Marvel of Nature: Hiking in Bukhansan Mountain National Park
Joined 2022
Another charm of Seoul is it is surrounded by beautiful mountains, providing excellent accessibility for hiking. Among them, Bukhansan mountain is one of the most favorite destination for Seoulites seeking hiking and trekking adventures. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to experience Buddhist temples along the trail. Lastly, enjoying pajeon(green onion pancake) and makgeolli(Rice wine) as a post-hiking tradition among Koreans helps alleviate the fatigue from the mountain excursion.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or any designated place (in Seoul)
Bukhansan Mountain National Park
Bukhansan National Park is a rare urban nature park globally and is the 15th national park in South Korea. It boasts 36 imposing peaks, making it the largest mountain in Seoul, and it was once referred to as Samgaksan(three peaks mountain) in the past because the three highest peaks are clustered together. The current name Bukhansan originates from its location north of Hanyang, the old name for Seoul. The tallest among the three peaks is Baegundae (835.6m), and a round-trip hike from the starting point to the summit takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
From the summit of Baegundae, hikers can marvel at the beautiful and majestic scenery of Bukhansan, as well as the cityscape of Seoul and the northeastern part of Gyeonggi Province. Additionally, during the ascent to Baegundae, you can explore Buddhist hermitage and some historical sites such as the ancient Bukhansanseong fortress, built during the Joseon Dynasty.
While taking a brief rest at the top of Baegundae, you can enjoy a simple mountain snack, such as Gimbap, a favorite among Korean hikers. On the descent route, you can visit Dosonsa, one of the representative Buddhist temples in Seoul. Finally, as a traditional way for Korean hiking enthusiasts to conclude the hike, you can also finish your journey by savoring pajeon (green onion pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine).
End of the tour
Ending point is arrangeable.
Ending Point
At your hotel or any designated place (in Seoul)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding fee
Free transportation (11 seater KIA Carnival), Fuel, Toll, Parking
Hotel (or any designated place) Pick-up and Drop-off
One bottle of water and snack(Gimbap) per person
Any ensternace fees, if any.
The cost of foods, including lunch or pajeon and makgeolli, will be covered by the customer.
Traveler's Insurance
Tour Important Information
1. This tour is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions or acrophobia.
2. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended: especially, hiking or trekking shoes.
3. Other recommended preparations are lightweight backpack, water, snacks and sunscreen, etc.
4. The hiking trail follows the same path back, so if anyone finds the hike challenging, they can take a break and wait at a designated spot along the way.
5. The entire itinerary is inherently flexible and can be altered according to customer needs.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2022
About Tour Guide Kevin L.
I received a license in 2016 from the Korea Tourism Organization as a qualified professional tour guide. I have guided a variety of tours for people and tourists from all over the world and have been doing so for over 6 years.
Before being a tour guide I spent most of my career working in the banking industry for almost 30 years, starting with Korea First Bank which later became a US based Newbridge Capital and UK based Standard Chartered Bank until I retired in 2016.
My experience in the banking industry was very much customer-first and dealing with the public which laid the cornerstone and passion to becoming a tour guide.
After retiring from the bank, I worked as a lecturer for a volunteering organization run by the local public office and taught students about the environment and disabilities.
With various experiences and personal management skills, these challenges have provided a real life, hands on cultural nuances which will promote friendship and expand life experiences between different cultures.
I'm based in Seoul but will be happily arrange the tours to Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Jeonju etc. as a customized tour. Feel free to drop me a request message.
Reviews
Sarah J.
“An Unforgettable DMZ Tour with Kevin”
Our DMZ tour with Kevin was a great experience, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. From start to finish, Kevin was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about sharing the history of the Korean War and the significance of the DMZ. The descent into one of the 4 tunnels underneath the DMZ was spine tingling. Visiting the war memorial for the Gloucestershire Battalion was a particularly moving experience, and Kevin’s explanations helped us truly appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought alongside the South Koreans. The final stop at the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge was a perfect way to end the day, offering breathtaking views and a moment to reflect on the historical journey we had just experienced. If you're looking for a well-rounded and insightful DMZ tour, we highly recommend Kevin!
Kevin L.
Thank you so much for your incredibly detailed and thoughtful feedback, as well as your touching words of praise. I’ll continue doing my best to provide even better service in the future.
Sarah J.
“Seoul City Tour: A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity”
From the historical grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the modern charm of N Seoul Tower, Kevin’s tour gave a perfect snapshot of Seoul’s rich heritage and dynamic culture. The first stop on the tour was Gyeongbokgung Palace, and it truly set the tone for the day. The sheer scale and beauty of the palace are breathtaking, and the detailed architecture reflects Korea’s royal history. Watching the changing of the guard ceremony was a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the traditions that have been maintained over centuries. Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming neighbourhood where traditional Korean hanok houses are still lived in today. Insadong was our next stop, and it was an exciting blend of the old and new. The bustling streets are lined with art galleries, traditional tea houses, antique shops, and contemporary boutiques. One of the most unforgettable parts of the tour was a visit to N Seoul Tower, perched atop Namsan Mountain. The panoramic views of Seoul from the observation deck were amazing, giving us a sense of how vast and diverse the city really is. To wrap up the day, we headed to Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and most famous traditional markets. The atmosphere was vibrant, with friendly vendors offering samples of their goods. Kevin was a great help in steering us towards what local delicacies to try. Kevin put together a Seoul City Tour that provided an enriching and well-rounded experience of the city, showcasing everything from its royal history to its lively street markets. He created a tour that balanced both cultural exploration and modern attractions. We highly recommend this tour with Kevin.
Kevin L.
I truly appreciate your detailed and thoughtful feedback for each place. It was a real pleasure and an honor to guide such a kind and lovely couple—thank you so much.
Sarah J.
“Great Tour Blending Korean Tradition & Modernity”
We had an lovely experience on the Korean Tradition & Modernity tour in Seoul, thanks to Kevin. The Korean Folk Village was a wonderful glimpse into Korea’s heritage, and Kevin provided insights into traditional Korean life and customs. Hwaseong Fortress was equally impressive. To top it all off, the visit to Starfield Library was a perfect example of modern Korea’s innovation and beauty. If you’re looking for a well-balanced tour that showcases both Korea’s deep traditions and modern wonders, this is a must! Thank you again for the experience!
Kevin L.
Hello, I'm truly grateful to hear that you had a great trip. Thank you so much for your heartfelt and meaningful feedback—it really touched me.
$330/ per group
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