Trek South Korea
Trek the length of South Korea in nine days, from the fortress walls of Seoul to the wetlands of Suncheonman. You walk a section of the Seoul City Wall, climb the granite ridges of Bukhansan and spend four days on the Jirisan Dulle-gil trails.
Expect a mix of city walking, granite ascents and longer days in the forest. Distances reach 24km on the longest day, and the pace changes through the trip so there is time to take in the surroundings. An English-speaking guide, a Dream Challenges leader and medical support are with you throughout.
You stay in hotels in Seoul and Hadong. Along the way you visit the thousand-year-old temples of Ssanggyesa and Hwaeomsa and eat local dishes from Sotbap hot pot to temple cuisine. Each trekking day includes a litter pick, so you leave the trails cleaner than you found them.
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- Climb the granite ridges of Bukhansan for views over Seoul
- Trek a section of the historic Seoul City Wall Trail
- Walk four days of the Jirisan Dulle-gil, Korea's spiritual mountain trail network
- Reach the summit of Nogodan Peak at 1,507m, a ceremonial platform of the ancient Silla Kingdom
- Explore thousand-year-old temples, including Ssanggyesa and Hwaeomsa
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul
Arrive in Seoul and make your way to your hotel. Meet your guide and the rest of the group.
Your guide runs through a full gear check so everything is ready before the trekking begins. You then share a welcome dinner of Sotbap, hot stone pot rice with traditional side dishes, in the historic alleyways of Insadong.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Seoul
Day 2: Seoul City Wall Trail
After a 09:00 start, you transfer to Hyehwamun Gate, the old northeast boundary of Seoul. The Hanyangdoseong Trail takes you through Naksan Park and the colourful mural streets of Ihwa Village.
You have a bibimbap lunch near Dongdaemun and visit the Seoul City Wall Museum. The afternoon passes Gwanghuimun Gate and climbs onto the Namsan Dulle-gil. You finish at Namsan's Octagonal Pavilion with a cable car down and evening views over the city. Dinner is at your own leisure.
Trek: 6km | 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Stay: Seoul
Day 3: Bukhansan Mountain Hike
A 09:00 start takes you by private vehicle to the Bukhansanseong Fortress Information Centre. The trail climbs through oak and maple forest to the historic fortress, then onto dramatic granite ridges lined with Korean red pines.
At the 505m summit of Wonhyobong Peak, a wide granite plateau gives views over Baegundae, Mangyeongdae and Nojeokbong, with Seoul spread out below. You eat gimbap at the summit and descend past Gaeyeon Waterfall and along the Bukhanchon Stream. Dinner is at your own leisure.
Trek: 6km | +350m | 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Stay: Seoul
Day 4: Seoul to Hadong
You take the 09:00 KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Suncheon. Your luggage travels separately by courier to Hadong. A multi-course Han-jeongsik lunch shows off the food of Jeollanam-do.
You then continue by road to Hadong and visit Ssanggyesa Temple, a thousand-year-old sanctuary in the foothills of Jirisan. After check-in, a short walk takes you to the Ssanggyesa Eatery Alley for dinner.
Train: 2.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Hadong
Day 5: Jirisan Dulle-gil, Routes 2 and 1
Your four days in Jirisan begin with a 09:00 transfer to Inwol. You walk Dulle-gil Routes 2 and 1 in reverse for the smoothest descent. The morning follows gentle hills and village paths towards Unbong, where you have a highland lunch.
In the afternoon, the trail crosses the Unbong Fields beside the Ramcheon Stream and passes the birthplace of Dongpyeonje Pansori, a traditional narrative song. It winds through Nochi Village to Juchon. Dinner is charcoal-grilled chicken.
Trek: 24km | +393m | 7 to 7.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Hadong
Day 6: Jirisan Dulle-gil, Routes 18 and 17
Today starts near Ondang-ri in Gurye, through pine groves and farm roads beneath the western ridges of Jirisan. The trail leads to Hwaeomsa Temple, which is over a thousand years old.
Lunch is temple cuisine built around seasoned wild herbs and savoury stews. The afternoon continues through bamboo groves with views over the Seomjingang River and finishes at the 18th-century Unjoru Historic House. Dinner is at Hwagae Market.
Trek: 17km | +350m | 7.5 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Hadong
Day 7: Jirisan Nogodan Summit Hike
An early transfer takes you to Seongsamjae Rest Stop at 1,102m, so most of the height gain is already behind you. A long, gentle trail climbs in three stages to the 1,507m summit of Nogodan Peak.
The summit was once a ceremonial platform of the Silla Kingdom, and it gives views across the whole Jirisan range. You have a gimbap picnic at the top and descend by an easy route. Dinner is a traditional duck BBQ near the hotel.
Trek: 9km | +400m | 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Hadong
Day 8: Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve to Seoul
After check-out, you visit Suncheonman Wetland Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar-listed site. Raised boardwalks lead through the reeds, and you can climb to Yongsan Observatory for a view over the wetland.
Lunch is a cockle set meal nearby. You then take the KTX back to Seoul, with your luggage travelling ahead by courier. After you check in, the group shares a farewell dinner of Korean BBQ.
Trek: 2km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Seoul
Day 9: Depart
After breakfast, your trip ends. You can make your own way to the airport or start your extension.
Meals: Breakfast
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels throughout the trek
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Entry fees where applicable
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A Dream Challenges leader and English-speaking local guide
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
- Medical support throughout your trek
I'm worried about signing up on my own…
Please don't be! Many participants sign up for Trek Korea solo, and it's a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers. Once you've registered, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group where you can connect with fellow trekkers, share training tips and swap travel plans.
You may also want to reach out in the group to find training partners in your local area.
Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?
Everyone aged 18 and over by the departure date is welcome to join this trekking adventure. If you would like someone under the age of 18 to participate, please contact us at least 17 weeks before departure to discuss options. You can reach us at 01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com.
What's included?
Your deposit secures your place on the trip and goes towards your trip cost.
Your trip cost covers:
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels throughout the trek
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Entry fees where applicable
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A Dream Challenges leader and English-speaking local guide
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
- Medical support throughout the trek
Accommodation is based on twin-sharing. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement is available for £680. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Do I need special equipment?
Good quality hiking boots with ankle support are essential. We also recommend quick-dry clothing and warm layers for cold mornings and evenings. You'll need to bring your own water bottles or a hydration system.
What other costs will I pay?
In addition to your trip cost, you'll need to budget for:
- Your international flights
- Airport transfers
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not included in the itinerary (dinner on days 2 and 3, taken at your own leisure in Seoul)
If you'd like a single supplement, please contact us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 at least 17 weeks before departure.
Where will we sleep overnight?
You'll stay in comfortable hotels throughout the trip, with overnights in Seoul and Hadong as you trek the length of the country. Accommodation is based on twin-sharing, but if you'd like a private room, we can arrange a single supplement for £680.
Can I pay for a single supplement?
Yes! If you prefer your own room, you can book a single supplement for £680. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Can I extend my stay at the end of the trip?
Yes. You arrange your own international flights so you can arrive in and leave South Korea when you like. There will be an extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date.
What will the group size be?
The trip requires a minimum of 10 participants to run and is limited to 25 participants for an intimate and well-supported experience.
What about insurance and visas?
Travel Insurance
You must arrange personal travel insurance that covers health, accident, loss, cancellation and repatriation. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance as soon as you register to ensure coverage from the moment you book.
Dream Challenges provides details of a recommended insurance policy that covers trekking and cancellation due to medically diagnosed COVID-19. You can find more information here: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
You are also welcome to arrange your own insurance, but it must cover trekking in South Korea. Please check with your insurer to confirm.
Visa
It is your responsibility to obtain a tourist visa for South Korea if required. Please apply well in advance to avoid any delays. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest guidance closer to departure, including whether a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) or e-Arrival Card is needed at the time of travel, via the official K-ETA website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr.
How will you support me?
The Dream Challenges team will support you every step of the way, from signing up to completing the trek. Once registered, you'll receive regular email updates starting six months before departure, covering everything from the itinerary and training plans to kit lists and travel advice. For preparation tips, check out: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
Can you offer travel vaccination advice?
As we're not medical professionals, we can't provide direct vaccination advice. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations. For general travel health guidance, visit the NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.
Choose your style
Selected: Pioneer 2027
Available dates: 12th October 2027
Duration: 9 days | 5 trekking
Grade: 3 out of 5
Daily trekking: 2 - 24 km per day
Total distance: 64 km
Elevation gain: + 1,493 m
£3,700 pp
Deposit: £370 pp