Beyond K-Pop Merch and concerts. Another K-activity is drawing tourists in South Korea. This one can help you lose 400-800 calories per hour

Korea has become a hot destination not just for Koreaboos but also for hiking enthusiasts! Nowadays, many tourists aren't just spending their time buying K-pop merchandise or posing in Hanbok; they've also taken to exploring the rugged beauty of South Korea’s urban mountains. This hobby has now been termed K-hiking. According to the Korea Times, one of the biggest reasons why they have become so popular is because tourists do not have to leave the cities to hike. They could travel to the mountains by taking just a bus or subway.

Mountains are visible from nearly every part of Seoul, making them an integral part of the city’s landscape. Visitors who trek to their summits are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the South Korean capital and its surrounding regions. The city also offers several beginner-friendly hiking trails for leisurely walks, while temples nestled along the mountain slopes provide opportunities to explore traditional Korean culture.

Hiking Has Never Been So Easy

The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center established its Bukhansan Branch in 2022, its Bugaksan Branch the following year, and now the Gwanaksan Branch. Of the 95,000 people attending the centers, more than 26,000 are foreigners.


These venues serve as both information hubs and handy rest areas for tourists discovering Seoul’s urban mountains. They offer multilingual support in English, Japanese, and various languages, as well as affordable rentals of necessary hiking equipment like boots, apparel, and walking sticks. Rental fees generally fall between 2,000 won and 5,000 won.

Guests can utilise lockers, cosy lounges, and shower amenities provided at these centres. These facilities have rendered K-hiking easier by removing many common obstacles, allowing international travellers to experience hiking in South Korea without needing to bring their own gear or possessing previous knowledge of the local paths.

Variety of options and optimum safety are also some of the reasons why Seoul’s mountains are so loved by foreigners. Whether you love valleys or ridgelines, there are different hiking courses. Moreover, since these mountains are very close to the city, they are safe to travel to even if you are doing it alone.

The Fun Doesn't End There

A K-hiking trip doesn’t end with reaching the top of the peak. After hiking, tourists are taken to local eateries where they could savour makgeolli and jeon

Which Are The Most Popular Spots For K-Hiking?

As per The Korea Times, these are the most popular places to visit if you are a hiking enthusiast: Mount Bukhan, Mount Bugak and Mount Gwanak. Mount Acha to the east and Mount Cheonggye to the south are also gaining popularity fo giving a panoramic view of the city.

Mount Bugak

Standing at 342 metres, this mountain, located near Anguk Station and Gyeongbokgung Station on Seoul Metro Line 3, is a great spot for both hiking enthusiasts and history geeks, as it offers an opportunity to hike along the sections of the ancient Seoul City Wall. It also offers an amazing view of Gyeongbok Palace, Cheong Wa Dae (the former presidential compound), and N Seoul Tower.

Mount Gwanak

Standing tall at 629 metres, Mount Gwanak is the very epitome of rugged beauty. It is located near Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Line. It is known for majestic granite peaks and beautiful rock formations. This is also a great spot for history enthusiasts, as it has attractions such as Yeonjuam Hermitage and Gwacheon Hyanggyo Confucian School.

Hiking Can Help You Lose Weight

Hiking is not just a way to have fun but also shed weight. According to Exploreoff.com. A person weighing 72 kg can lose:

• Flat terrain, without a backpack, at 3 mph: Approximately 350–400 calories burned per hour.
• Flat terrain, carrying a 20-pound backpack: Around 430–480 calories per hour.
• Moderately hilly trails (500 ft elevation gain per mile), with a light backpack: Roughly 500–600 calories per hour.
• Steep terrain (over 1,000 ft elevation gain per mile), carrying a loaded backpack: Approximately 650–800 calories per hour.