Mountains & National Parks
Koreans love mountains—hiking is the number one national sport, and on weekends, millions flock to the 22 national parks. The hiking culture is impressive: you meet 70-year-olds in perfect outdoor gear who treat you to Makgeolli and Kimbap at the summit.
The Most Beautiful Mountains
- Seoraksan (1,708 m)—South Korea's most spectacular mountain with granite rocks, waterfalls, and the best autumn foliage in the country. → Chap. Regions
- Hallasan (1,950 m)—Jeju's volcanic peak with a crater lake. South Korea's highest point. → Chap. Regions
- Bukhansan (836 m)—The national park on the outskirts of Seoul. Reach the summit in 2 hours—with views over the entire 10-million city. One of the most visited national parks in the world (per area).
- Jirisan (1,915 m)—South Korea's oldest national park with multi-day hut hikes along the main ridge. For serious hikers.
- Naejangsan—Korea's most famous autumn foliage mountain: In November, maple trees form a tunnel of red, orange, and gold over the temple path.
