up in the park. Try googling the Obong Loop.
Buses heading out of the city to various park entrances are filled with hikers decked out in what looks like professional gear. So don’t worry - you won't be alone on the trails.
Two days ago, we did a 4 km trail on the city wall that took us to the top of one of Bukhansan's relatively low mountain peaks. It was a sweat-inducing affair.
Yesterday, we hiked a 2 x 2.5 km route to Songchu Falls. You can find the trail on AllTrails dot com. The difficulty is moderate; only the very end of the trail becomes somewhat challenging, but most people in good shape will be able to complete it.
If 5 km sounds a bit short, there are several marked trails so you can pass Songchu Falls and go higher up in the park. Try googling the Obong Loop.
Written 26 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TippyBird
Kunming, China13 contributions
Feb 2020
I arrived into Seoul at the New Year celebrations and found that the transport was fully booked and everything in Seoul would be closed. the lady at the hotel recommend this place. I went more for something to do while waiting for my flight the next day but was so pleasantly surprised. Its a beautiful National Park with really really nice hiking. The top rock scrambling is also fun if you aren't afraid of heights. it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip! If you like nature then I really recommend it.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jobes888
Hong Kong, China13 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
I have hiked 1000 kilometres in Bhukhansan over the past year with my 6 year old.
Park rangers have threatened us with arrest and yelled at us for:
Eating lunch in a hammock
Taking pictures near stream
Putting feet in stream
Taking off shirt by stream
Inadvertently waking out of bounds
Randomly falsely accusation of drinking
You can see Korean enjoying all of these activities unmolested. The park ranger staff is extremely racist and on the hunt for confrontations with foreigners.
Beware
Park rangers have threatened us with arrest and yelled at us for:
Eating lunch in a hammock
Taking pictures near stream
Putting feet in stream
Taking off shirt by stream
Inadvertently waking out of bounds
Randomly falsely accusation of drinking
You can see Korean enjoying all of these activities unmolested. The park ranger staff is extremely racist and on the hunt for confrontations with foreigners.
Beware
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob Nesbit
Warsaw, Poland4,114 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Hiking to the top was long and hard. Even though we started quite early and was on the trail by about 8, it still took us a few hours to get to the peak. Many stone and rocks to be climbed over and it is quite steep at times.
At the top there is quite a few people so it can take a little while to actually reach the peak as some of the trail gets narrow.
Coming down we were happy that we got up early to do it, as we found the crowds going up were quite big. I can imagine starting it in the middle of the day would take much more time, as you also have to factor in waiting for people to move along.
As for the sights, they were great from the top.
The peak is a bit hairy as well, if you don't have a good head for heights it might not be the best mountain to climb to the top. The day we did it it was quite windy so a little tense at the very top. Some people were braver than us and going to the edge of the large rocks and slabs of stone......we were happy to keep within the ropes and chains.
Good exercise and well worth the effort, but it was a hard climb.
(to add: crowds were due to the weekend and it was also a national holiday weekend)
At the top there is quite a few people so it can take a little while to actually reach the peak as some of the trail gets narrow.
Coming down we were happy that we got up early to do it, as we found the crowds going up were quite big. I can imagine starting it in the middle of the day would take much more time, as you also have to factor in waiting for people to move along.
As for the sights, they were great from the top.
The peak is a bit hairy as well, if you don't have a good head for heights it might not be the best mountain to climb to the top. The day we did it it was quite windy so a little tense at the very top. Some people were braver than us and going to the edge of the large rocks and slabs of stone......we were happy to keep within the ropes and chains.
Good exercise and well worth the effort, but it was a hard climb.
(to add: crowds were due to the weekend and it was also a national holiday weekend)
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
無名
World9,905 contributions
Sept 2022
...I'm 62 and did it. Well, as much as I wanted to do. Some places are steep, but the trail is well maintained and it's certainly doable. I just went to the first two temples. I am so drawn to the Buddha. I think I'm gonna read again what Einstein said about Buddhism. Bukhansan was really a good place to be this day. I hope you go too. The walk to the start of the trail from the metro station is pretty special as well. Geongguksa Temple near the train station is beautiful. I can't describe it as I felt not saw its aesthetic. The kind of a stream from there to the visitor center that has what's called a board that was also amazing to walk. Kids were in the water with fishing nets looking like they were having the time of the lives. They are.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xxinxx
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10 contributions
Oct 2019
It is a relatively easy hike even for those without hiking experience. The trails is easy to navigate, it should take not more than 6 hours (return trip) for beginners. The only difficult part is near the peak due to steep climb.
Went there in late October when the leaves started to turn red and yellow. It was very windy at the peak, I'd suggest to bring extra layer of cloth for comfort. Although I hiked alone, I wasn't lonely because along the way, there were many people (especially friendly ahjummas) offered me food and started a conversation despite the language barrier.
Went there in late October when the leaves started to turn red and yellow. It was very windy at the peak, I'd suggest to bring extra layer of cloth for comfort. Although I hiked alone, I wasn't lonely because along the way, there were many people (especially friendly ahjummas) offered me food and started a conversation despite the language barrier.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meander67420578585
South Korea1 contribution
Aug 2020
이곳은 대한민국에서 높은 산입니다.자연과 숲 그리고 전경이 아주 좋습니다.
운동화는 꼭 안전한 걸 들고가세요.어린아이는 올라가기 힘들 수 있습니다.
This is the highest mountain in Korea. The nature, forest and views are very good.
Make sure to go for safe sneakers. Young children can have a hard time climbing.
운동화는 꼭 안전한 걸 들고가세요.어린아이는 올라가기 힘들 수 있습니다.
This is the highest mountain in Korea. The nature, forest and views are very good.
Make sure to go for safe sneakers. Young children can have a hard time climbing.
Written 16 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shogunempeor
Singapore, Singapore52 contributions
Nov 2022
Good place to clear the mind. I took the hard route up which was the fastest. Lots of climbing so a good hiking pole is needed if you wanna save your knees going up and especially on the way down. Peaceful and serene, do go on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds and prepare to spend an entire day there if you're there to appreciate nature. For fitness buffs, its perfect running up and down in a couple of hours.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben O
Tallinn, Estonia65 contributions
Oct 2022
Bukhansan is simply breath-taking. An absolute must if you're staying in Seoul. We ended up completing a ~12km hike through the park, and the views from near the peaks were spectacular. We did get a little turned around at one point, so definitely grab a map and double check your route. Other than that, it was incredible.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leo
Mainburg, Germany
Hey, I'm planning my trip to Seoul right now & I want to get out of the crowded town during the weekend. I'm just wondering, are the hiking trails on weekends also more crowded? Is it better to go on Saturday or Sunday?
Written 24 September 2023
I only went on a wednesday and thursday...both days were fairly quiet....I imagine it is busy at the weekends as it is so easy to get there by public transport. But there are many routes so maybe avoid the highest peaks? Baegundae Peak has a steep narrow section near the top...which can be quite slippy and challenging...so I am sure there would be bottlenecks here
Written 9 November 2023
would you recommend going to bukhansan national park on new year's day?
Written 15 December 2019
I can imagine that it can be absolutely beautiful in wintertime but you definitely need good climbing material. Be careful en be sure to check the weather conditions before you leave. The more difficult parts can be very slippery, so you will need microspikes and ... a good condition
Written 16 December 2019
Hello,
We went in the spring, so not able to help on this occasion.
Written 28 October 2019
We will be driving, can we reach the top of National Park by driving? Any car parks?
Thank you.
Written 13 June 2019
You can't reach the top by driving. Anyway, the final part to the peak are steep climb, made possible by steel cables. And the peak has space for about 5 pax to comfortably take pictures. Have fun!
Written 13 June 2019
Is there a cable car service to go on top or its just a hike?Some reviews mention about the cable car but no clear information on the same.
Written 21 May 2019
No cable car .
There is a cable car service at the smaller hill in north part of Seoul itself.
Written 25 May 2019
Is it ok to take active 4years old child, or its more for fit adults?
Written 12 May 2019
In my opinion, most definitely not fit for children unless you have the strength to be hiking with them on your backs. It was a 2hour hike to the top, and that was CONTINUOUS stair/stone climbing, not trail walking. Also, at the peak, the stones are rather smooth and slippery and you are hanging on for dear life to the cable ropes to get a step up, any slip ups would result in a loony way down the cliff
Written 22 May 2019
Does anyone have any advise on what to bring for the hike which can be useful?
Written 8 May 2019
Hiking shoes ,lunch, water and gloves. Gloves are for holding on to steel ropes when climbing. We took thin working gloves from hardware store and found they worked really well.
Written 8 May 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 73
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing