Scenic Peaks & Seoul City Wall Hike, 6 days

The Seoul City Wall was originally built in 1396 to protect the capital city of the Joseon dynasty, then called Hanyang. This 18.6 KM wall follows the ridges of Inwangsan, Baegaksan (Bugaksan), Naksan, and Namsan hills. Hike along the historic 600 years old wall as we uncover the nature spaces within Seoul city.

Presently, a 12 KM section of the Seoul City Wall is designated as Historic Site No. 10 and is protected.

Gwanaksan mountain range is undoubtedly one of the most serene and aesthetic places Seoul has to offer. The mountain gets its name from its shape as it bears resemblance to a gat, which is a traditional Korean hat. Moreover, people come here to admire the the antiquated features of the summit granite rock dating back to the Joseon era, making it almost 200 years old.

Bukhansan National Park has dozens of gorges and granite peaks with crystal clear streams flowing between them, creating a beautiful harmony of nature. The National Park is home to some 3,100 species of plants and animals, numerous historic relics and Buddhist temples. Many flock to this national park to get a breather away from the hectic city life.

This hiking trip involves walking and hiking up to 8 to 12 hours a day, or less depending on your pace. The hikes should not be underestimated as it can be challenging if you have not been hiking regularly despite having the required hiking skill. To have the best hiking experience, it is important that hikers require a good level of fitness and good health. Hikers must be willing and able to walk over rocky terrain with some steep ascents and descents. You need to carry a daypack of around 3 – 5 KG and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.

Trip Duration: 6 days

Interested in this trip? Itinerary can be customised according to your needs. < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialists will get in touch with you.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Korea
Hiking Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus, Grade 3 – Intermediate
Season	01 – January, 02 – February, 03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November, 12 – December

Itinerary

Trip Highlights
~ Admire the beautiful autumn scenery around Majang Lake;

~ Visit Sanmeoru Winery Farm for a vineyard tour;

~ Hike the full loop of the Seoul City Wall;

~ Climb to the summit of Gwanaksan Mountain (629M);

~ Visit Gwangmyeong Cave, the largest themed cave park with varied cultural and artistic elements;

~ Hike to Baegundae Peak of Mount Bukhan (836 M).

Day 1 Arrive Incheon

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, meet up with your local guide for the group transfer.

Take a scenic stroll around Majang Lake, admiring the lovely scenery. Walk across the suspended pedestrian bridge, said to be able to carry up to 1,200 people.

Visit Sanmeoru Winery Farm, known for its Korean wild grapes grown in the wonderful natural environment. See their processing facility, fermentation room, underground ripening room, a basement tunnel full of wine barrels, and you may also sample its products.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 2 Seoul City Wall Hike

The Seoul City Wall exploration starts today. Hike the trails of Mount Baegak and Mount Bugaksan. After Bugaksan Mountain’s summit (342m), look out for a 200+ years old January 21 Incident Pine Tree that bears the traces of fifteen bullets made during the gun battle between the South Korean military and police with the North Korean Special Forces unit. The hilly path of Bugaksan Mountain was used as an escape route for the North Korean commandos, who have failed in their attempt to assassinate the then-South Korean President, Park Chung-hee.

Continue to Mount Inwangsan (338.2 M), a rocky mountain whose hiking trail follows alongside Seoul City Wall on its ridges. Due to its granite rocky ridges, Inwangsan Mountain hiking trail provides unprecedented, unblocked views of Ansan Mountain, Bukhansan Mountain, Bugaksan Mountain and Namsan Mountain.

Inwangsan Mountain is famous for its many interesting rock formations. There are Gichabawi (Train Rock), Chimabawi (Skirt Rock), Seonbawi (Rock of meditating monk), Buddha/Face Rock, Skeleton Rock, Snail Rock, Hat Rock, etc.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Hiking Distance: 8.7 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 6 hours approx.

Day 3 Seoul City Wall Hike

Cover the rest of the Seoul City Wall Hike with the Namsan and Naksan trails.

Most of the wall sections around Namsan Mountain have been restored to their original appearance from the preservation, restoration and recovery projects. The trail runs from the Wooden Stairway of Namsan Dulle-gil Trail towards N Seoul Tower.

Naksan Mountain (124 M) is the lowest mountain of Seoul’s four inner mountains and is a relatively easy trail due to its gentle slope. The trail passes by Jangsu Village, Naksan Park, Ihwa Mural Village and ends downhill at Heunginjimun Gate.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Hiking Distance: 9.9 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 7 hours approx.

Day 4 Gwanaksan Mountain – Gwangmyeong Cave

Start the day with the hike up Gwanaksan Mountain (629 M). The mountain sits on the border between the Gwanak and Geumcheon districts of Seoul and Anyang and Gwacheon cities of Gyeonggi-do province.

Gwangmyeong Cave is the largest themed cave park with varied cultural and artistic elements, created in a gold mine where gold, silver, and bronze were once mined. Inside there are Wine Cave, Cave Aqua World, Gold Falls, Gold Road, Gold Palace, Horror Experience, Cave Basement World, Underground Lake, the largest dragon sculpture in the nation, LED lights, and other facilities adding more fun to the visit. The cave features many healing spots to heal one’s mind while taking a walk around the venue.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Hiking Distance: 6.1 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Day 5 Bukhansan National Park – Haneul Sky Park – Han River Cruise

Bukhansan National Park is a beautiful escape into nature and contains Mount Bukhan, the tallest point in Seoul (836m). The hike to Baegundae Peak comprises a mixture of scenic boardwalks, well-established stairs, stone trails and rock climbing, making it a fun and sometimes challenging hike all the way to the summit.

Haneul Sky Park is the most popular of the five parks of World Cup Park, near Seoul World Cup Stadium. These parks were once a 15 years old (1978 to 1993) landfill that held over 92 million tons of garbage until the Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to turn the area into a large-scale environment and ecological park. Haneul Sky Park is now a green hill of vast grassland, situated on the highest part of World Cup Park. It’s Pampas Grass and Pink Muhly Grass season so you will get to admire them during your visit to the park.

Enjoy some free time for walking around Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Hiking Distance: 11.4 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 6 – 7 hours approx.

Day 6 Depart Seoul

Simply rest and relax until the official check-out time, 12 PM, or depart at your own time for your onward arrangement/flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ arrival group airport transfer at designated timing;

~ 5 nights accommodation;

~ 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners;

~ necessary hiking/sightseeing entrance fees and transportation;

~ service of an English Speaking Hiking Guide and Korean Speaking Driver;

~ service of a Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ K-ETA application, if required;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of the total tour value is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ All visitors are now required to sign up for Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before your departure. An application fee will be levied at the time of application. Apply HERE.

~ Please only book your air ticket to South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

~ If hikers presents difficulty in completing the hike of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. The hiker can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned hiking day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Scenic Peaks & Seoul City Wall Hike, 6 days