[Editor’s Note: Welcome back to our “Destination Dirt” series! In this article, guest contributor Kyle Fulmer offers an introduction to trail running in Seoul, South Korea. If you live anywhere in the world with good trail running and would like to write a “Destination Dirt” article about it, we’d love to hear from you!]
Seoul, South Korea, with a inhabitants of practically 9.6 million folks, could not appear to be a spot that’s dwelling to high-quality path working, however that may 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 sort of mountainous and hilly, with solely 30% of the land space truly 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 unimaginable experiences on the nation’s trails. I wished to share slightly little bit of what I’ve present in hopes that others visiting the world may need a primer and probably encourage others to go to this culturally wealthy nation.
The writer, 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 cloth. It’s not 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 mentioned, trails on the weekends shall be crowded, whereas they are typically comparatively empty throughout the week.
This Foreigner’s Incomplete Information to Operating in Seoul, South Korea isn’t meant to be a complete information or a whole overview of working in Seoul, however reasonably a abstract of among 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 definitely accessible through subway, bus, or taxi for every day excursions. In a single day journeys should not particularly frequent in Korea, and most path sections could be completed in a single day. Nevertheless, be warned, because of the very technical nature of the South Korean trails, working and mountain climbing speeds on this space shall 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 isn’t unusual. Though the summit elevations won’t 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 wanting north into Bukhansan Nationwide Park whereas in Seoul. Whereas Insubong is a neighboring granite dome, and very standard with trad and sport climbers within the space, you’ll be able to’t truly 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 continues to be a thrill! The summit push to Baegundae is top-notch and affords expansive views of Seoul.
Granite domes abound in Bukhansan Nationwide Park north of the town.
Jokduribong and Hyangnobong
- Distance: Jokduribong is three-quarters of a mile straight up from the Bulgwangsa Temple trailhead, with 800 ft of climbing. Hyangnobong is in very shut proximity, with a couple of hundred ft extra climbing, and a few glorious 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 the 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 reduce into the rock for added safety. Be certain that to have some sneakers with respectable tread and sticky rubber. The primary time I went up was in highway sneakers throughout a rainstorm. Not a good suggestion.
View from the Jokduribong summit. Many routes go straight up from the town.
Bibong and Munsubong
- 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 factors about 1,600 ft in two miles from the Bulgwangsa Temple trailhead. Munsubong is one other 700 ft 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 way in which up! The previous Gate of Seoul is discovered on the high of the climb. One of many distinctive options of this route could be discovered by heading down through the Gugi-Dong trailhead. On the way in which down, you’ll go a path signal for Inwangsa Temple. The journey as much as the temple is nicely definitely worth the further 700 ft of climbing. As soon as there, one can find a temple first inbuilt 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 Hangang Park. I ran over from the Mapo-gu subway station throughout the bridge. There may be 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 limitless 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 your complete route is car-free and lined with waterways. It’s frequented by herons and different hen species. We have been fortunate sufficient to be there throughout cherry blossom season in early April, and the trail was gorgeous and peaceable.
Achasan
- 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: Achasan subway station
- 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 affords ample alternatives to hit the various out of doors circuit coaching gyms of Seoul. The routes on the height function fairly a couple of 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 shocking silhouette towards 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 the 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 ft of achieve. They often meet each few weeks. Runs are posted to their Instagram web page, and the tempo is swift! Count on to work laborious, then regroup on the Cayl retailer for some Coca-Cola and different refreshments. Convey a headlamp as this run can finish nicely after darkish.
Lowest Mountain Operating Membership regroups throughout an evening run.
Personal Path Operating Membership
- Instagram: @privatetrail
- Pattern Strava Route
- Description: Personal Path is the path division of the favored Personal Street Operating Membership in Seoul. They host a weekly run ranging from a unique location in Seoul every week. The tempo is welcoming, and so is the group. Count on a lot of encouragement and pleasant faces alongside the way in which. Convey a headlamp for runs that finish after darkish.
The Personal Path Run Membership is an offshoot of the favored Personal Street Operating Membership.
Off the Mainland
Hallasan on Jeju Island
- Distance: 5.5 miles to the highest, with nearly 4,500 ft of climbing!
- Trailhead Possibility: Important 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 actually 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 very best peak in South Korea, is difficult, however the payoff is nicely price it! Alongside the way in which, you might be handled to views of granite cliffs and domes, in addition to huge 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 perfect occasions to go to South Korea if path working is in your itinerary, with April and Could being the prime months. By this time, the winter thaw is finished and spring is within the air! In case 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 average temperatures and crisp mornings are enhanced by the turning leaves of the timber lining the streets of Seoul, and pockets of crimson and gold spotlight the encompassing mountainsides.
Summer time tends to be extremely popular and stiflingly humid, and the monsoon season of late summer season can carry highly effective storms and a variety of moisture
Greatest Espresso in City
With 4 areas 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 nicely! They concentrate on pour-over espresso drinks, and bread is introduced out contemporary all through the day. Try 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, nicely earlier than I owned trainers or cared about my ft 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, one of the crucial 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 every 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 the town lights under.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever had an opportunity to run in South Korea?
- Have you ever discovered spectacular working in every other seemingly unlikely locations?
