(Stripes Korea)
1. Finding the hiking routes
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
Try to search the mountain on the map and zoom in. It automatically shows you all the 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. If you input the mountain name and add the word “course,” the map will show you a list of all the courses, including their difficulty level, duration, length, and altitude. For instance, type “Jirisan course” if you’re headed for a brisk hike on Jirisan Mountain.
2. Learn how to camp in Korea’s national parks
In Korea, visitors to national parks can only camp in designated areas, and reservations must be made exclusively 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 website (reservation.knps.or.kr). The mobile version is currently not supported.
Sign up and log in. No phone number is needed, but email verification is required.
Click “View Campsites Reservation Schedule.”
Select “National Park,” “Campsites” and “Choose area” and click “Book now” at the bottom.
Fill out the reservation form and click “Search by selected criteria.”
Click “Book” for an available campsite on the list.
Payment isn’t required for online reservations. You can pay on-site when visiting. Please make sure to cancel your reservation if you call off your trip so others can fill your slot.
Things to know for booking
- The available dates for reservations open only 30 days in advance and are updated twice a month, specifically on the first and 15th of each month. For instance, on Oct. 1, dates from Oct. 15 to Oct. 31 become available for booking, and on Oct. 15, you can book reservations for Nov. 1 through Nov. 15.
- If the campsite you select doesn’t show any available spots, it’s either fully booked or currently closed.
- It is recommended to make campsite reservations as early as possible, especially during peak seasons such as spring, summer vacation (August) and fall.
- 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.”
Campsites
Visitors can enjoy camping in national parks at designated campsites, usually located in mountain lowlands. Campsite options and facilities can vary depending on national park, so please check for more information on the website.
- Campsite options
Regular campsites: You should install 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 movable camping car or car and your 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, Deokyusan, Sobaeksan
3. Keep in mind the rules at national parks
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.
- You’re not allowed to bring pets into national parks, and violations can result in a fine of 100,000 won. Only service dogs for disabilities are acceptable (Natural Parks Act Article 29).
- Camping and overnight stays outside designated areas are prohibited in national parks (Natural Parks Act Article 27). 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 100,000 to 500,000 won.
- Making loud noise with devices such as Bluetooth speakers can result in a fine of up to 300,000 won.
- Drinking alcohol while hiking can result in a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 won.
- Bringing any kind of inflammable material or smoking can incur a fine of up to 300,000 won.
- Collecting 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.
4. Be careful of wild animals
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, as it lets 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 that could provoke them.
- Wild dogs: Occasionally, wild dogs roaming in packs may be encountered. The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid traveling alone.
- Bear: Korea’s bears used to be extinct, but with the restoration project since 2004, Jirisan National Park has become the only mountain in Korea where bears now inhabit. The population of Asiatic Black Bears in Jirisan is currently less than 100 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 poisonous snakes: viper snake, red-tongued viper snake, short-tailed viper snake, and rhabdophis tigrinus. If you see a snake, try to avoid the area immediately. Wearing thick socks, gloves, long pants, and boots can also help.
Speakin’ Korean
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)
