Fun in Korea: Geumjeongsan National Park plans new trail strategy

A trail to the summit in Geumjeongsan National Park.

(Photo by City of Busan/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Geumjeongsan’s new status as South Korea’s 24th national park is bringing major changes to how the mountain’s extensive hiking network will be managed.

With more than 200 trails stretching roughly 300 kilometers, concerns have emerged among local hikers that tighter national park rules could limit use of informal or off-trail routes.

At the same time, many expect safer and more organized trail conditions under national management.

According to local media reports, the Geumjeongsan National Park Office said it is now preparing a long-term conservation and management plan scheduled for completion later this year.

Officials are considering a two-track approach that places stronger conservation focus on Geumjeongsan itself, while nearby Baekyangsan would serve as a more visitor-friendly hiking area due to its easier access and developed paths.

The park office says the strategy reflects the need to protect Geumjeongsan’s rich ecological and cultural resources while still maintaining public use.

As Korea’s first urban national park, the site is expected to become a test case in balancing mountain preservation with heavy daily city visitor traffic.

Fleet Chinhae