Hiking the National Parks of Korea: A Guide for Foreigners Exploring Korea’s Trails

Discovering a New Passion Through Hiking

Growing up, I enjoyed sports and other outdoor activities. As a freshman in my university years, I joined a table tennis club. Table tennis has been my hobby for almost 20 years. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, there was a situation where I had to take a break from table tennis. Instead, I had to work on mountain hiking to benefit my work as a park ranger. My partner was the best hiking expert at the Korea National Park Service. I went hiking with this expert several times, and it was an opportunity to learn a little more about mountain hiking. As he explained small tips for mountain hiking, I naturally started to like hiking. It’s been five years now.

Who would have guessed that stepping away from table tennis would lead to climbing mountains and exploring nature in a completely new way?

Connecting with Foreign Hikers in Korea

After hiking became my hobby, I thought it would be a good hobby to do while using English, so I joined a hiking community for foreigners in Korea. Since I went to Australia for English study in 2004, I have been interested in English and people from foreign countries. At first, I did not participate in hiking with foreigners directly, but soon I began posting on Facebook hiking community groups and pages. After sharing about hikes, foreigners left comments and made related inquiries. Next, I tried to answer their questions which led to starting many hiking community activities. Since then, many foreigners have voiced how difficult it is for them to get information about hiking national parks around the country and I felt very sorry for them. So, I tried to help as many foreigners as possible through one-on-one messages and chats.

The more I talked with foreign hikers, the more I realized that the language barrier and lack of resources were making it hard for them to enjoy Korea’s trails with confidence.

From One-on-One Help to a Guidebook for All

As time progressed, limitations became apparent. There was a limit to the number of people whom I could deal with, both physically and mentally. As I was trying to provide individual support, I found myself repeatedly responding to the basic content questions. This brought to mind an idea. A published guidebook could help many, rather than personally responding to each person. Hikers within Korea would be able to obtain the necessary information at their leisure. This seemed a more reasonable and efficient way to help more foreign hikers enjoy the outdoors with ease of information.

The goal became simple: create a helpful and accessible hiking resource for foreigners living in or visiting Korea.

Building the Team Behind the Hiking the National Parks of Korea Guide

When I decided to write a guidebook for hiking national parks for foreigners, I was not yet confident about going to all 23 national parks across the country and even taking all the good pictures. Even though I graduated from a college abroad, my English was not good enough to publish a book. So, we formed a team to write this book. First of all, at my work, I asked Lily to join our team who was fluent in English and had a background in design. Then Christian Jorgensen from Australia joined the team. He is a native English speaker, an experienced hiker, and a skilled photographer. I had met Chris in the foreign hiking community and knew he was passionate about leading others to breathtaking hikes and trails. Together this team would build the resources our hiking community needed.

First team meeting, discussing hiking needs of foreigners in Korea.

The three of us gathered together and started writing the book. At first, rather than each of us having a detailed role, we mostly discussed and worked together. However, as time passed, the roles were naturally decided by utilizing each of our strengths. I would be in charge of general planning, coordinating, and content related to national parks.

Chris played the role of the main writer. He wrote all of the 46 trail descriptions and upgraded 23 park introductions. Chris painstakingly reviewed all the other writings from others as a native English speaker. He checked for clarity and accuracy, but most importantly, accessibility to foreigners reading our book. After all, the main goal was to create a resource all could use. Chris also brought his photography expertise to our project by providing 240 of the 390 images found in the guide as well. His pictures captured the landscape of each trail, and stunning views, and even included some visuals for some of the hiking paths, helping readers “see” a trail before hiking.

Our second meeting was outside, exploring the parks we wanted to share with others.

Lily’s role would be an integral part of the publication as she created detailed maps inserted into the book. The maps she would design would show hikers options of where to start, and which direction to go, and included information about the terrain as well. Lily was also in charge of the overall design of the book.

Inside the Book: A Foreign-Friendly Korea Hiking Guide

Together, all three of us were able to make a guidebook to assist our hiking community. “Hiking the National Parks of Korea: Summit Trails and Popular Walks” was the final product of our team’s collaboration. The composition of the book includes a total of 46 hiking trails. Each has been introduced by selecting two representative hiking trails for each of the 23 Korean National Parks. Each course also includes around 10 vivid photos, and in particular, it introduces in detail the policies of national parks, such as controlling hiking trails during forest fire prevention, which are essential for hiking to national parks. This book contains so much important information that foreigners must know when hiking national parks.

We wanted this book to be your go-to tool, whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned trail enthusiast. It’s a practical guide, but also a celebration of Korea’s natural beauty.

Making Korean National Parks More Accessible to All

The information for hiking national parks in a foreign language in Korea is really limited. Even the Korea National Park Service provides very little of this information. So, for those foreigners who want to hike around Korea, we are confident that this book will answer all your questions, including transportation, duration and distance, and features of the hiking trails. Our book includes not only mountain-type national parks but also sea-type national parks. Included are also introductory good walks for people with limited physical strength so all can enjoy Korea’s amazing national parks. Among the mountain-type national parks, there is a variety of hiking trails, many of which include easy courses that even beginner hikers can complete.

We believe hiking should be for everyone. That’s why we made sure this book has something for every skill level and interest.

Where to Buy the Hiking Guidebook

We hope that all of those wishing to hike in Korea find our book the resource they need to explore and create new adventures hiking. Those interested in purchasing our book can find our book in any Kyobo bookstore in Seoul. There are 17 total stores in Seoul. You can also buy it from online bookstores.

Here’s where you can get your hands on a copy:

• Kyobo

• YES24

• Aladin

We hope this guide helps more foreigners experience the breathtaking beauty of Korea’s national parks. Happy hiking!

More Hiking Inspiration in Korea

Looking for your next trail or just getting started with hiking in Korea? These fellow expats and bloggers have shared their personal experiences, practical tips, and favorite hikes from around the country. From beginner-friendly walks to national park challenges, these resources are a great way to plan your next outdoor adventure.

Hikes Near Bases & Urban Escapes

• Beginner-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Osan Air Base – by Sarah Symbalisty If you’re stationed near Osan or just getting started with hiking, Sarah’s guide highlights gentle, accessible trails perfect for a weekend adventure.

• Hiking the Gyejoksan Red Clay Trail in Daejeon – by Missy Moore A colorful, barefoot-friendly trail with beautiful forest paths—great for families or casual hikers looking for something different.

National Park Goals & Scenic Routes

• Hike Korean National Parks in a Year – by South of Seoul This challenge-based blog shares how to visit all of Korea’s national parks in just one year—packed with logistics, inspiration, and how-tos.

• Munjangdae Peak – Songnisan National Park – by Kimberly Kephart Get a closer look at Songnisan’s iconic peak—Kimberly’s detailed guide offers beautiful photos and helpful trail info for planning your hike.

• Korea Dulle-Gil: A Long Walk Through Korea – by Sarah Symbalisty Follow Sarah’s journey on the Korea Dulle-Gil, a network of trails that weaves through the country’s countryside and connects local life with natural beauty.

Whether you're aiming for a short day hike or a year-long goal of visiting all 23 national parks, these bloggers offer real-world advice and inspiration for making the most of Korea’s trails.