The 10 Best Day Trips to the National Parks from Seoul

1.Bukhansan National Park: The Summit Course

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $64Our pick

Join Koa and Sam for a brisk guided hike to Baek-un-dae, Bukhansan’s 836-meter summit. The route gains 600 meters over 2.1 kilometers, with a steep, rope-assisted section near the top that you can skip if heights are not your thing. Meet at 8:00 am, and add a handmade tofu lunch afterward if you like.

“our group was small and really great! we all had fun with Koa and the hike was very enjoyable. definitely a recommendation if you want to see a bit of nature outside of the city :).”

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2.Bukhansan National Park- The Summit Course

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 20 reviews · from $67

Meet guide Koa at Bukhansan Ui station for a brisk, guided climb to Baegundae, Seoul’s 836-meter high point. Expect a steep 2.1-kilometer ascent, rocky footing, and a short rope-assisted scramble near the summit. The tour includes basic safety gear and an optional, individually paid tofu lunch.

“It was probably the best hike I have ever experienced, although in some parts it was quite scary, not for the people afraid of heights. Quite difficult too, even considering that I work out often. But I loved it, unforgettable experience. The guide was excellent, made sure that everyone felt safe enough and entertained. Afterwards, we had a good lunch together with delicious local food!”

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3.Mt. Seoraksan National Park Autumn Foliage Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 15 reviews · from $60

Ride from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park with English- and Chinese-speaking staff, then spend about five hours exploring at your own pace. Choose a gentle walk or a demanding climb toward Ulsanbawi, visit forest temples, or buy a cable car ticket separately. Guides have included Alice, David, Tino, and Jiwwon.

“I wanted to reserve cable car tickets in advance.”

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4.Seoraksan National Park Ulsanbawi Hiking from Seoul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $238

Leave Seoul at 7:30 am in a private vehicle with an English-speaking mountain guide such as Kim, Jimmy, or Chance. Spend about four to five hours hiking toward Ulsanbawi Rock, passing Shinheungsa Temple and its large bronze Buddha. Entrance fees and transport are included; food, water, hiking poles, and crampons are not.

“Mr. Kim was punctual and an absolute joy to converse with. I think we talked non-stop to/from Seoul. He had me laughing so much that I still smile when I think about that day. I look forward to booking him again the next time I am in SRead more”

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5.Private Day Trip to Seoraksan National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $260

Leave Seoul at 7:30 am in a private, air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, then spend time in Seoraksan National Park and coastal Sokcho. The day includes a possible cable-car visit to Gwongeumseong Peak, Dongmyeong Port, Sokcho Central Market, and Sokcho Beach. Guides Juno and Maya have been praised for tailoring the day to families and individual needs.

“Juno Lee was an excellent guide. Very kind and compassionate. tailored the trip to family needs. Cornered time well. Great photos taken. The best guide I have ever experienced”

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6.Hike and Explore the Wonder of Bukhansan National Park with hiking professional(including Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $170

Set out from your Seoul hotel with an English-speaking, licensed hiking guide, then follow a route through Bukhansan’s granite peaks, fortress remains and mountain scenery. The private, roughly six-hour outing includes transport, a Korean hiking lunch, snacks, fruit and water. Guide Bergen Park is associated with the tour, and the trail can be adjusted to your ability.

“I had a great trip to Seoul but I must say my hike with Bergen was THE BEST day of the trip and one of my best days in a long time. I am not a hiker but do enjoy working out. I explained this to Bergen and he crafted a hike that he thought would be good for me. It was a chaRead more”

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7.Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Seoul

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $46Best value

Travel by coach from one of three major Seoul subway stations to Naejangsan National Park, where crimson, orange, and yellow leaves line mountain paths. You get about five hours at the park, including time to explore at your own pace and a group visit to Naejangsa Temple. A light breakfast, water, and a one-way park shuttle ticket are included.

“The journey was very long, 4 hours drive. On the return journey there was a heavy traffic. The driver didn't drive smoothly, fast and press brake slow down suddenly which made passengers uncomfortable.”

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8.Hike at Mt. Bukhansan National Park with professional Guide(including Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $170

Set out from Seoul with licensed guide Bergen Park for a private, roughly six-hour Bukhansan hike. Your route can be adjusted to your fitness and the weather, with a valley, Joseon-era fortress gate, mountain temple, and possibly Baegundae summit on the way. Hotel transfers, water, fruit, snacks, and a Korean hiking lunch are included.

“We had a great day on the mountain, hiking with our guide, Bergen Park. We went to Munsubong Peak, where we had an amazing veggie sushi lunch, and enjoyed a 360-degree view of North and South Korea. On the way down we went to Seunggasa Temple, where Read more”

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9.Songnisan National Park & Beopjusa Temple UNESCO site Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $248

Set out from your Seoul hotel with a private guide for the roughly two-hour drive to Beopjusa Temple and Songnisan National Park. Choose a two-hour forest walk or a five-hour hike to Munjangdae, and expect a late lunch. Guide Kim is named for his friendly manner and flexible pace.

“This private tour was well worth the money. Mr. Kim was so knowledgeable and taught us so many new things. He is so kind and friendly. He let us determine how much time we spent in each location which is not like the group tours. He alloRead more”

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10.Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $63

Leave Seoul early for Seoraksan National Park, where you can take a light hike or pay extra for the cable car, then spend three hours on Nami Island and finish at Eobi Valley. Guides have included Michael, Stella, Bright, and Mario, though your guide may differ. Admission and transport are included; lunch and the cable car are not.

“We really enjoyed our tour. Michael was very attentive and friendly and made a big effort to communicate with everyone in their language. The destinations were beautiful, we saw the park, the temple there and then Nami Island. Would recommend.”

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