Recently, "K-Hiking" has become an essential course for foreign tourists visiting South Korea. The "Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers" established on Seoul's representative mountains—Bukhansan, Bukaksan, and Gwanaksan—are attracting a growing number of international visitors. These centers offer services such as hiking gear rentals, luggage storage, changing rooms, hiking route guidance, and hiking experience programs.
According to the Seoul Tourism Organization on the 10th, over 40,000 visitors have used the "Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers," with approximately 17,600 of them being foreigners—meaning one out of every three visitors is from abroad.
Current Centers in Operation
There are currently three centers in operation:
Seoul Hiking Tourism Center - Bukhansan
- Opened: September 2022
- Location: A 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Line.
- Features: Offers rentals of safety equipment like crampons and hiking poles to reflect Bukhansan's steep terrains. Over 1,300 items have been rented this year. Also provides experience programs linked to an indoor climbing wall.
Seoul Hiking Tourism Center - Bukaksan
- Opened: April 2023
- Location: Situated in a traditional hanok in Samcheong-dong.
- Features: Ideal for tourists exploring central Seoul attractions like Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Offers necessary items for light hikes such as raincoats, arm sleeves, and camping chairs. The second-floor Hanok Lounge hosts monthly special programs like Korean calligraphy, making Bukaksan-shaped soaps, and traditional liquor crafting, allowing foreigners to experience Korean culture alongside hiking.
Seoul Hiking Tourism Center - Gwanaksan
- Trial Operation Started: November 1, 2023
- Location: On the first basement level of Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Line.
- Features: Boasts excellent accessibility. The interior reflects Gwanaksan's landscape with rocks placed throughout and includes sensory elements like the sound of valley streams and mountain scents. Equipped with shoe sterilizers and clothing care devices for user convenience. Attracted over 3,000 visitors within a week of trial operation.
Hiking Programs for Foreigners
In addition to the centers, there are programs that allow foreigners to climb Seoul's famous mountains in various ways:
- Regular and Special Hiking Programs
- Participation: Open to individual and group foreigners.
- Locations: Various courses on major mountains within Seoul.
- Features: Participants can choose programs that combine hiking with Korean cultural experiences. Examples include traditional archery before climbing Namsan or a temple stay before hiking Dobongsan.
- Popularity: As of the end of October, over 660 foreigners have participated, a significant increase compared to last year's total of 550 participants.
- Difficulty Levels: All courses indicate difficulty levels, allowing both novice hikers and enthusiasts to select suitable programs.
- Night Hiking: Gaining popularity, with over 180 foreigners participating this year alone.
Additional Information
Official Statement
Gil Ki-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, stated:
"Mountains within the city are easily accessible and relatively easy to climb, making hiking tourism a new trend among many foreigners visiting Seoul recently. We will support more foreigners to fully enjoy Seoul's attractive famous mountains by providing information and services about K-Hiking at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers."