(Editor’s Observe: Welcome again to our “Vacation spot Grime” collection! On this article, visitor contributor Kyle Fulmer provides an introduction to path working in Seoul, South Korea. Should you stay anyplace on the earth with good path working and want to write a “Vacation spot Grime” article about it, we’d love to listen to from you!)
Seoul, South Korea, with a inhabitants of almost 9.6 million folks, might not look like a spot that’s residence to high-quality path working, however that will be an incorrect assumption. After I was instructing in South Korea for 16 months in 2006 and 2007, whereas not a runner — or a critical hiker for that matter — I used to be struck by the proximity of rugged mountain terrain near the city density of Seoul. Korea itself is kind of mountainous and hilly, with solely 30% of the land space really flat. Buildings and metropolis streets are sometimes constructed steeply into the hillsides.
Over the previous few journeys in 2018, 2023, and 2025 — now as a runner — I’ve had some unbelievable experiences on the nation’s trails. I needed to share a bit of little bit of what I’ve present in hopes that others visiting the world may need a primer and doubtlessly encourage others to go to this culturally wealthy nation.
The creator, Kyle Fulmer, happy to reach at Munsubong summit. All pictures courtesy of Kyle Fulmer.
Consuming and consuming are main elements of South Korea’s social material. It isn’t unusual to see elaborate picnic setups on the aspect of the path as teams take breaks, or to see full eating places simply previous the exit of any path system filled with hikers reveling of their accomplishments of the day. That being stated, trails on the weekends will probably be crowded, whereas they are typically comparatively empty throughout the week.
This Foreigner’s Incomplete Information to Operating in Seoul, South Korea just isn’t meant to be a complete information or an entire overview of working in Seoul, however moderately a abstract of a few of the greatest trails, paths, mountain retreats, and concrete programs I’ve discovered over the previous 20 years of visiting South Korea’s capital metropolis.
Bukhansan Nationwide Park
Bukhansan Nationwide Park, which borders Seoul to the north, is well accessible through subway, bus, or taxi for each day excursions. In a single day journeys aren’t particularly widespread in Korea, and most path sections might be performed in a single day. Nevertheless, be warned, as a result of very technical nature of the South Korean trails, working and mountain climbing speeds on this space will probably be gradual. Most trails head straight up the mountain, nary a switchback to be discovered, and infrequently are supported with a whole bunch of artifical stairs or rock steps. Traversing up, down, or throughout sheer granite slabs and domes just isn’t unusual. Though the summit elevations may not be thought-about excessive in absolute phrases, their prominence from sea degree is formidable, and oftentimes, they stand up in a really brief distance!
Baegundae and Insubong
- Distance: Variable
- Trailhead Possibility: Part 2 of Bukhansan Dullegil, take Village Bus #1 from Suyu Subway Station
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: Baegundae is probably the most distinguished peak seen when trying north into Bukhansan Nationwide Park whereas in Seoul. Whereas Insubong is a neighboring granite dome, and intensely common with trad and sport climbers within the space, you possibly can’t really summit it with out correct climbing gear. Yvon Chouinard, the founding father of Patagonia, established climbs on Insubong when he visited the nation within the early Sixties. Whereas not having the ability to summit Insubong as a path runner, traversing subsequent to the granite dome remains to be a thrill! The summit push to Baegundae is top-notch and provides expansive views of Seoul.
Granite domes abound in Bukhansan Nationwide Park north of town.
Jokduribong and Hyangnobong
- Distance: Jokduribong is three-quarters of a mile straight up from the Bulgwangsa Temple trailhead, with 800 toes of climbing. Hyangnobong is in very shut proximity, with just a few hundred toes extra climbing, and a few wonderful ridge working in between.
- Trailhead Possibility: Bulgwangsa Temple
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: One of many coolest issues about being in Seoul is that when trying to the north of town, there are a number of distinguished granite domes protruding above the skyline on the horizon. Whereas not probably the most distinguished peak on the west aspect of Bukhansan Nationwide Park, Jokduribong stands out as a must-bag excessive level. The ultimate scramble as much as Jokduribong is on a steep granite slab with some steps minimize into the rock for added safety. Ensure that to have some sneakers with first rate tread and sticky rubber. The primary time I went up was in street sneakers throughout a rainstorm. Not a good suggestion.
View from the Jokduribong summit. Many routes go straight up from town.
Books and Ags
- Distance: Plan for an eight- to 10-mile day, with fixed checks of the map or GPS
- Trailhead Possibility: Bulgwangsa Temple or Gugi-Dong Trailhead
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: Prepare for some climbing and scrambling on this space! The path to the summit of Bibong positive aspects about 1,600 toes in two miles from the Bulgwangsa Temple trailhead. Munsubong is one other 700 toes of climbing in a pair extra miles; nonetheless, a lot of the climbing comes within the final third of a mile to the height on a 30% to 40% slope all the best way up! The previous Gate of Seoul is discovered on the high of the climb. One of many distinctive options of this route might be discovered by heading down through the Gugi-Dong trailhead. On the best way down, you’ll move a path signal for Inwangsa Temple. The journey as much as the temple is properly definitely worth the extra 700 toes of climbing. As soon as there, you will see a temple first in-built 1100, with one of many temple halls constructed actually into the mountainside.
View of Jokduribong Peak from Munsubong Peak.
City Choices
Yeouido
- Distance: Yeouido Island’s circumference and route round it are about 5 miles.
- Trailhead Choices: Yeouido to the park. I ran over from the Mapo-gu subway station throughout the bridge. There’s additionally a Yeouido subway station.
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: That is an city working and biking path. If working via the alleys and aspect streets of Seoul isn’t for you, then the overall tranquility of the countless Han River bike paths could also be. Yeouido is a small island on the Gangnam aspect of the Han River. The trail across the island is especially inviting, as all the route is car-free and lined with waterways. It’s frequented by herons and different chicken species. We had been fortunate sufficient to be there throughout cherry blossom season in early April, and the trail was beautiful and peaceable.
Buyers
- Distance: Relying on the route, it’s about two miles to Achasan summit from the subway, and there are quite a few methods to get again down.
- Trailhead Possibility: SUBLAway STATE
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: It is a enjoyable one, and really near central Seoul! Additionally, the well-known Goodrunner working retailer is fairly shut by. The Achasan summit is a few 900-foot climb from the subway exit. The route options nice vistas and provides ample alternatives to hit the various out of doors circuit coaching gyms of Seoul. The routes on the height function fairly just a few stairs and stretches of naked granite.
Little or no of the land surrounding Seoul is flat.
Seoul Tower on Namsan
- Distance: One mile, with numerous choices to increase the run.
- Trailhead: Namsan Trailhead
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: There are a number of trails round Namsan Mountain, which is the house of the Seoul Tower, a communications tower that creates a surprising silhouette in opposition to the sky. Run up there, get a espresso on the present store, take an image of the tower, and take one of many choose-your-own-adventure trails again into the guts of town!
Operating Golf equipment
The Lowest Mountain Operating Membership
- Instagram: @the_lowest_mountain
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: The Lowest Mountain Operating Membership is hosted by the up-and-coming Korean path working model, Cayl. This group runs a 5.7-mile route with roughly 1,500 toes of achieve. They often meet each few weeks. Runs are posted to their Instagram web page, and the tempo is swift! Anticipate to work exhausting, then regroup on the Cayl retailer for some Coca-Cola and different refreshments. Deliver a headlamp as this run can finish properly after darkish.
Lowest Mountain Operating Membership regroups throughout an evening run.
Non-public Path Operating Membership
- Instagram: @privatetrail
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: Non-public Path is the path division of the favored Non-public Street Operating Membership in Seoul. They host a weekly run ranging from a special location in Seoul every week. The tempo is welcoming, and so is the group. Anticipate a number of encouragement and pleasant faces alongside the best way. Deliver a headlamp for runs that finish after darkish.
The Non-public Path Run Membership is an offshoot of the favored Non-public Street Operating Membership.
Off the Mainland
Hallasan on Jeju Island
- Distance: 5.5 miles to the highest, with nearly 4,500 toes of climbing!
- Trailhead Possibility: Principal trailhead off of Sallokbuk-Ro Street
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: Merely put, Hallasan is a must-do for any path runner fortunate sufficient to go to Jeju Island. Jeju, also known as Korea’s Hawaii, is really a paradise and ecological marvel. An island that includes volcanic rock, tangerine farms, tropical forests, waterfalls, and tuff cones, its magnificence is hard to match. The climb to the highest of Hallasan, which is the best peak in South Korea, is difficult, however the payoff is properly value it! Alongside the best way, you’re handled to views of granite cliffs and domes, in addition to large views into the valleys surrounding the mountain. On the high, the summit view is spectacular with a seasonal lake within the crater.
A view of the summit crater lake of Hallasan on Jeju Island.
When to Go to
Spring and fall are the most effective occasions to go to South Korea if path working is in your itinerary, with April and Might being the prime months. By this time, the winter thaw is completed and spring is within the air! Should you get fortunate in early April, you may even catch the cherry blossoms blooming, however they don’t final lengthy! Equal in magnificence is the autumn season in October and November. The reasonable temperatures and crisp mornings are enhanced by the turning leaves of the bushes lining the streets of Seoul, and pockets of crimson and gold spotlight the encircling mountainsides.
Summer time tends to be extremely popular and stiflingly humid, and the monsoon season of late summer time can convey highly effective storms and plenty of moisture
Finest Espresso in City
With 4 places in Seoul and one on Jeju Island, Fritz Espresso is a must-visit for any runner visiting the Seoul metropolitan space. That includes a motto of “For Operating, Bread and Espresso,” Fritz Espresso sells tech tees, socks, and caps — all branded with Fritz’s well-known working seals. The espresso and house-made breads and pastries are distinctive, as properly! They specialise in pour-over espresso drinks, and bread is introduced out contemporary all through the day. Take a look at the constructive vibes they’re pouring on their Instagram web page.
What’s Subsequent?
I climbed the 5,604-foot Seoraksan Mountain in flip-flops again in 2007, properly earlier than I owned trainers or cared about my toes or security. I’d like to return and provides the mountain a correct push, as it is rather close to Gangneung, a beautiful seaside city on the east aspect of the Korean peninsula. I’d additionally like to tour Jirisan, the tallest mountain in mainland South Korea, second solely to Hallasan on Jeju Island. Jirisan is within the southern a part of the nation and options many multi-day adventures and treks, some of the well-known being the Hwadae Traverse, a 42-kilometer path from Hwaeomsa Temple to Daewonsa Temple.
Having household in South Korea ensures a return journey, and I’ve already requested per week within the neighborhood of Jirisan on our subsequent journey to the nation. Thanks for studying. I hope you get to benefit from the distinctive magnificence and problem of working the paths of South Korea!
Night time working in Seoul, with town lights beneath.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever had an opportunity to run in South Korea?
- Have you ever discovered spectacular working in some other seemingly unlikely locations?
