August Hiking Programs in Korea: Escaping to Coolness in the City
- zone tp
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
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Enjoy Seoul’s mountains this August with the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center!
Special cool-down programs are prepared to help you beat the summer heat.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy refreshing waterfalls in the heart of the city’s nature!
This program may be rescheduled to another date in case of rain.
Let's begin😎
On the Summer Suraksan Cheonmun Falls Course, you can enjoy a summer-only healing trek and a refreshing valley picnic along cool streams in the city. This course begins at Buramsan Station, followed by a ride to Ppaebal Village, then a trek from the entrance of Heukseok Valley past Heukseok Checkpoint to Cheonmun Falls. At Cheonmun Falls, you'll have free time to enjoy water play and a picnic! Suraksan is one of Seoul’s most popular summer mountains, known for its cool valleys and scenic trails. In addition to Cheonmun Valley, the course features other water-friendly spots like Byeokun Valley and Heukseok Valley, as well as thrilling rocky ridges. With its close proximity to the city, Suraksan offers the perfect nature escape during summer. After a light hike while taking in the scenery, relaxing by the clear sound of valley streams will be a refreshing and joyful experience!
Course: Buramsan Station Exit 1 → Ppaebal Village → Heukseok Checkpoint → Cheonmun Falls → Water Play and Picnic → Heukseok Checkpoint → Ppaebal Village → Buramsan Station
Time: 1–4:30PM
Ppaebal Village is a small neighborhood tucked between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains, at the northern edge of Seoul. The village’s unique name is said to have two meanings: “a village where many pears grow” and “a place you can’t get out of once you fall in.” In 1960, following the Korean War armistice, U.S. military bases were established across South Korea. Among them, Camp Stanley, built near Ppaebal Village, brought new energy to what was once a sparsely inhabited area. As the commercial district around the base thrived, the village grew more lively. However, after the U.S. military left, the area gradually declined. Today, the remnants of that era still remain—rows of shuttered stores and a quiet atmosphere, visited mainly by hikers. While small and subdued, this makes the village a peaceful place to explore. Recently selected for an urban regeneration project, Ppaebal Village is now taking steps toward becoming a more vibrant and safe community once again.
Address: 68 Songsan-ro 999beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
Cheonmun Falls is a 20-meter-high waterfall nestled within Suraksan, and it's considered one of the mountain’s most scenic highlights. Among Suraksan’s many natural wonders, Cheonmun Falls is especially popular in summer thanks to its easy accessibility and the chance to cool off in the water. Though not massive in scale, the waterfall is surrounded by lush forests, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear streams—creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere that delights every visitor. You can splash in the water or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic while admiring the view. It’s also part of a trekking course suitable for beginners, making it a great destination for a light outdoor adventure. On days without much water, you won’t see a cascading waterfall, but the gentle flowing stream still adds charm to mountain water play! And of course, the surrounding scenery is perfect for capturing unforgettable photos!
Address: san101-2 Sangok-dong, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
