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If you’re tired of the daily grind in the city, why not pack a light bag and visit a nearby mountain? The Seoul Metropolitan Area, which includes the city of Seoul and surrounding areas, is full of mountains easily accessible by public transport, making them perfect for a weekend day hike. There’s a wide variety of mountains that are easy enough for beginners to climb, so they’re highly recommended for those new to the outdoors. In this article, I’ll introduce 31 mountains in the metropolitan area that I’ve experienced through a hiking club, along with some hiking tips for beginners.
List of 31 Mountains in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
| Mountain Name | Height (m/ft) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Geomdansan (검단산) | 657 / 2,156 | Hanam-si |
| Yongmasan (용마산) | 595 / 1,952 | Hanam-si, Gwangju-si |
| Nojeoksan (노적산) | 385 / 1,263 | Gwangju-si |
| Yaksasan (약사산) | 417 / 1,368 | Gwangju-si |
| Cheongnyangsan (청량산) | 479 / 1,572 | Hanam-si, Gwangju-si, Seongnam-si |
| Geomdansan (검단산) | 534 / 1,752 | Seongnam-si, Gwangju-si |
| Yeongjangsan (영장산) | 414 / 1,358 | Seongnam-si, Gwangju-si |
| Bulgoksan (불곡산) | 312 / 1,024 | Seongnam-si, Gwangju-si |
| Gwanggyosan (광교산) | 582 / 1,909 | Suwon-si, Yongin-si |
| Baegunsan (백운산) | 562 / 1,844 | Suwon-si, Yongin-si, Uiwang-si |
| Barasan (바라산) | 428 / 1,404 | Uiwang-si, Yongin-si |
| Cheonggyesan (청계산) | 618 / 2,028 | Seocho-gu, Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, Uiwang-si |
| Inneungsan (인릉산) | 326 / 1,070 | Seocho-gu, Seongnam-si |
| Daemosan (대모산) | 293 / 961 | Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu |
| Guryongsan (구룡산) | 306 / 1,004 | Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu |
| Umyeonsan (우면산) | 293 / 961 | Seocho-gu, Gwacheon-si |
| Gwanaksan (관악산) | 632 / 2,073 | Gwanak-gu, Gwacheon-si, Anyang-si |
| Samsungsan (삼성산) | 480 / 1,575 | Gwanak-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Anyang-si |
| Baengnyeonsan (백련산) | 215 / 705 | Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu |
| Ansan (안산) | 295 / 968 | Seodaemun-gu |
| Inwangsan (인왕산) | 338 / 1,109 | Seodaemun-gu, Jongno-gu |
| Bugaksan (북악산) | 342 / 1,122 | Jongno-gu |
| Bukhansan (북한산) | 836 / 2,743 | Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Jongno-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Goyang-si |
| Dobongsan (도봉산) | 739 / 2,425 | Dobong-gu, Uijeongbu-si, Yangju-si |
| Sapasan (사패산) | 552 / 1,811 | Goyang-si, Uijeongbu-si |
| Hómyeongsan (호명산) | 423 / 1,388 | Yangju-si |
| Yongamsan (용암산) | 476 / 1,562 | Uijeongbu-si, Pocheon-si, Namyangju-si |
| Suraksan (수락산) | 640 / 2,100 | Nowon-gu, Namyangju-si, Uijeongbu-si |
| Buramsan (불암산) | 509 / 1,670 | Nowon-gu, Namyangju-si |
| Yongmasan (용마산) | 348 / 1,142 | Jungnang-gu, Gwangjin-gu |
| Achasan (아차산) | 285 / 935 | Gwangjin-gu, Guri-si |
These 31 mountains are located in various areas, including Seoul and the eastern, western, and northern parts of Gyeonggi Province, making them great for a weekly challenge. Each mountain has its own difficulty level and scenery, so you won’t get bored, and it will help improve your physical fitness.
Top 5 Recommended Mountains for Beginners
- Inwangsan: At 338m (1,109 ft), it’s located in the city center and offers excellent accessibility and views. If you climb it around sunset, you can enjoy the night view of Seoul, making it a popular spot for night hiking.
- Cheonggyesan: A bit more challenging than Namsan, but its beautiful valley trails and forests make it a moderately difficult hike for beginners. It has various courses, so you can choose a route that suits you.
- Gwanggyosan: A representative mountain in the metropolitan area that connects Suwon and Yongin. The trails are well-maintained, so even beginners can climb it without difficulty. The refreshing view of the city and nature from the summit is a major draw.
- Cheongnyangsan: You can walk this mountain in conjunction with the Namhansanseong Fortress trail, allowing you to experience both history and nature at the same time. It’s recommended as a trekking course with a manageable distance.
- Ansan: A low mountain located in Seodaemun-gu, it’s like a resting place in the city. The wooden deck is well-maintained, making it a great hiking spot for families.
Hiking Guide by Difficulty Level
- Easy Mountains for Beginners: Inwangsan, Ansan, Daemosan, and Baengnyeonsan are suitable for beginners as you can enjoy them like a walk.
- Intermediate Courses: Cheonggyesan, Gwanggyosan, and Samsungsan have a good mix of uphill and downhill sections, making them great for building stamina.
- Courses Requiring Stamina: Gwanaksan, Bukhansan, and Suraksan have rocky ridge sections, so it’s safer to attempt them after you have some gear and physical fitness.
Tips for Hiking Beginners
- Plan your descent route in advance: Most mountains have various descent routes instead of just returning the way you came, allowing you to enjoy different scenery.
- City mountains are great for night views: Low mountains like Inwangsan and Bugaksan are also suitable for night hiking. Prepare a headlamp and enjoy a hike after sunset.
- Hiking poles are optional: For beginners, poles can sometimes be more of a hindrance. It’s recommended to start with less steep courses and gradually add gear.
- Enjoy a food tour after your hike: Mountains adjacent to Seoul city offer a perfect day trip that can be completed with a visit to a delicious restaurant after your descent.
Hiking is a valuable activity that not only builds physical strength but also allows you to feel nature with your whole body and reflect on yourself. The mountains in the metropolitan area are conveniently located and can be climbed in a relatively short time, making them perfect for those new to hiking. If you’re still hesitant, try climbing a nearby mountain this weekend. Through consistent hiking, you’ll discover a healthier you, both physically and mentally.