Hiking basics in Korea's national parks

Korea has 23 national parks. Palgongsan, spanning Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, was designated the 23rd in 2023. Besides famous mountains such as Jirisan, Seoraksan and Hallasan, the list also includes marine and coastal parks that protect seas and islands.

Bukhansan National Park, which stretches across northern Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, is the closest and can be reached by subway and bus. Although it is near the city, many trails include rocky sections, so wear hiking shoes and carry enough water. Check trail difficulty and closures on the Korea National Park Service website.

No. National park entrance fees were abolished in January 2007, so there is no charge simply to enter a park. Facilities such as parking lots, campsites and mountain shelters may still charge separately. Check on-site notices for any fees at temples or other facilities inside the park.

Yes. Some trails close during the spring and autumn wildfire prevention periods. In autumn 2025, sections were closed from November 15 to December 15, and spring closure dates vary by park. Trails may also close for heavy rain or snow, so check the Korea National Park Service website before you go.

No. Drinking is banned at designated spots in national parks such as mountain shelters and summits, a rule in force since 2018, and violators can be fined. Alcohol also raises the risk of falls and hypothermia on the trail, so it is best not to drink at all while hiking.

Smoking and cooking are banned outside designated areas in national parks. Enforcement is strict because of wildfire risk, and violators face fines. Cook only where it is allowed, such as campsites, and pack snacks that need no cooking for the trail.

No. Camping is allowed only at designated campgrounds in national parks. Setting up a tent on a trail, summit or valley counts as illegal camping and can lead to a fine. Campgrounds are generally booked in advance through the national park reservation system.

Shelters in parks such as Jirisan and Seoraksan must be reserved in advance through the Korea National Park Service reservation system. Since June 2026, shelters and campsites can also be booked through Kakao reservations and the NH All One Bank app. Popular dates fill up quickly, and shelters may close during wildfire prevention periods.

Yes. The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails, the two routes that reach the summit, require advance reservations, and staff check your QR code and ID at the trailhead. Other routes such as Eorimok and Yeongsil have not required booking, but rules can change, so check the official Hallasan reservation site.

The basics are non-slip hiking shoes, enough water, snacks, a windbreaker or rain jacket and a fully charged phone. In winter, add crampons and warm gloves, and bring a headlamp if there is any chance you will descend late. It is colder and the weather changes faster up high, so pack layers.

Plan so that you finish descending before sunset. Some trails may set entry cut-off times for safety. Check the sunset time for the season and each park's guidance in advance, and be ready to turn back before the summit if you are running late.

Stay where you are, call 119 right away and give the number on the nearest location sign or the trail name. If there are location signposts along the trail, their numbers help rescuers find you quickly. Save your phone battery, keep warm and wait for rescuers.

If you encounter an animal such as a wild boar, do not shout or turn and run; back away slowly. Asiatic black bears live around Jirisan thanks to a restoration program, which is one more reason to stay on marked trails. Never feed wildlife or approach it.

No. Entering closed paths or restricted areas in a national park can result in a fine. Such routes are not maintained and carry a high risk of rockfalls and getting lost. Follow the no-entry signs and official trail maps on site rather than routes suggested by map apps.

There are few or no trash bins along national park trails, so the rule is to carry out whatever you bring in. Pack a small bag for wrappers and bottles. Even fruit peels can affect wildlife and plants, so take them back with you rather than leaving them on the trail.

No. Collecting plants, mushrooms or fruit without permission is prohibited by law in national parks, and illegal collection can bring heavy penalties. Even attractive flowers or stones should stay where they are, so take photos instead. Leaving nature as you found it is the basic principle of visiting a national park.

In principle, pets are not allowed in national parks, and violators can be fined. The rule protects wildlife and other visitors. If you want to walk with your dog, look for city parks or other places that explicitly allow pets.

Weekends in the autumn foliage season are extremely busy on famous national park trails and in parking lots. Starting early in the morning, going on a weekday and using public transport make for a much calmer trip. Peak foliage timing varies by year and altitude, so check weather forecasts and park updates.

Many people hike popular trails alone, but tell family or your accommodation about your route and schedule before leaving. Choose a shorter, well-used course on an unfamiliar mountain. It is safer to avoid remote paths and late-day hikes when you are by yourself.

The Korea National Park Service website offers English pages and an English reservation system with park details and closure notices. Visitor centers at major trailheads also provide maps and safety information. If you need interpretation, call the 1330 tourist hotline.