Korea Tip of the Day illustration (Illustration by Stripes Korea)
Mastering Korea’s hiking trails is so easy with the Kakao Map and Naver Map apps. Both apps are essential tools for navigating Korea’s mountains and finding the best routes. They provide directions, distances in kilometers, and estimated hiking durations for most trails on the peninsula. Give them a try before your next hike!
Kakao Map
Search for the mountain on the map and zoom in. It automatically shows you possible trails with distance and time around the mountains.
Naver Map
Just like Kakao Map, try zooming in to see the trails with detailed information. Search for the mountain name to see available courses, including their difficulty level, duration, length and elevation. For instance, type “Jirisan course” if you’re headed for a brisk hike on Jirisan Mountain.
In Korea, visitors to national parks can only camp in designated areas, and reservations can be made through the website run by the Korea National Park Service. If you’re new to camping in these parks, it might appear a bit complicated. But no worries, simply follow this guide step by step!
Visit the Korea National Park Service reservation website at reservation.knps.or.kr
Sign up and log in. Email verification is required.
Click “View Campsites Reservation Schedule.” Select a national park and campsite, then click “Search” to check available dates and spots.
Go to the reservation page and select your check-in date, national park, campsite and facility type.
Click “Search by selected criteria.” Available campsites for the selected date will appear below.
Click “Book” next to the campsite you want and complete the reservation
Payment isn’t required online for foreign visitors using the English reservation site. You can pay when you arrive.
Things to know for booking
If no campsite appears after you search, it’s likely no spot is available for that date. Try another campsite, facility type or date.
Campsites can be more competitive during peak seasons, which run from July 1-Aug. 31 and Oct. 1-Nov. 15.
Fees vary by campsite and facility type. Regular campsites cost about 6,000–12,000 won per night and auto campsites are around 20,000–30,000 won. Caravans and full option campsites cost more.
If you have any inquiries regarding bookings or hiking in national parks, you can call the helpline at +82-1670-9201 (M-F: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.). If the staff doesn’t speak English, try emailing csnp@knps.or.kr.
Campsite options
Regular campsites: You should set up your own tent in a designated spot. Be prepared to bring a tent, cookware, bedding, and other items for camping.
Auto campsites: You can bring a camper or your car and tent. Each site has different options for facilities and electricity.
Caravan (camping car) campsites: You don’t have to bring your car or tent but simply use a camping car already set up on the site. In the camper, there is a bed, and small kitchen.
Full-option campsites: Everything is prepared, including a tent, cookware, bedding and other camping items. You can enjoy camping without bringing additional equipment.
Shelters
Shelters are simply places to take a rest or seek refuge during an emergency halfway up the mountains. Visitors must prepare their own sleeping bags and cookware if needed.
Mountains with shelters: Jirisan, Seoraksan, Deogyusan, Sobaeksan
As national parks are protected by law, there are rules to prevent actions that could harm nature or disrupt the ecology of small animals. Check what to avoid doing to help preserve the natural beauty of these parks. Mountains that are not national parks may have different rules; some may allow collecting vegetables or fruits and bringing pets.
Pets are not usually allowed in national parks except service dogs, but some national parks have designated pet-friendly areas.
Camping and overnight stays outside designated areas are prohibited in national parks. Camping or cooking in non-designated areas can result in a fine of up to 500,000 won.
Entering restricted areas can incur a fine of 200,000 to 500,000 won.
Making loud noise with devices such as Bluetooth speakers can result in fines starting at 600,000 won.
Drinking alcohol in shelters or other designated no-drinking zones can result in a 100,000 won fine.
Smoking outside designated areas or carrying flammable materials can result in fines from 600,000 won to 2 million won.
Taking forest products such as acorns, mushrooms, and wild greens can result in a fine of up to 50,000,000 won or five years in prison.
While Korea has endured hardships in modern history, most wild predator animals, such as tigers, bears, and wolves, are now extinct - some may still reside in DMZ and North Korea. The rate of attacks by wild animals in Korea is very low, and you’ll be safe as long as you stay on the trails. However, if you venture deep into the mountains or into areas where animal activity is high, it’s important to know safety guidelines.
* Most wild animals will avoid you if you make noise to let them know humans are nearby.
Boar: As other predators have become extinct, the population of boars has increased, making them the most common and powerful wild animal in South Korea today. There are frequent reports of boar sightings on hiking trails in Mt. Bukhansan and Mt. Hallasan, and their numbers are so high that they sometimes venture into urban areas. If you encounter a boar, it’s recommended to hide behind a tree or rock, as they have poor eyesight. Avoid running away with your back to them or making loud noises.
Wild dogs: Occasionally, wild dogs roaming in packs may be encountered. The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid traveling alone.
Bear: Bears in Korea were once almost extinct, but a restoration project began in 2004 in Jirisan National Park. Their habitat has now expanded into mountain areas near Jirisan. The population of Asiatic black bears in Jirisan is currently more than 80 but is increasing each year. There have been no reports of bears attacking humans, but be cautious when hiking in Jirisan, as you may encounter them. They are also scared of humans, so even if you encounter one, try to stay calm and keep your distance without turning your back on it.
Snakes: Korea has four venomous snakes: the mamushi, rock mamushi, Ussuri mamushi and tiger keelback. If you see a snake, try to avoid the area immediately. Wearing thick socks, gloves, long pants, and boots can also help.
When hiking, it’s very common to say “hi” or engage in chatting with other hikers. For hiking greetings, Koreans usually say, “good work!” and “cheer up!” to encourage each other instead of saying hello when running into people in the mountains. Give some of these phrases below a try to give your fellow hikers on the path a smile!
Basic phrases
I love hiking: Jeoneun deung-san-ee joayo (저는 등산이 좋아요)
The autumn leaves are really beautiful: Danpung-ee neomu ah-reum-da-woyo (단풍이 너무 아름다워요)
Let’s go hiking!: Deung-san gaja! (등산 가자 -informal)
I’d like to take a break for a little bit: Jogeum shigo sipeoyo (조금 쉬고 싶어요)
How far should I go more?: Eolmana deo gaya haeyo? (얼마나 더 가야 해요?)
Encouraging phrases
Take care/Good work/ Keep up the hard work: Sugo-haseyo (수고하세요)
Cheer up/ Hang in there: Himnaeseyo (힘내세요)
You can do it!: Hal su isseoyo! (할 수 있어요!)
Go first please/After you: Meonjeo gaseyo (먼저 가세요)
Thank you: Gamsa-hamnida (감사합니다)
Words
Mountain: San (산)
Hiking: Deung-san (등산)
Nature: Jayeon (자연)
Fall/Autumn: Gaeul (가을)
Autumn leaves: Danpung (단풍)
