Breeze into nature in Korea with May hiking programs
- zone tp
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
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Join a May hiking program and enjoy the spring-coloured mountains of Korea!
Hiking with the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center offers not only fresh air but also a chance to enjoy history and culture.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are a variety of programs for everyone to enjoy.
This May, enjoy a special opportunity to experience nature in Seoul like never before!
Let's begin😎
On the Yongmasan · Achasan Sunset Course, you can enjoy a healing walk along the ancient fortress sites of the two mountains, experiencing both nature and history within the city. The course starts at Yongma Falls Park, passes through Yongmajeong Pavilion and the peak of Yongmasan, then continues to the summit of Achasan and Sunrise Square, ending with a descent toward Goguryeojeong. You'll also get historical commentary on the fortress remains scattered across Yongmasan and Achasan, giving you deeper insight into these often-overlooked ancient relics. Although Yongmasan is only 348m high, it offers refreshing views of the riverside, and Yongmajeong Pavilion—selected by Seoul as one of its top scenic viewpoints—is especially known for its stunning sunsets and night views. Achasan, while not a difficult hike, holds rich history as a strategic military point in the past, making it even more fascinating with the guided explanations!
Course: Yongmasan station Exit 2 → Yongma Falls Park → Yongmajeong Pavilion → Yongmasan Summit → Achasan Fortress 4 → Achasan Summit → Sunrise Plaza → Goguryeojeong Pavilion → Achasan Station
Time: 4–8:30PM
At Yongma Falls Park, you can enjoy the refreshing view of three artificial waterfalls cascading down. Originally, the park was located in a quarry area, and by utilizing the high rock cliffs formed by granite quarrying, it created a park with the largest waterfall in Asia. Enjoy the cool scenery created by the main waterfall, Yongma Waterfall, which is 51m high, along with Cheongnyong Waterfall, Baegma Waterfall, and the artificial pond below! The waterfalls are in operation from May to September every year, and the breathtaking view of the Yongmasan Mountain combined with the waterfalls is truly beautiful. Yongmasan Mountain, the highest peak of Achasan, is a popular destination for those who combine it with hiking on Achasan. Among these, Yongma Falls Park not only provides diverse scenery but also offers various facilities such as a citizens' plaza and a grassy plaza, making it a beloved resting spot for hikers and local residents.
Address: 250-12 Yongmasan-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
The Dobongsan Madangbawi Rock Hiking Course offers a chance to discover not only the natural beauty of Dobongsan but also its history in collaboration with Bukhansan National Park Service. The course starts at the Dobong Hiking Support Center and continues past Dobong Seowon and Cheonchuksa Temple, reaching Madangbawi Rock near the summit of Dobongsan. Located at the entrance to Dobongsan, the Dobong Hiking Support Center offers eco-friendly lunchboxes and safety backpack rental services. The eco-friendly lunchboxes provide a hearty meal in reusable containers, helping reduce single-use waste. The safety backpack includes essentials like knee pads, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, a map, and a seat mat, supporting a safe hiking experience. Once you're physically and mentally prepared at the center and start climbing Dobongsan, you’ll pass Dobong Seowon, where relic excavations are currently underway, and finally reach Madangbawi Rock, where you can rest on the wide stone surface or take stunning photos with views of downtown Seoul below!
Course: Dobongsan station Exit 1 → Dobong Hiking Support Center → Dobong Seowon → Dobong Shelter → Cheonchuksa Temple → Madangbawi Rock → Dobong Hiking Support Center
Time: 10AM–3PM
Cheonchuksa Temple, located at the eastern foot of Manjangbong Peak on Dobongsan, was built during the Unified Silla period and boasts a history of nearly a thousand years. The name "Cheonchuksa" refers to a peaceful place where Buddha is always present. True to its name, the serene temple is set against a backdrop of majestic rocky mountains, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The Daeungjeon Hall houses various Buddhist statues designated as cultural assets, making it one of Korea's top prayer sanctuaries. Due to its reputation, many people visit Cheonchuksa for the Temple Stay program. The program is divided into day trips, experiential stays, and relaxation stays. The experiential stay allows visitors to spend a day experiencing various Buddhist cultures, while the relaxation stay offers free time except for a minimal daily schedule. Various programs such as 108 bows, meditation, and traditional Buddhist experiences are offered, with tea time with the monks being the most popular activity.
Address: 92-2 Dobongsan-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul
In the Namsan Seokhojeong (Korean Archery Class) Course, you can learn traditional archery at Seokhojeong while enjoying the green nature of Namsan, and also watch the sunset over Seoul. The course starts at the National Theater of Korea, passing through Seokhojeong, Namsan Fortress, and ends with a beautiful sunset view at N Seoul Tower. Seokhojeong, a historic archery range, was established around 1630 and was restored in 1970. It boasts a history of nearly 400 years. Archery is similar to a mental training exercise, requiring concentration, so enjoy the thrill of arrows flying swiftly in the quiet archery range. The traditional Korean bow used in Gukgung(Korean archery) is lightweight, making it relatively easy to learn. Afterward, with a calm mind, enjoy the Namsan Fortress, which once surrounded the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress wall offers beautiful views throughout the year, making it a historical and cultural path.
Course: Dongguk Univ. station Exit 6 → National Theater of Korea → Namsan Seokhojeong → Namsan Fortress → N Seoul Tower
Time: 12:50–5:20PM
N Seoul Tower is a landmark that rises tall on Namsan, offering panoramic views of Seoul from an altitude of 480m. To reach the tower, visitors can either hike up the mountain or take a cable car for a more comfortable ascent. Namsan is crowded with tourists daily, and during the evening, when the tower lights up, it becomes a romantic spot known for its beautiful night view. While N Seoul Tower originally served as a broadcasting transmission tower, it now houses various facilities, including a souvenir shop, exhibition hall, and cafes, providing a richer experience for visitors. One of its iconic features is the "Love Locks," where people attach locks to symbolize eternal love. In addition to the locks, there is also a time capsule, making a visit to N Seoul Tower a memorable experience!
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Work: Mon–Fri 10AM–10:30PM
Sat, Sun 10AM–11PM
