Why Hiking in Korea Feels Like a Party at the Summit

Why Hiking in Korea Feels Like a Party at the Summit

"Why do Koreans go hiking so often?" It's a question I get a lot from foreign friends.

On weekend mornings, it’s not uncommon to see people in full hiking gear boarding the subway. But hiking in Korea isn’t just about exercise—it's a mashup of trekking, camping, dining, and fashion!

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🏞️ Korea Is Literally a Country of Mountains

There’s a good reason Koreans love hiking. Korea is a peninsula with three sides surrounded by ocean, and about 70% of its land is mountainous. No matter where you are—Seoul, Busan, or even a small rural town—you’re likely close to a hiking trail. Nature is always within reach.

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👴 Seniors Rule the Mountains

Mountains in Korea are often filled with hikers in their 60s and 70s. Their stamina is no joke. While young foreigners huff and puff uphill, these seasoned climbers breeze past with a smile.

And once they reach the summit, it's buffet time! Homemade kimbap, boiled eggs, fruit, pickled veggies, and rice cakes all get laid out and shared. My mother-in-law goes hiking every week, and yes, there's a feast every time—true story.

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🍳 The Real Reward Comes After the Climb

The best part? The food *after* the hike. At the base of the mountain, you'll find food stalls selling pajeon (savory pancakes), tofu kimchi, and of course, makgeolli. It's the post-hike trinity. Climbing a mountain for makgeolli? Totally legit in Korea.

The best part? The food after the hike. At the base of the mountain, you'll find food stalls selling pajeon (savory pancakes), tofu kimchi, and of course, makgeolli. It's the post-hike trinity. Climbing a mountain for makgeolli? Totally legit in Korea. 

👉 Curious about makgeolli? Click here!

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🧢 Hiking Gear = High Fashion

“Do I really need to wear full hiking clothes?” In Korea, yes! Hat, trekking poles, Gore-Tex jacket, boots, even ankle braces—people come dressed like mountaineers. Brands like K2 and BlackYak are everywhere. Hiking fashion is a whole vibe here.

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🚇 From City to Summit? Totally Doable

Seoul is wild like that. Hop on the subway, and in just a few stops, you’re at a trailhead. Famous mountains like Bukhansan, Dobongsan, and Gwanaksan are all subway-accessible. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, mountains are everywhere.

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📱 Why Even Millennials Are Hooked

Hiking used to be a senior thing, but now MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z) love it too. Whether it’s for mental healing, Instagram content, or the joy of slurping cup noodles at the summit, it’s catching on fast.

“Summit cup noodles” have become a thing. But remember—take your trash with you. Littering is a big no-no on Korean trails.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Hiking in Korea isn’t just a walk in the woods. It’s a mix of nature, culture, food, and human connection. If you visit Korea, don’t miss the chance to climb a mountain. You might just fall in love—with both the view and the makgeolli afterward.