Mt Bukhansan Day Hike and Jjimjilbang: Seoul Hiking, Korean BBQ & Korean Scrub
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable with sustained uphill walking and uneven terrain for 2–3 hours and able to handle stair-like stone sections.
Overview
Spend a day on Mt. Bukhansan with a guide, then refuel with galbi and a traditional jjimjilbang scrub. This private 6–7 hour tour pairs a 2–3 hour hike with a Korean sauna experience for a complete urban-escape ritual.
Mt Bukhansan Day Hike and Jjimjilbang: Seoul Hiking, Korean BBQ & Korean Scrub
Select participants and date
The morning opens cold and bright at the foot of Mt. Bukhansan, and Seoul still feels a step removed—a scattering of shoulder-width trails threading granite spires and pines while the city crouches below. Groups gather by the trailhead, check boots, and listen as a guide outlines routes that will decide the day: a steadier climb to Seunggasa for newcomers, or the narrower, steam-cooled Bibong ridgeline for people who like rock steps and scrambling. The mountain doesn't simply sit above Seoul; it leans toward it, offering a view where skyscrapers and temple roofs sit in the same frame.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Choose the right route
Tell your guide your fitness level at booking; Seunggasa is gentler (≈1,300 ft gain) while Bibong is steeper (≈1,835 ft).
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip—sections include stone steps and exposed slabs where slip risk increases.
Bring cash and small essentials
Most is included, but bring some cash for snacks, tipping the scrub attendants, or extra drinks after the hike.
Respect bathhouse customs
Bathhouse and scrub are gender-separated; follow local norms—shower before entering baths and use provided towels in common areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Korean magpie
- Siberian chipmunk
History
Bukhansan has long been a strategic and spiritual landscape for Seoul; Bukhansanseong fortress and mountain temples date back to the Joseon era.
Conservation
The park is heavily visited; stick to marked trails, pack out litter, and avoid feeding wildlife to protect plant and animal communities.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Seoul
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for granite slabs and stone steps on the trails.
1–1.5 L water bottle or hydration pack
Hydration for the ascent and warm weather; refill options are limited on the trail.
summer specific
Light layers and wind shell
Temperatures can swing quickly between trail and summit; a wind layer helps on exposed ridges.
spring specific
Compact toiletries and change of clothes
Bring fresh clothes for after the jjimjilbang and toiletries for comfort, though some are provided.