Hiking & Trekking
Mt. Bukhansan Hiking Tour
Climb Seoul's highest peak for panoramic city views and dramatic granite ridges.
Tour Overview
The Experience
Rising straight out of the city, Bukhansan is the mountain that Seoul looks up to — a jumble of granite peaks and forested valleys set inside a national park on the capital's northern edge. This full-day hike takes you to its highest summit, Baegundae, for a 360° view that sweeps from the Han River to the distant skyline.
The trail mixes quiet forest paths with steeper, rocky ridge sections where you'll scramble over smooth granite boulders. It's a real mountain experience — rugged, exposed, and rewarding — yet close enough to Seoul that you're back in the city by evening. Your guide sets the pace, handles navigation, and shares the mountain's history and folklore along the way.
Bukhansan is one of the most visited national parks in the world, but with a private guide and a midweek or early start, you'll find the quieter trails and the best light on the summit. A perfect introduction to Korean hiking for active travelers.
Tour Highlights
What makes this hike special
Summit Baegundae, the highest point in Seoul at 836.5 m.
360° panoramic views across the entire Seoul metropolis.
Scramble along dramatic granite rock ridges.
Quiet forest trails through Bukhansan National Park.
Led by an experienced, English-speaking hiking guide.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Seoul.
Choose Your Route
Choose Your Bukhansan Route
Two ways to summit Baegundae — pick the one that fits your experience.
Ui-dong Route
A challenging full-day summit hike combining forest trails, historic fortress gates, dramatic granite ridges, Mangyeongdae, Baegundae and panoramic views over Seoul.
- Starting & Ending Point
- Ui-dong
- Distance
- Approx. 12–14 km
- Hiking Duration
- Approx. 5.5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain
- Approx. 950–1,050 m
- Highest Point
- Baegundae (836.5 m)
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Trail Type
- Loop
Route
Bukhansanseong Route
The more demanding Bukhansan experience featuring the dramatic Uisang Ridge, rocky terrain, fortress walls and gates, long ridge walking and the summit of Baegundae.
- Starting & Ending Point
- Bukhansanseong Entrance
- Distance
- Approx. 15–17 km
- Hiking Duration
- Approx. 7–9 hours
- Elevation Gain
- Approx. 1,100–1,300 m
- Highest Point
- Baegundae (836.5 m)
- Difficulty
- Very Strenuous
- Trail Type
- Loop
Route
Not sure which route to choose? The Ui-dong Route is recommended for most experienced hikers looking for a challenging Bukhansan summit experience. The Bukhansanseong Route is longer and more demanding and is recommended for strong, experienced hikers.
Hiking Route Details
Step-by-step on the trail
Ui-dong Route
- 1
Ui-dong
- 2
Daedongmun
- 3
Yongammun
- 4
Mangyeongdae
- 5
Baegundae
- 6
Harujae
- 7
Ui-dong
Bukhansanseong Route
- 1
Bukhansanseong Entrance
- 2
Uisang Ridge
- 3
Daenammun
- 4
Daedongmun
- 5
Baegundae
- 6
Daedongsa
- 7
Bukhansanseong Entrance
Daily Itinerary
A typical day on the trail
Ui-dong Route
Hotel pickup
Meet your guide at your Seoul accommodation.
Transfer to Ui-dong
Drive to the Ui-dong starting point.
Ascent via Daedongmun & Yongammun
Hike forest trails and fortress gates toward Mangyeongdae.
Mangyeongdae & Baegundae summit
Reach the ridge and summit Baegundae (836.5 m).
Descent via Harujae
Descend back toward Ui-dong.
Return to Seoul
Transfer back to your accommodation.
Bukhansanseong Route
Hotel pickup
Meet your guide at your Seoul accommodation.
Transfer to Bukhansanseong
Drive to the Bukhansanseong Entrance.
Uisang Ridge & Daenammun
Hike the dramatic ridge and fortress gate.
Daedongmun to Baegundae
Continue along the ridge to the summit (836.5 m).
Descent via Daedongsa
Descend past Daedongsa back to the entrance.
Return to Seoul
Transfer back to your accommodation.
Private Tour Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Private tour price varies depending on group size.
| 2 people | US$252 per person |
| 3 people | US$178 per person |
| 4 people | US$145 per person |
| 5 people | US$122 per person |
| 6 people | US$110 per person |
| 7+ people | Contact us for a quote |
All prices are in USD and are based on the number of guests in the private group.
Inclusions
Pricing & What's Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking hiking guide
- Bottled water (1 bottle per person)
- Hiking snack
- Basic first-aid kit
- Hiking poles available upon request
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Food and drinks unless otherwise specified
What to Bring
Pack for the trail
Important Safety Information
Hike safe, hike smart
Mountain weather can change quickly — your guide may adjust the route for safety.
The summit ridge includes rocky, steep sections requiring careful footing and balance.
Trail conditions vary by season; ice and snow in winter may require crampons (not provided).
Hikers should be in reasonable physical condition for a sustained uphill climb.
The guide reserves the right to shorten or alter the route based on weather and group ability.
Photo Gallery
Moments from the trail
Inquiry
Ready to Hike Bukhansan?
Tell us your dates and group size — our team will craft a custom plan and quote for you.
Plan Your Private Korea Journey
Tell us a little about your travel plans. We will review your request and contact you with a personalized itinerary and quotation.
