Fall Hiking in Seoul: The Best Trails to Enjoy Autumn Foliage

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Hiking in Korea During Fall is Special
2. Top 5 Fall Hiking Trails Near Seoul
   • 2.1 Suraksan Mountain
   • 2.2 Dobongsan Mountain
   • 2.3 Gwanaksan Mountain
   • 2.4 Inwangsan Mountain
   • 2.5 Bukhansan Mountain
3. What to Wear and Pack for Fall Hiking
   • 3.1 Tops
   • 3.2 Bottoms
   • 3.3 Footwear
   • 3.4 Backpack Essentials
4. Tips for Foreign Tourists
5. Conclusion: Experience Korea’s Autumn Magic

 

1. Introduction: Why Hiking in Korea During Fall is Special

Autumn in Korea is unlike any other season. From late September to early November, the mountains turn into a breathtaking palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and soft oranges. The cool weather, clear skies, and fresh mountain breeze make fall the perfect time for outdoor activities.

For locals, hiking is not just exercise but also a cultural tradition. It’s common to see families, groups of friends, and even seniors hiking together while sharing snacks and enjoying nature. For foreign travelers, hiking in Korea during autumn is a must-do experience that combines natural beauty with local culture.

 

2. Top 5 Fall Hiking Trails Near Seoul

2.1 Suraksan Mountain (수락산)

• Difficulty: Easy
• Hiking Time: Around 1.5 hours
• How to Get There: Take Subway Line 7 to Suraksan Station, Exit 1. Walk about 10 minutes to reach the trailhead.
• Why Visit: Standing at 640 meters, Suraksan is a beginner-friendly mountain with stunning foliage views in autumn. The trail is short but scenic, making it perfect for casual hikers or those new to Korean mountains.

2.2 Dobongsan Mountain (도봉산)

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Hiking Time: About 2 hours
• How to Get There: Take Line 1 to Dobongsan Station, Exit 1. Walk 15 minutes to the starting point.
• Why Visit: Known for its rugged cliffs and diverse trails, Dobongsan offers plenty of hiking options. From the summit, you can capture panoramic views of Seoul against a backdrop of fiery autumn leaves. It’s especially popular with photographers.

2.3 Gwanaksan Mountain (관악산)

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Hiking Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
• How to Get There: Take Line 2 to Sadang Station, Exit 3. Walk 20 minutes to the trailhead.
• Why Visit: One of Seoul’s most iconic mountains, Gwanaksan features dramatic rock formations and lush forests. During autumn, the slopes are painted in brilliant colors, creating a picturesque scene for hikers.

2.4 Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산)

• Difficulty: Easy
• Hiking Time: Around 1 hour
• How to Get There: Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 3. Walk about 15 minutes to the entrance.
• Why Visit: A shorter trail but with breathtaking views of Seoul. Inwangsan is especially famous for its night views, making it a unique spot to enjoy both city lights and autumn colors.

2.5 Bukhansan Mountain (북한산)

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours depending on the trail
• How to Get There: Take Line 3 to Gupabal Station, then a local bus to the Bukhansan entrance.
• Why Visit: Known as the “lungs of Seoul,” Bukhansan offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. The views from Baegundae Peak are spectacular, especially during fall when the entire mountain glows with autumn foliage.

3. What to Wear and Pack for Fall Hiking

3.1 Tops

Layering is key. Start with a light long-sleeve shirt and bring a windbreaker or lightweight jacket. Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.

3.2 Bottoms

Choose hiking pants or leggings made of breathable, flexible fabric. Comfort and mobility are essential for climbing.

3.3 Footwear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with anti-slip soles. Trails can be rocky and slippery with fallen leaves.

3.4 Backpack Essentials

• Water bottle
• Light snacks (try Korean gimbap or trail mix)
• Small first-aid kit
• Camera or smartphone for capturing autumn scenery

 

4. Tips for Foreign Tourists

• Transportation: Most trailheads are easily reachable by subway and local buses.
• Hiking Culture: Greet fellow hikers with a friendly “안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo).”
• Post-hike Tradition: After hiking, many Koreans enjoy pajeon (savory pancake) with makgeolli (rice wine). Try it for the full cultural experience.
• Best Season Timing: Peak foliage is usually mid-October to early November in Seoul.

 

5. Conclusion: Experience Korea’s Autumn Magic

Fall hiking in Seoul is more than just walking a trail—it’s an unforgettable journey through nature, culture, and community. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a short trail like Inwangsan or a seasoned hiker ready to tackle Bukhansan, the autumn season will reward you with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences.

So if you’re planning a trip to Korea this fall, lace up your hiking shoes and discover the beauty of Seoul’s autumn mountains.