Foreign tourists pose at Yeongbong Peak on Mount Bukhan after completing a fall foliage hiking program, Oct. 30. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization By Jung Da-hyun Hiking in Seoul is attracting an increasing number of foreign visitors, with 17,600 of the 40,000 visitors to Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers being international tourists — approximately one in three — according to the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), Monday.
These centers aim to support hikers with services like equipment rental, luggage storage, changing facilities and detailed guidance on Seoul’s mountain trails. The centers also offer various programs tailored to enhance the hiking experiences of visitors. Currently, three Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers are in operation, located near Mount Bukhan, Mount Bugak and Mount Gwanak.
The first center, opened in 2022 near Mount Bukhan in Gangbuk District, reflects the challenging terrain of Seoul’s only national park. Known for its steep mountain paths, the area’s center is equipped with a wide array of safety gear, including crampons and hiking sticks, to support safe hiking. This year alone, more than 1,300 items have been rented out to hikers.
The second hiking center, located near Mount Bugak in Samcheong-dong in central Seoul's Jongno District, began trial operations last November before officially opening in April. The center is built in a "hanok" style (a traditional Korean house) and offers visitors a unique urban hiking experience with scenic views o.