Bukhansan Mountain Hike: Folklore, Secluded Temple Visit, and Local Cuisine Experience
5.0
32 Ratings
Jingwan-dong
Embark on a 6-hour hike up Bukhansan Mountain in Seoul, exploring folklore, visiting a secluded temple, and experiencing local cuisine. Discover the mountain heritage that defines Korea's personality and enjoy breathtaking views, stories, and legends along the way.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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79-9 - The hike itself is generally 4-5 hours. It’s medium-grade, and the guide can adjust the trail to various skill levels. There is one long steep ascent near the beginning, but no special equipment like ropes and harnesses are necessary.
• Meet the tour guide at 10 a.m. at Gupabal Subway Station, gate 1. Then board a brief bus ride to the trail head. Bus fare is included.
• Stretch with the guide before walking.
• The hike starts with a steep ascent, but no special equipment is necessary.
• Go up an afforested valley.
• Cross a path with spectacular views.
• Descend towards and visit Buddhist temples nestled in rugged mountain nooks.
• The guide relates stories of legends, history, and folklore related to Korea’s age-old mountain heritage.
• Finish at a local restaurant catering to hikers with unique mountain food and drinks. Food and drinks are included in the price.
Guide Phone Number/WhatsApp: +82 10-5595-6099
What's Included
- Guided by a professional
- Open bar with unlimited drinks
- Lunch included
- Selection of alcoholic beverages
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meal Options
- Traditional post-hike lunch - One of the joys of hiking is the food and drinks to rejuvenate.
Additional Information
Join a close-knit 6-hour trek to the pinnacle of Seoul’s renowned mountain alongside an English-speaking guide versed in Korean folklore. Venture along a distinct path, veering away from the usual throngs, to an obscured temple. Uncover the mountainous heritage integral to Korea’s distinct character, culminating with a scenic meal accompanied by a well-earned feast and beverages. This excursion is far from a mere rapid ascent and descent - it encompasses the most stunning vistas, fables, and historical tales regarding celebrated Buddhist figures, otherworldly spirits, and the shamanistic customs that shape Korea’s identity. Participants leave with an enriched perception of Korea that surpasses the general tourist experience.
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
19
Gupabal Station - Line 3, Gate 1. Meet Outside.
Don't pay attention to the address. We use metro stations for locations in Seoul.
We recommend using the subway instead of a taxi in order to arrive on time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(32 Ratings)
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M6576bicarolinef
Mar 24, 2024
Beautiful hike - We would strongly recommend the hike. Shawn is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and keen on health and safety. Beautiful views and yummy food at the end!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edwinc88
Mar 24, 2024
Great stories and amazing scenery! - Our mountain hike with Shawn was great! Had we done the hike on our own, we would have walked right by remnants of important Korean history. The pace, the scenery, and the stories up the mountain were already amazing, but once we were coming back down and got to see the temples, it got even better.
I am a big fan of folklore and storytelling, while my partner's more into the outdoors and sights, so we both got an awesome experience. I got stories, and she got her photos. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
I'm not a hiker and I got through it okay, just bring comfortable shoes that won't slide on rock (that is sometimes wet!), and layers so you can add or take away as you start warming up. I brought along a short-sleeve exercise t-shirt, hiking/travel pants, and trail shoes. I had my rain jacket tied around my waist the whole time, but a small daypack would've been more comfortable for me.
Shawn did a great job at keeping the pace and heart rate up, with breaks at just the right times. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gabrielr396
Nov 27, 2023
A must for story-loving hikers visiting Busan - This hike with Shawn was one of the top highlights of my trip to Busan. His knowledge of Korean folklore, the Busan area and his expertise as a guide made this a terrific experience that I would fully recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellan140
May 29, 2023
storytelling and hiking - Shawn is a brilliant story teller. My partner and I enjoyed listening to him share folklores of the mountain we hiked on as well as his experience living in Seoul. We were sad that we didn't have enough time to take other tours with Shawn. We highly recommend that you hike with Sean whenever you visit Seoul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven
May 17, 2023
PUT THIS ON TOP OF YOUR SEOUL TO DO LIST - This is an incredible tour! Shawn is an incredible guide whose story and knowledge paired with the breathtaking views make for a really good respite from the city of Seoul. The food and drink are included in the price so this is a great value as well because you get to go to a local restaurant outside the city with different dishes you will not see in Seoul. Can't recommend this tour enough. Also, Shawn and his business partner have an amazing podcast called "Darkside of Seoul" if you want to learn more about the spookier parts of Korean history and folklore be sure to give it a listen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ghazalrzvi
Apr 11, 2023
Beautiful Views - Shawn is the best tour guide I've met and shows he is passionate about what he does. He was responsive before the trip so we had no problem meeting up with him. This hike route is for semi-beginner hikers. You will be hiking up for the first half so bring good shoes, a bottle of water and light snack. We had dinner at a local restaurant after the hike but you may want to have a couple of chocolate bars on the way. The route was not super crowded with people. We saw a cave with shamanic rituals inside, a fantastic buddhist temple and tons of other great sights. It's all stuck in my mind because of the stories Shawn told us about the place. It makes a difference when you know about history of a place rather than just walking it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryan_b
Mar 26, 2023
Amazibg guide, spectacular views and even greater stories - Shawn is ab amazing tour guide who is very experienced on this trail. Taking this tour you can expect a fun climb, spectacular views, interesting heritage sites and absolutely amazing stories told in a great way by Shawn.
Review provided by Viator
B1176qsryanb
Mar 25, 2023
Amazing views and even better stories! - Shawn was an absolutely amazing tour guide who has a lot of experience hiking these trails. The views were outstanding and the folk lore stories told by Shawn made this an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Belinda
Nov 1, 2022
Highlight of our trip! - Our guide Shawn was knowledgeable and very helpful on the hike as most of us girls have limited hiking experience. We came for the fall colours and were rewarded with the stunning colours! Great way to get out of the city and experience a different part of Korea. I would highly recommend this trip with Shawn as it was the highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnlm7034pv
Nov 1, 2022
Amazing Hiking Experience - Hiking with Shawn is a great experience, he not only dispenses good advice but also tells us interesting folklore stories relating to the sites that we passed by. He is also very knowledgeable about the mountains in Seoul and helps us when we need support to go uphill and downhill. Most of all, he is very safety conscious. I will surely want to go hiking with Shawn again.
The autumn colours in the mountains are amazingly beautiful. This is certainly one experience that I will remember forever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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