Korean Mountain Hike: Temples & Folklore

Embark on a 6-hour hike up Bukhansan Mountain in Seoul, exploring folklore, visiting a secluded temple, and experiencing local cuisine. Discover the mountain heritage that defines Korea’s personality and enjoy breathtaking views, stories, and legends along the way.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 79-9 - The hike itself is generally 4-5 hours. It’s medium-grade, and the guide can adjust the trail to various skill levels. There is one long steep ascent near the beginning, but no special equipment like ropes and harnesses are necessary.
    • Meet the tour guide at Gupabal Subway Station, gate 1. Then board a brief bus ride to the trail head. Bus…
What's Included
  • Guided by a professional
  • Open bar with unlimited drinks
  • Lunch included
  • Selection of alcoholic beverages
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meal Options
  • Traditional post-hike lunch - One of the joys of hiking is the food and drinks to rejuvenate.
Additional Information

Embark on a guided hike through Korea’s renowned mountains, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. Start your journey at Gupabal Station, then traverse tranquil pine forests, picturesque mountain passes, and uncover hidden Buddhist temples rich in history and shamanic traditions. Listen to enthralling stories of monks, spirits, and…

Location
19
Gupabal Station - Line 3, Gate 1. Meet inside. Don't pay attention to the address. We use metro stations for locations in Seoul. We recommend using the subway instead of a taxi in order to arrive on time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(50 Ratings)
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Martina_b
Jul 7, 2025
Awaresome hiking experience. Highly recommend 👌 - Amazing hiking experience. Our guide Shawn was so knowledgeable about the history and places along the trail. We visited the following places. Guknyeong-sa (temple), Yongchul-bong (“Dragon Ascending Peak”) , Muryeong-sa Seonbong-sa (2nd temple) this was all in the bukhansan National Park. A dinner was also included and visited a family owned restaurant. They made an amazing homemade noodles with vegetables and hot broth plus some Korean pancake. Highly recommend this tour if your interested in doing a hike in Seoul 😀
Review provided by Viator
Gregtj21sq
Jul 6, 2025
Great hike and excellent views! - Took a few extra days for sightseeing after a work trip in Seoul. Shawn did an excellent job pacing the hike and telling us the history and folklore as we went. Great views throughout! Lots of pictures. Bring water if it’s hot (as Shawn will remind you) but well worth it. The food and drinks at the end were a great way to finish. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip20652703419
Jul 4, 2025
Amazing trek! - Absolutely amazing trek, filled with Korea and Seoul trivia. Shawn is a knowledgeable guide with an in-depth understanding of cultures. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
768brandenc
Jun 15, 2025
Uisangbong and Wonhyobong valley hike - Scenic, beautiful, and informative hike through the mountains. I felt more connected to the land after learning about the local mythology and stories regarding the mountains and monuments. Hike provided great views of multiple prominent mountains in the Bukhansan area and we stopped at various manmade sites like the old seoul wall and Gungyeongsa temple.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Plasm0dium
Jun 14, 2025
Excellent hike! - Our family had a great time with Shawn as our guide during our Seoul mountain hike. Despite extremely hot temperatures we were able to enjoy everything as there were plenty of breaks and much of the trail was shaded. He is able to modify the hike depending on experience level of the group which was great. Shawn was very knowledgeable about Koreas history, folklore and was a great guide and everyone enjoyed the hike!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim
Jun 14, 2025
Fully recommended , don’t leave Seoul without doing this! - Great walk and experience provided by Shawn. He was entertaining, supportive to the whole group and generous with his time. The meal and drink at the end was very enjoyable. The trek was through a very scenic area and made more entertaining with his insights and stories. I would fully recommend it and would go on another trip with him in a heart beat. He also does night walks around the city if you are not into hiking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oc29
Jun 6, 2025
Awesome hike & great guide - We really enjoyed our mountain hike with Shawn. The hike with the overlay of legends and history from Shawn was mesmerizing. We came away impressed by the beauty of the mountain and the temples that are sprinkled all over the mountain. Shawn is a great guide and a kind helpful person, who not only guided us safely through the mountain but also gave us great pointers for thr rest of our time in Seoul
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellenfv588co
May 24, 2025
The nature tour you need for an urban vacation - The best tour we’ve had in Seoul! It’s great to mix up an urban vacation with an engaging and refreshing nature tour. The story telling, cultural insights, history and nature immersion was just the break we needed. Thank you, Shawn!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S3349kdjohnm
May 15, 2025
Amazing Experience in Seoul - Of the excursions I've done so far during my Seoul visit, this has been my favorite. Shawn is a treasure trove of knowledge not only about hiking and folklore, the primary focuses of the tour, but also has a strong grasp of both Western and Korean/East Asian culture and the ability to navigate both environments with comfort and ease. This made communication seamless and getting getting questions answered a breeze, particularly on more nuanced or complex topics. The small group format was perfect, and I would highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Morenas770
Apr 26, 2025
Shawn is the just the best! - Shawn is just amazing! He is so knowledgeable, very kind and patient! He answered all our questions and told us a ghost story on top of all the folklore stories about the hike path! Unforgettable hike and amazing dinner at the end!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $142
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).