8-Day Korean Peninsula Hiking Tour: Jirisan Peaks, Gyeongju & Coastal Busan
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good aerobic shape—able to hike 13–18 km with sustained climbs of 800–1,100 m and carry a daypack.
Overview
Trade Seoul skyscrapers for granite ridgelines on an eight-day circuit that pairs city history with full-day hikes in Jirisan National Park. Expect long approaches to 1,900m summits, UNESCO-era temples, coastal seafood markets and practical, guide-led logistics.
8-Day Korean Peninsula Hiking Tour: Jirisan Peaks, Gyeongju & Coastal Busan
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The bus peels away from Seoul before dawn and the city’s glass teeth recede into a low orange line. By midmorning the concrete gives up to terraces of rice, small temples perched on granite spines, and the first true mountains of the peninsula—Jirisan’s dark shoulders rising like an old story. On this eight-day loop, travelers move from the capital’s fortress walls and palace courtyards to Silla-era tomb fields in Gyeongju, seafood alleys in Busan, and finally the high ridgelines and springs of Jirisan, where the highest summit, Cheonwangbong, stakes its claim at 1,915 meters.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start summit hikes at first light
Mountain weather turns quickly—begin Cheonwangbong and Banyabong ascents early to avoid afternoon storms and crowded ridgelines.
Carry 2–3 liters of water
Trail sections include long steep climbs with few reliable springs; hydrate before and during the hike and use a water filter if you refill from springs.
Sturdy boots and traction
Expect granite slabs, steep stair sections and muddy switchbacks—firm-ankle hiking boots will protect your knees and footing.
Keep an extra day flexible
Korea’s weather and logistics can shift; allow one buffer day for heavy rain or to recover after the Jirisan summit day.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Roe deer (occasional sightings in Jirisan)
- Wild boar tracks and signs in lower valleys
History
The route visits Silla-era Gyeongju—capital of a thousand-year kingdom—and Jirisan, designated Korea’s first national park in 1967.
Conservation
Jirisan is managed to protect rare flora and fauna; stay on marked trails, pack out waste and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seoul
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and grip on granite slabs, stone stairways and muddy descents.
Lightweight waterproof shell
Layers and rain protection for sudden mountain showers and windy ridges.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide balance on uneven trails.
Daypack with 2–3L hydration system
Carry food, water, first-aid and extra layers for full-day hikes.