(Stripes Korea)
Camping in the mountains surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature is the perfect fall getaway during this wonderful hiking season. 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!
Naejangsan National Park (Korea Tourism Organization)
Naejangsa Temple (Korea Tourism Organization)
How to make a reservation (for foreigners), Website for Korea National Park Service
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.
(How to make a booking)
(How to make a booking)
(How to make a booking)
(How to make a booking)
(How to make a booking)
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.
Campsites (Korea National Park Service)
- 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 situation halfway up the mountains. Visitors have to prepare their own sleeping bags and cookware if needed.
Shelter in Jirisan (Korea National Park Service)
Mountains with shelters: Jirisan, Seoraksan, Deokyusan, Sobaeksan
Keep in mind
You’re not allowed to bring pets into national parks. 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).
Jirisan national park is the only mountain in Korea that bears inhabit. The population of moon bears in Jirisan is less than 100 now, but keeps increasing every year, according to officials. There has been no report of bears attacking humans, but be on the lookout for bears when hiking Jirisan.'
Seoraksan National Park (Korea Tourism Organization)
