Hiking & Cultural Journey
2-Day Southwest Korea Tour by KTX
Escape the city by high-speed train to Wolchulsan, Suncheon Bay, Boseong tea fields, Mt. Jirisan and Namwon.
Tour Overview
The Experience
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on this two-day tour from Seoul to Wolchulsan National Park, Suncheon, Gurye and Namwon in Jeollanam-do province.
Jeollanam-do in the southwest of Korea is one of the country's least developed and greenest provinces, home to diverse and beautiful destinations. This itinerary visits the historical and religious sites, beautiful gardens and national parks of a region that is not well known to foreign tourists in Korean tourism.
This program shows the simple charm of Korea's provincial cities and the beauty of nature, and reduces the fatigue of long-distance travel by riding the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Gwangju.
Tour Highlights
What makes this hike special
Hike Mt. Wolchulsan National Park to the Gureumdari suspension bridge.
Walk among the rolling green tea fields of Boseong.
Watch the sunset over Suncheon Bay Wetland from Yongsan Observatory.
Visit Hwagae Market, a traditional market on the Seomjin River.
Hike Mt. Jirisan's Nogodan Peak (1,507 m).
Stroll Gwanghalluwon Garden, the setting of the Chunhyangjeon love story.
Roundtrip KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Gwangju and Namwon.
Hiking Route Map
See the route before you hike
Hiking Route Details
Step-by-step on the trail
Day 1 — Mt. Wolchulsan National Park
- 1
Cheonhwang Parking Lot
- 2
Gureumdari Bridge (Suspension Bridge)
- 3
Cheonhwang Parking Lot
Day 2 — Mt. Jirisan, Nogodan Peak
- 1
Seongsamjae Pass (1,102 m)
- 2
Nogodan Peak (1,507 m)
- 3
Seongsamjae Pass
Difficulty: Easy
Both hikes are easy, short trails suitable for hikers with a basic level of fitness. Wolchulsan is a 3.9 km out-and-back (2–2.5 hours); the Nogodan trail is a 3.8 km round trip with approx. 405 m of elevation gain (2–3 hours).
Daily Itinerary
A typical day on the trail
Day 1 — Seoul → Gwangju → Mt. Wolchulsan → Boseong → Suncheon
KTX from Seoul to Gwangju
Ride the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Gwangju (approx. 2 hours).
Mt. Wolchulsan National Park hiking
Hike to the Gureumdari suspension bridge — a 3.9 km out-and-back trail (2–2.5 hours).
Boseong Green Tea Field
Visit Boseong, one of the most beautiful, undiscovered parts of South Korea — picturesque rolling hills used for growing tea, especially lovely in early spring and fall harvest season.
Suncheon Bay Wetland
Walk scenic boardwalks through vast reed fields, then head to Yongsan Observatory for the sunset over the S-shaped waterway, golden reeds and mudflats.
Overnight in Suncheon
Check in to your hotel in Suncheon (3 or 4 star, with breakfast).
Day 2 — Hwagae Market → Mt. Jirisan → Namwon → Seoul
Hwagae Market
Visit a traditional market on the Seomjin River, historically at the crossroads of Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do, where people from both regions gathered to trade and exchange cultures.
Mt. Jirisan, Nogodan Peak
Hike from Seongsamjae Pass to Nogodan Peak (1,507 m) — approx. 3.8 km round trip, 2–3 hours, easy, with approx. 405 m elevation gain and panoramic high-mountain views.
Gwanghalluwon Garden
Stroll one of Korea's most beautiful traditional gardens in Namwon — the elegant Gwanghallu Pavilion, a picturesque pond and traditional bridges, the setting of the famous Korean love story Chunhyangjeon.
Namwon KTX station to Seoul
Ride the KTX back from Namwon to Seoul (approx. 2 hours).
Private Tour Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Private tour price varies depending on group size.
All prices are in USD per person and are based on the number of guests in the private group.
Reserve This Tour
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Inclusions
Pricing & What's Included
Included
- All Entrance Fees
- Professional hiking guide
- Hiking poles, Crampons
- Roundtrip transfer service with a private vehicle
- Accommodation: 1 night (3 or 4 star hotel with breakfast, Double/Twin/Triple room)
- Lunch (2 times)
- Dinner (2 times)
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
What to Bring
Pack for the trail
Important Safety Information
Hike safe, hike smart
Please wear hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Your guide will carry a first-aid kit and a hiking map.
Mountain weather can change quickly; the route may be adjusted for safety.
The itinerary may be changed due to weather, trail closures or National Park regulations.
Planning Guide
Plan Your Southwest Korea Journey by KTX
Travel from Seoul by KTX for an easy private journey combining short hikes at Wolchulsan and Jirisan with Boseong tea fields, Suncheon Bay and Namwon.
Inquiry
Ready to Explore Southwest Korea?
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