Discover Korea Like Never Before
Hiking in Korea is more than just climbing mountains—it’s a cultural experience.
Watching the sunrise from towering peaks,
Hearing the wooden gong sounds from ancient temples,
And exchanging warm greetings with friendly Koreans along the mountain paths. These are the charms of hiking in Korea.
If you suddenly feel like experiencing Korean mountains during your travels, don’t worry about not having hiking gear!
Korea’s national parks offer free equipment rental programs.
What is the National Park Safety Equipment Free Rental Service?
Koreans are known for their love of hiking — and you’ll see why.
On weekends, the mountains come alive with hikers dressed in colorful outdoor clothing.
Within this hiking culture, national parks provide various equipment free of charge to help visitors enjoy hiking more safely and comfortably.
First-time foreign visitors or travelers without equipment can experience Korea’s beautiful mountains without any burden.
Available Equipment
Rental Method and Procedure
- Visit a Visitor Support Center (ID required)
- Complete a rental application (English service available at many locations)
- Receive equipment
- Return on the same day (please respect return times)
※Note: Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may run out early.
Bukhansan National Park — Seoul’s Lungs
Bukhansan Mountain, a rare urban nature park, is a hiking paradise easily accessible from the heart of Seoul.
With granite peaks reaching for the sky and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, it’s truly breathtaking.
The accessibility is attractive—just 30 minutes from downtown by subway or bus.
The trails are well-maintained, making them suitable for beginners. The view of Seoul from Baegundae Peak is simply magnificent!
■ Equipment Rental Services (Bukhansan)
- Baekun Visitor Support Center
- Address: 234 Doseonsagil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Bukhansanseong Fortress Visitor Support Center
- Address: 45 Daeseomungil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
■ Equipment Rental Services (Bukhan Dobong)
- Dobong Branch (hiking boots only available here)
- Address: 86-3 Dobongsangil, Dobong-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Hoeryong Visitor Support Center
- Address: 82 Jeonjaro 155beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Obong Visitor Support Center
- Address: 102-108 Hogukro 550beon-gil, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Wondobong Visitor Support Center
- Address: 205 Mangwolro 28beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (weekends only)
■ Hiker’s Story
“I was surprised to see an elderly woman climbing Bukhansan Mountain faster than me. The tangerine she shared with me when we met at the summit is something I’ll never forget.”
Seoraksan National Park — Korea’s Alps
Seoraksan Mountain, one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains, offers spectacular views throughout the year.
Its autumn foliage is particularly world-famous.
Granite cliffs and forests that feel like brush strokes from an old painting.
The sunrise view from Daecheongbong Peak is worth experiencing at least once.
Though it requires an early start, the magnificent view is indescribably beautiful. Seoraksan has also been internationally recognized for its conservation value and was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982.
■ Equipment Rental Services
- Seorakdong Visitor Support Center
- Address: 1055 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
■ Hiker’s Story
“Seoraksan Mountain’s autumn foliage was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen in my life. Without the free rental trekking poles, I couldn’t have climbed those steep trails.”
Gyeryongsan National Park — The Mountain of the Dragon with a Rooster’s Crest
Gyeryongsan Mountain is especially famous for its azaleas in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
The mountain landscape is gentle yet full of character, making it great for hiking.
While climbing, you can also visit peaceful temples for a cultural experience.
It’s close to Daejeon, offering great accessibility, and the trails are well-maintained, making it suitable for family hiking.
■ Equipment Rental Services
- Gyeryongsan Office
- Address: 86 Donghaksa 2-ro, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Sutong-gol Visitor Support Center
- Address: 47 Sutong-gol-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
- Hours: 10:00-16:00 (open daily)
- Gapsa Visitor Support Center
- Address: 519 Gapsa-ro, Gyeryong-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Hours: 10:00-16:00 (open daily)
- Cheonjeong Visitor Support Center
- Address: 18 Cheonjang-i-gil, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Hours: 10:00-16:00 (weekends only)
■ Hiker’s Story
“On Gyeryongsan Mountain, I happened to meet a group of foreigners doing a temple stay. Thanks to them, I was able to experience both hiking and temple culture.”
Gyeongju National Park — Hiking Through History
Gyeongju is like a history textbook of Korea.
In Gyeongju National Park, you can experience the history and culture of the Silla Dynasty while hiking.
Namsan, in particular, is called an ‘open-air Buddhist museum’ because of its many Buddhist relics.
Following the Tohamsan trail leads you to the world-famous Seokguram Grotto, and the sunrise view over the East Sea from there will be an unforgettable experience.
It was also recognized as one of the UNESCO’s 10 World Heritage Sites in 1979.
■ Equipment Rental Services
- Samneung Visitor Support Center
- Address: San 73-1, Baedong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Hours: 09:30-15:00 (open daily)
- Dongnamsan Visitor Support Center
- Address: San 41-1, Namsan-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Hours: 09:30-15:00 (open daily)
■ Hiker’s Story
“The feeling when I encountered thousand-year-old Buddha statues while climbing Namsan in Gyeongju was indescribable. Thanks to the free rental hiking boots, I could safely climb the slippery slopes.”
Mudeungsan National Park — Incomparable Nobility
Mudeungsan Mountain, the symbol of Gwangju, means ‘a mountain so high and large that it’s incomparable’ or ‘a mountain so noble that it cannot be ranked.’
At the summit, rock pillars like Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae rise into the sky, creating a magnificent view.
The mountain boasts beautiful scenery throughout the year,
But the autumn silver grass and winter snow scenery are particularly famous.
With good accessibility from the city center, it’s popular as a day hiking course.
■ Equipment Rental Services (Mudeungsan)
- Mudeungsan Office
- Address: 5 Dongsan-gil 7beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
- Hours: 09:00-17:00 (open daily)
- Wonhyo Branch
- Address: 25 Songgang-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
- Hours: 09:00-17:30 (open daily)
■ Equipment Rental Services (Mudeungsan East)
- Dowon Camping Site
- Address: 80-30 Dowon-gil, Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Hours: 09:30-17:00 (open daily)
- Suman Visitor Support Center
- Address: 200 Jungji-gil, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Hours: 09:30-17:00 (weekends only)
■ Hiker’s Story
“The view of Gwangju from Seoseokdae in Mudeungsan Mountain was really amazing. I truly experienced Korean hiking culture by sharing gimbap and makgeolli (rice wine) with local hikers.”
Palgongsan National Park — Daegu’s Guardian Mountain
Palgongsan Mountain is the symbolic mountain of Daegu, characterized by its majestic granite landscape.
It’s especially beautiful in autumn, attracting many hikers.
There are various cultural assets and temples within the mountain, allowing you to enjoy both hiking and cultural exploration. In particular, the Stone Buddha Statue at Gwanbong in Palgongsan (Treasure No. 431) has a legend that it grants wishes, making it a popular destination.
■ Equipment Rental Services
- Palgongsan East Office
- Address: 68 Palgongsan-ro 185-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu
- Hours: 09:30-17:00 (open daily)
- Palgongsan West Office
- Address: 175 Palgongsan-ro, Dongmyeong-myeon, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Hours: 09:30-17:00 (open daily)
■ Hiker’s Story
“I’ll never forget the warmth of a cup of tea given to me by a monk I met at Donghwasa temple on Palgongsan.”
Jirisan National Park — Korea’s Representative Mountain
Jirisan Mountain, Korea’s first national park, is a massive mountain spanning 3 provinces and 5 cities/counties.
It has numerous peaks spread out like a folding screen, including Cheonwangbong (1,915m), Banyabong, and Nogodan.
Currently, it primarily operates an emergency blanket free rental service, with plans to expand to various hiking equipment rental services starting this year (2025). Jirisan has an elevation difference of over 1,400m between lower and higher areas.
As you climb higher, the temperature drops rapidly, increasing the risk of hypothermia and mountain safety accidents if caught in unexpected rain during long hikes.
Emergency blankets are placed in first-aid boxes along trails, but to prepare for any situation, they also operate a free rental service so individuals can carry them before hiking.
■ Emergency Blanket Rental Services
- Jirisan Jeonbuk Office
- Address: 81 Jeongnyeongchi-ro, Jucheon-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours: 09:00-17:00
- Baemsagol Visitor Information Center
- Address: 10 Waun-gil, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours: 09:30-17:00
- Unbong Branch
- Address: 139 Baraebong-gil, Unbong-eup, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours: 09:30-17:00
■ Hiker’s Story
“The Jirisan ridge trail was the most challenging hike of my life. Without the emergency blanket, I would have really struggled with the sudden rain and cold.”
National Parks Planning to Expand Hiking Equipment Rental Services in 2025
- Jirisan Mountain
- Songnisan Mountain
- Deogyusan Mountain
- Woraksan Mountain
- Odaesan Mountain
- Chiaksan Mountain
National Parks Planning to Add Hiking Equipment Rental Services in 2026
- Gayasan Mountain
- Juwangsan Mountain
- Naejangsan Mountain
- Sobaeksan Mountain
- Wolchulsan Mountain
- Taebaeksan Mountain
Hiking Tips — Enjoying Korean Mountain Culture
- Lunch Box Culture: Korean hikers have a culture of sharing delicious lunch boxes at the summit. If you prepare simple gimbap or sandwiches, you might share your meal with locals.
- “Cheer up!” Greetings: Exchanging greetings like “Hello” and “Cheer up” (keep going/stay strong) with other hikers is part of Korean hiking culture. Smile and greet others for a more enjoyable hiking experience.
- Bring Snacks: Korean hikers bring snacks like cucumbers, jujubes, corn, or chocolate. You can replenish your energy and also share with locals.
- Photo Culture: Taking a “proof shot” in front of the summit marker is an essential part of Korean hiking. Take a commemorative photo with the mountain summit marker!
Recommended Hiking Spots
- Baegundae in Bukhansan Mountain : A panoramic view of Seoul
- UlsanRock in Seoraksan Mountain : A unique rock formation that looks like it could be home to mountain spirits
- Seoseokdae in Mudeungsan Mountain : The magnificent view of stone pillars spread like a folding screen
- Nogodan in Jirisan Mountain : A fantastic sunrise spot with a sea of clouds
- Gapsa in Gyeryongsan Mountain : A thousand-year-old temple harmonizing with autumn foliage
Useful App Recommendations
- Naver Maps: Most hiking trails are marked in detail
- Kakao Maps: Good for finding your way to mountain entrances using public transportation
- Official National Park App: Check real-time trail opening information
- Papago: A useful app for language barriers
Want a more structured way to hike in Seoul without worrying about gear or language?
[Check out the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center here.]
Editor’s Note
Korean mountains are special spaces that contain not just natural scenery but also history, culture, and life philosophy.
From small, easily accessible urban mountains to majestic national parks,
Korean mountains offer various experiences to travelers.
The free equipment rental service goes beyond simple convenience—it shows Koreans’ culture of “jeong” (affection) and sharing.
Experience Korean mountains without preparation through this service.
And we hope you discover the true beauty of Korea through the people, nature, and culture you encounter in the process.
Additional tips for travelers from overseas:
Don’t worry too much about getting lost in Korean mountains as cell phones work well in most areas.
Also, most visitor support centers have staff or volunteers who can speak English, so don’t fear language barriers!
Korea Navigator’s Discover series brings you to places beyond the obvious.
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