Korea’s Trails Become New Cultural Destination for International Hikers, Get the Details Here

Published on November 29, 2025

Having been in Korea for several years, I have a preferred pastime I enjoy each year. Within just a few years, Korea has transformed to accommodate thousands of tourists of a different culture. Hiking has been a local pastime but in just a few years has transformed to become a wonderful cultural practice with international tourists. Korea has always been popular for its urban experiences, local cuisine, and K-Pop. However, hiking trails have become a major attraction for tourists who have a desire to enjoy and appreciate nature in addition to experiencing and living authentic Korean life.

Hiking Trails: A New Attraction for Global Visitors

Korea’s trails, once primarily a favorite of older locals, are now seeing an influx of younger international hikers, drawn not only by the country’s natural beauty but also by its vibrant pop culture. The growth of hiking tourism has been fueled by a variety of factors, including the accessibility of the trails, the fusion of modern culture with nature, and the desire for deeper, more authentic travel experiences.

A 20-year-old from France, visited Korea for the first time in June, inspired by a K-pop video featuring Boo Seung-kwan from the group Seventeen. She hiked Gwanaksan in southern Seoul, and while she found the summit a bit intimidating, she was enchanted by the views and the kindness of fellow hikers along the way. Her story reflects the broader trend of young international travelers combining their love for K-pop with a desire to explore Korea’s natural landscapes.

Rising Popularity of Hiking Centers in Seoul

Seoul, home to some of Korea’s most accessible and scenic hiking trails, has become a key destination for foreign hikers. The Seoul Tourism Hiking Center, located near Bukhansan National Park, has reported a significant increase in foreign visitors, with numbers soaring from just 1,753 in 2022 to 7,944 this year. These centers offer a mix of hiking trail information and guided tours in multiple languages, making them an excellent resource for international tourists.

One of the major draws of Korea’s hiking trails is their proximity to the capital, Seoul. As Jeong Ran-su, director of the Future Tourism Strategy Institute, points out, “It is not very common for the center of a capital city to have mountains this high, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both natural and urban scenery at once.” With public transportation making it easy to reach the trailheads in under an hour, foreign tourists are drawn to the combination of scenic beauty and urban accessibility.

The trails themselves vary in difficulty, offering something for both novice and experienced hikers. Visitors can choose from routes that offer leisurely walks with sweeping views of Seoul to more challenging climbs that lead to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The sense of safety provided by the steady flow of hikers and the well-maintained trails is also a key attraction for foreign visitors.

Expanding Interest in Regional Trails

Beyond Seoul, other regions of Korea are seeing significant growth in international hiking tourism. Trails in places like Seoraksan in Gangwon Province and Hallasan on Jeju Island have become increasingly popular, with Seoraksan recording 203,000 international visitors in 2024 alone, a marked increase from previous years. Hallasan, too, saw 130,000 international hikers, underscoring the rising demand for hiking experiences beyond the capital city.

Cities such as Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province and Namwon in North Jeolla Province, both gateways to Jirisan National Park, are also experiencing a surge in international visitors, with growth rates of 73% and 62.6%, respectively, in 2024. This growth reflects a broader trend in Korea, as more tourists seek to explore the country’s rich natural beauty in combination with its cultural offerings.

The Role of K-pop in Boosting Hiking Tourism

One of the most fascinating aspects of this hiking boom is the emergence of “fan pilgrimages.” These are hikes that follow in the footsteps of K-pop stars or other entertainment icons. Locations featured in K-pop variety shows or social media posts often become must-see destinations for international fans, adding a unique cultural layer to the hiking experience.

For example, Melanie Hingpit from the Philippines, a fan of the K-pop group Stray Kids, hiked Bukhansan during her visit to Korea in October. The mountain is popular with fans due to its association with the band, who filmed a YouTube show there. This “pilgrimage” to popular K-pop filming sites has become a powerful motivator for many international visitors.

Bukhansan also holds significance for BTS fans, as several members have shared moments from their hiking experiences there. A forest named after BTS member Suga, created by fans in 2023, has become a popular attraction for those following in the group’s footsteps.

Local Cuisine Enhances the Hiking Experience

Another reason for the growing popularity of Korea’s hiking trails is the opportunity to enjoy authentic local food along the way. Traditional dishes such as gimbap (Korean rice rolls), baeksuk (Korean chicken soup), and acorn jelly are commonly sold at eateries near trailheads. These dishes have long been favored by local hikers, and now foreign tourists are embracing them as part of the cultural experience.

In fact, hiking tours that combine trekking with food tasting are emerging as a popular offering for foreign visitors. These tours allow tourists to experience local Korean cuisine after completing a hike, adding another layer of immersion into Korean culture.

Challenges in Expanding Hiking Tourism

To meet these challenges, regional administrations are increasing the scope and quality of services being provided to the foreign trekker market. New tourist hiking centers, like the recently opened (and still being developed) one on Gwanaksan, provide staff in multiple languages, offer guided tours, and rent hiking gear. Nevertheless, there are those who feel that hiking tourism, as a legitimate and sustainable and recognized form of tourism in Korea, requires a more extensive, comprehensive, and forthright approach to be effective.