Insubong Peak on Bukhansan in winterPhoto: Jo Hanshin / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (edited)
Hikes & Green Spaces
Seoul is ringed by mountains you can reach by subway, and dotted with big parks. Short city hikes give you the best views of the city.
- Inwangsan and Achasan are short and easy; Bukhansan's summit is a real hike — start early.
- Carry water and cash; trail shops are rare near the top.
- Seoul Forest and Olympic Park are flat and great with kids.
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1
Bukhansan (Baegundae)
북한산 백운대Photo: Jo Hanshin / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (edited) The granite peaks on Seoul's northern edge. The climb to Baegundae is a real half-day hike with cables near the top — and a view across the whole city.
Good to know: Start early; allow 4–5 hours round trip. See our hiking guide.
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2
Inwangsan
인왕산
Photo: 안영관 / Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) A short climb along the old city wall to a rocky summit right above Gyeongbokgung. Best at sunset.
Good to know: About an hour up. Dongnimmun Station (Line 3), exit 2.
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3
Achasan
아차산
Photo: Straitgate / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (edited) An easy ridge walk in the east with views over the Han River — popular for the New Year sunrise.
Good to know: About an hour. Achasan Station (Line 5), exit 2.
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4
Seoul Forest
서울숲
Photo: Drcbrothephotographer / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (edited) A big park next to Seongsu with deer, gardens and long shady paths — perfect after a café crawl.
Good to know: Seoul Forest Station (Suin–Bundang Line), exit 3.
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5
Olympic Park
올림픽공원
Photo: by nagyman (a flickr user) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (edited) Wide lawns, sculptures, an ancient earthen fortress and the famous 'lone tree' hill, built for the 1988 Olympics.
Good to know: Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8) or Olympic Park Station (Line 5).
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6
Haneul Park
하늘공원
Photo: 서문교 / Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) A former landfill turned into a hilltop meadow of silver grass — spectacular in October.
Good to know: Worldcup Stadium Station (Line 6), exit 1, then a stair climb or shuttle.
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7
Seokchon Lake
석촌호수
Photo: 박명숙 / Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) The lake around Lotte World's Magic Island, ringed with cherry trees — one of Seoul's best blossom walks in early April.
Good to know: Jamsil Station (Lines 2, 8), exit 2 or 3.
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8
Suseong-dong Valley
수성동계곡A small rocky valley at the foot of Inwangsan, painted by Joseon artists and still a quiet green pocket above Seochon.
Good to know: At the top of Seochon; about 15 minutes' walk from Gyeongbokgung Station.
Read more:
Hiking
Hiking in Seoul: Mountains You Can Reach by Subway
Neighborhood
Seongsu, Mapped: Seoul's Coolest Neighbourhood
Seasonal
Autumn Leaves in Seoul: Where and When to Go
Weekend Trip
Seoraksan and Sokcho: Korea's Most Dramatic Mountains, by Bus from Seoul
Neighborhood