Global trekkers climb Seoul's rocky mountain trails for scenic views, nature

Eighteen international hikers climbed Mount Hoam in southern Seoul on Monday as part of the three-week 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn. The event runs through Nov. 15 and features Mount Gwanak, Mount Bukhan and Mount Bugak. Participants experienced autumn foliage, city views and a trail that included wooden jangseung statues, while borrowing hiking equipment free at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center. Seoul Flyers board member Oscar Kim said hiking in the city has become a mainstream activity for foreign visitors.

The group began its hike outside Exit 1 of Gwanaksan Station and followed an extreme-course route on Mount Hoam, one of the peaks on Mount Gwanak.

The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center provided complimentary hiking poles, gloves, backpacks, windbreakers and hiking boots through a QR-code rental service.

Participants completed mission-card tasks such as picking up trail trash, taking foliage photos and connecting on social media to earn commemorative souvenirs.

Oscar Kim recommended Mount Inwang, the Mount An circumference trail and Mount Acha for beginners, and Mount Gwanak or Young Peak on Mount Bukhan for intermediate hikers seeking three-to-four-hour round trips.

For advanced trekkers, Kim suggested Baegundae Peak on Mount Bukhan, Sinseondae Peak on Mount Dobong, Mount Buram, Mount Surak or a 45-to-50-kilometer traverse linking five northern peaks.

Published Oct 28, 2026 3:11 pm KST

Updated Oct 28, 2026 3:23 pm KST

18 participating trekkers enjoy scenic autumn views, city's hiking infrastructure

Foreign trekkers climb a steep granite ridge of Mount Hoam, which stretches across southwestern Seoul from Gwanak District into neighboring Geumcheon District, as part of the 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn event, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

Under a clear autumn sky, 18 international hikers from diverse backgrounds gathered outside Exit 1 of Gwanaksan Station on Monday to kick off the three-week " 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn ." Their objective for Day 1 was Mount Hoam, one of the peaks on the larger Mount Gwanak in southern Seoul, an "extreme course" route designed to showcase Seoul's rugged urban terrain.

Running through Nov. 15, the Seoul Hiking Week is centered around three mountains in Seoul: Mount Bukhan, Mount Bugak and Mount Gwanak.

Before hitting the trail, participants stopped at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center directly connected to the station. By scanning a simple QR code, trekkers accessed a complimentary equipment rental service that provided everything from hiking poles, gloves and backpacks to windbreakers and hiking boots. After a quick group stretch at the trailhead, the multinational group set off into the forest.

A hiker visits Seoul Hiking Tourism Center at the foot of Mount Gwanak near Gwanaksan Station in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

Just minutes into the uphill climb, the trail passed a row of wooden statues lined up along the left side of the path. The lead guide paused to explain the cultural signpost, noting they were "wooden statues (jangseung) built to protect villages from evil spirits." The trail quickly transitioned into a mix of shaded ascents and descents, where trees displayed vibrant autumn foliage and fallen leaves blanketed the forest floor.

For many participants, the trek provided an immersive first-hand experience of Korea's seasonal landscape.

"We don't have autumn in Thailand, so seeing the foliage for the first time is amazing," said Ping, a Thai national celebrating her second day in Korea. Handing a piece of candy to an Indonesian trekker who had fallen slightly behind, she added, "I really love moving together in a group like this. We had a good experience here with people who were strangers at first, but now we've become friends."

International trekkers rent hiking equipment at Seoul Hiking Tourism Center in Gwanak District, Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

Her Indonesian peer, resting against a boulder along the trail, admitted the terrain was challenging but rewarding. "Back home, I don't do much hiking. I thought we would take it very slow, and it was tougher than I expected, but it has been a fantastic experience," she said.

The event drew a wide array of visitors, including Marloes van Duijvenbode from the Netherlands, who was visiting Korea for three weeks to attend a health care forum. Holding a red maple leaf up against the sky for a close-up photo, she marveled at Seoul's unique geography.

Participants of 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn have a quick group stretch before hiking at the trailhead of Mount Hoam in Gwanak District, Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

"What I enjoyed most about today’s hike was the beautiful scenery, with all the trees and the transition from summer to the warm colors of autumn," Van Duijvenbode said. "The trail to the viewpoint was a fun and doable walk, and the view of the city was a wonderful reward. It was my first time seeing Seoul from above, and I was surprised by how much nature surrounds the city. It was such a beautiful sight!"

The trek also attracted online content creators and long-term foreign residents. Daniel Kim, a Brazil-born Korean creator with over 160,000 Instagram followers, recorded his entire experience — from exiting the subway to picking up gear and scaling the ridge — for a short-form Reel.

Trekkers enjoy the view of Seoul on a rocky outcrop atop Mount Hoam during the 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn in Gwanak District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

"Thanks to BTS, Korea's popularity in Brazil is unimaginable right now," Kim said, noting he also attended Netflix's 10th-anniversary event in Seoul the day prior. "There is immense interest in K-drama and overall K-culture, which is why I wanted to experience K-hiking firsthand. The weather today was perfect — not too hot and no rain — and being out in nature gave me time to clear my mind."

Lysam, a Russian Ph.D. student living in Seoul who has climbed Mount Gwanak three times already, singled out Mount Bukhan as his personal favorite in the capital.

"Mount Bukhan is big, and there are so many interesting things to see," Lysam explained. "It's not only hiking — they have fortress walls and temples, so you can go multiple times without getting bored. Every time, you discover something new. You can take different trails with different difficulties, and on a clear day, you can literally see everything from the top."

Trekkers take the trail at the foot of Mount Hoam in Gwanak District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

Kiraan Mamgain, an Indian yoga instructor based in Seoul, praised the quality of Korea's outdoor infrastructure.

"What stands out most is the infrastructure and how well the pathways are maintained," Mamgain said. "If it's not a rocky hike, the trails have very smooth sections. They set up wooden stairs and deck paths, so even if you aren't an experienced hiker, you can pick a smaller mountain and really enjoy the view from the top."

Upon returning to the center at the end of the hike, participants drew mission cards requiring them to complete small tasks, such as picking up trash along the trail, taking foliage photos or connecting on social media. Completing a mission earned trekkers commemorative souvenirs, including Mount Gwanak magnets, foldable hiking hats, "Hike Seoul" stainless steel mugs and specialized hiking socks.

Participants of the 2026 Seoul Hiking Week: Autumn pose for a photo at the Hoap Temple, nestled at the foot of Mount Hoam in Gwanak District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

The group was led by Oscar Kim, a board member of the expat-focused running group Seoul Flyers, who served as the event's health advisor.

"In the past, hiking in Korea was mainly pursued by niche outdoor enthusiasts from Western countries," Kim observed. "Nowadays, visiting mountains like Mount Bukhan, Mount Inwang or Mount Bugak has become a mainstream part of tourism for foreign travelers in Seoul."

Commenting on the seasonal appeal, Kim added: "In other seasons, mountains mostly display a uniform green. But in autumn, the foliage reflects sunlight in brilliant shades of yellow, brown and red. The crisp weather is also ideal for trekking."

For international visitors planning their own itineraries, Kim offered a breakdown of recommended trails based on the level of difficulty. For beginners, he recommended Mount Inwang, Mount An circumference trail and Mount Acha. Intermediate hikers looking for three-to-four-hour round trips can opt for Mount Gwanak or Young Peak on Mount Bukhan. Finally, for advanced trekkers, he suggested Baegundae Peak on Mount Bukhan, Sinseondae Peak on Mount Dobong, Mount Buram, Mount Surak, or even the grueling 45-to-50-kilometer grand traverse that connects all five major northern peaks of Mounts Buram, Surak, Sapae, Dobong and Bukhan.

Seoul Hiking Week to offer unique autumn trail experiences

周一，18名国际登山爱好者攀登了位于首尔南部的湖岩山，这是为期三周的2026首尔秋季徒步周活动的一部分。该活动将持续至11月15日，其他登山地点包括冠岳山、北汉山和北岳山。参与者们欣赏了秋叶美景、城市风光，并沿着一条设有木制长生像的步道漫步。他们还可以在首尔徒步旅游中心免费借用登山装备。首尔登山协会理事奥斯卡·金表示，在首尔徒步旅行已成为外国游客的热门活动。

该团队从冠岳山站 1 号出口外开始徒步旅行，沿着冠岳山峰之一的皓岩山的极限路线行进。

首尔徒步旅游中心通过二维码租赁服务免费提供登山杖、手套、背包、防风衣和登山靴。

参与者完成任务卡上的任务，例如捡拾步道垃圾、拍摄树叶照片以及在社交媒体上建立联系，以获得纪念品。

Oscar Kim 推荐初学者前往仁王山、安山环山步道和阿查山，而对于寻求三到四小时往返行程的中级徒步者，推荐前往冠岳山或北汉山的永峰。

对于经验丰富的徒步旅行者，金建议攀登北汉山的白云台峰、道峰山的信仙台峰、布拉姆山、苏拉克山，或者进行连接北部五座山峰的 45 至 50 公里的穿越路线。

发布于2026年10月28日下午3:11（韩国标准时间）

更新于2026年10月28日下午3:23（韩国标准时间）

18名徒步爱好者参与了此次活动，欣赏了美丽的秋日景色和城市的徒步基础设施。

周一，作为2026年首尔徒步周：秋季活动的一部分，外国徒步爱好者攀登了湖岩山陡峭的花岗岩山脊。湖岩山横跨首尔西南部的冠岳区，延伸至邻近的衿川区。图片由首尔旅游局提供。

在晴朗的秋日天空下，来自不同背景的18名国际登山爱好者于周一聚集在冠岳山站1号出口外，正式开启为期三周的“2026首尔徒步周：秋季”活动。他们第一天的目标是湖岩山，它是位于首尔南部冠岳山上的一座山峰，这条“极限路线”旨在展现首尔崎岖的城市地形。

首尔徒步周活动将持续至 11 月 15 日，活动以首尔的三座山峰为中心：北汉山、北岳山和冠岳山。

出发前，参与者们先在与车站直接相连的首尔徒步旅游中心稍作停留。只需扫描一个简单的二维码，徒步者们即可享受免费的装备租赁服务，从登山杖、手套、背包到防风衣和登山鞋，应有尽有。在步道起点进行短暂的集体拉伸后，这支来自世界各地的队伍便踏入了森林。

周一，一名登山者在首尔冠岳山脚下、靠近冠岳山站的首尔登山旅游中心参观。韩国时报朴镇海摄

上坡没走几分钟，小径左侧就排列着一排木雕。领队停下来解释这处文化标志，说它们是“用来保护村庄免受邪灵侵扰的木雕（长圣）。” 小径很快变得蜿蜒曲折，时而上坡时而下坡，树木秋色斑斓，落叶铺满林间地面。

对于许多参与者来说，这次徒步旅行让他们身临其境地体验了韩国的季节性景观。

“泰国没有秋天，所以第一次看到这里的秋叶真是太棒了，”来自泰国的萍说道，她今天是来韩国的第二天。她递给一位稍稍落后的印尼徒步者一块糖果，并补充道：“我真的很喜欢这种结伴而行的感觉。我们在这里的经历很棒，起初我们彼此都是陌生人，但现在我们都成了朋友。”

周一，国际徒步旅行者在首尔冠岳区的首尔徒步旅游中心租借徒步装备。（韩国时报 朴镇海 摄）

她的印尼同伴靠在路边的一块巨石上休息，坦言这段路程虽然充满挑战，但也收获颇丰。“在家乡，我很少徒步旅行。我原以为我们会走得很慢，但实际上比我想象的要难，不过这是一次非常棒的体验。”她说。

此次活动吸引了众多游客，其中包括来自荷兰的马洛斯·范·杜伊文博德，她正在韩国访问三周，参加一个医疗保健论坛。她举起一片红色的枫叶，对着天空拍了一张特写照片，惊叹于首尔独特的地理环境。

2026年首尔徒步周：秋季活动的参与者们周一在首尔冠岳区湖岩山步道起点进行简短的集体热身运动，准备开始徒步。韩国时报 朴镇海 摄

“今天徒步旅行最让我享受的是沿途的美丽风景，到处都是树木，夏日色彩逐渐过渡到秋日暖阳，”范·杜伊文博德说道。“通往观景台的小径轻松有趣，走起来毫不费力，俯瞰城市更是令人心旷神怡。这是我第一次从高处俯瞰首尔，城市周围环绕着如此丰富的自然景观，着实让我惊喜。真是太美了！”

这次徒步旅行也吸引了网络内容创作者和长期居住在当地的外国人。出生于巴西的韩国创作者丹尼尔·金（Daniel Kim）在Instagram上拥有超过16万粉丝，他将自己的整个经历——从走出地铁到取装备再到攀登山脊——记录下来，制作成了一个短视频。

2026年首尔徒步周：秋季活动期间，徒步者们在首尔冠岳区湖岩山顶的岩石露头上欣赏首尔美景（周一）。图片由首尔旅游局提供。

“多亏了BTS，韩国在巴西的人气现在简直难以想象，”金说道，并提到他前一天还参加了在首尔举行的Netflix十周年庆典活动。“人们对韩剧和整个韩国文化都非常感兴趣，所以我才想亲身体验一下韩国徒步。今天的天气完美——不热也不下雨——置身大自然让我有机会放松身心。”

居住在首尔的俄罗斯博士生莱萨姆已经三次攀登过冠岳山，但他个人最喜欢的首尔山峰是北汉山。

“布罕山很大，有很多值得一看的地方，”莱萨姆解释说。“这里不仅可以徒步旅行——还有城墙和寺庙，所以你可以多次游览而不会感到厌倦。每次都会有新的发现。你可以选择不同难度的徒步路线，在晴朗的日子里，你甚至可以从山顶俯瞰一切。”

周一，徒步者们在首尔冠岳区皓岩山脚下徒步旅行。图片由首尔旅游发展局提供。

居住在首尔的印度瑜伽教练 Kiraan Mamgain 对韩国的户外基础设施质量赞不绝口。

“最突出的就是基础设施和道路维护得非常好，”马姆甘说。“如果不是崎岖不平的山路，步道的大部分路段都非常平坦。他们还修建了木质台阶和栈道，所以即使你不是经验丰富的徒步者，也可以选择一座较小的山峰，尽情欣赏山顶的美景。”

徒步结束后返回中心时，参与者会抽取任务卡，完成一些小任务，例如沿途捡拾垃圾、拍摄树叶照片或在社交媒体上互动。完成任务的徒步者可以获得纪念品，包括冠岳山冰箱贴、可折叠登山帽、“Hike Seoul”不锈钢马克杯和专业登山袜。

2026年首尔秋季徒步周的参与者们于周一在首尔冠岳区皓岩山脚下的皓岩寺合影留念。图片由首尔旅游发展局提供。

该团队由以外籍人士为主的跑步团体 Seoul Flyers 的董事会成员 Oscar Kim 领导，他担任了本次活动的健康顾问。

金先生观察到：“过去，在韩国徒步旅行主要是西方小众户外爱好者的专属。如今，像北汉山、仁王山或北岳山这样的山峰，已经成为外国游客在首尔旅游的主流项目。”

谈及秋季的魅力，金补充道：“在其他季节，山峦大多呈现单调的绿色。但到了秋天，树叶在阳光的照射下，呈现出绚丽的黄色、棕色和红色。清爽的天气也非常适合徒步旅行。”

对于自行规划行程的国际游客，金先生根据难度级别推荐了几条徒步路线。对于初学者，他推荐仁王山、安山环山步道和阿茶山。中级徒步者如果想进行三到四小时的往返徒步，可以选择冠岳山或北汉山的永峰。最后，对于经验丰富的徒步者，他建议攀登北汉山的白云台峰、道峰山的信仙台峰、布拉姆山、苏拉克山，甚至可以挑战难度极高的45至50公里横穿路线，这条路线连接布拉姆山、苏拉克山、沙派山、道峰山和北汉山的五座主要北峰。

首尔徒步周将提供独特的秋季徒步体验