Foreign tourists are increasingly embracing “K-Mountain” hiking as an essential part of their visit to Seoul, with recent figures showing that four out of every ten visitors to the city’s hiking tourism centers are from abroad.
K-Mountain refers to the growing trend of mountain hiking in South Korea, especially among tourists who are drawn to the country’s unique combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences
The Seoul Tourism Organization, a city-funded agency, reported on Sunday that from Jun. 2022 to Nov. 8, 2024, a total of 41,061 people visited the three hiking tourism centers located near Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Gwanaksan mountains. Among them, 17,783 were foreign nationals, accounting for over 43 percent of all visitors.
Designed to assist travelers on shorter stays in Seoul, the city’s hiking tourism centers provide services such as luggage storage, changing facilities, and course information, making it easier for visitors to explore Seoul’s natural attractions. The first center opened in Jun 2022 in Ui-dong, Gangbuk District, near Bukhansan, while the second center debuted near Bugaksan in Nov. 2023. The third center, near Gwanaksan, began its trial run on Nov. 1 this year.
“The strategy of providing affordable hiking gear rentals has made the trails more accessible, which has led to a notable increase in foreign visitors,” said a representative from the tourism organization. At the Bukhansan center, for instance, essential items like hiking clothes, boots, poles, and gloves can be rented for just 1,000 won ($1.50) to 2,000 won ($3.75). In the summer, sunscreen is available, and in winter, crampons are offered for better grip on icy paths. Since Jan. 2024, foreign tourists have rented over 1,300 items from the center.
Social media has played a key role in spreading the popularity of K-Mountain, further driving demand for various hiking programs. The centers offer not only hiking but also cultural experiences like traditional archery and temple stays. Approximately 550 foreign visitors participated in these programs last year, and the number grew to 660 participants by Oct. this year.
The agency also launched the “10 Great Mountains of Seoul Challenge” in July, drawing 524 participants from 62 countries. The challenge encourages hikers to summit 10 of Seoul’s 23 mountains, with rewards for reaching each peak and taking a “proof photo.” So far, 62 participants have completed all ten mountains, with a cumulative total of 863 proof photos submitted.
“The mountains within Seoul are easy to reach and not too challenging to climb, which has made ‘hiking tourism’ a trend,” said Gil Gi-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization. “We’re planning more programs to help visitors enjoy Seoul’s stunning mountain attractions even more.”
