Hiking Info - Mountains, Foliage, Calories & Guide
Last updated: 2026-06-25
This is a hiking info hub. Jump straight to mountain heights and difficulty, peak fall foliage timing by mountain, the hiking calorie calculator, and the beginner gear & safety guide.
South Korea's highest peak is Hallasan (1,947 m), followed by Jirisan's Cheonwangbong (1,915 m) and Seoraksan's Daecheongbong (1,708 m); the Seoul area's signature peak is Bukhansan's Baegundae (836.5 m).
Hiking info shortcuts
Mountain info
Heights, difficulty, time, routes and locations for 30+ mountains including Hallasan, Jirisan, Seoraksan and Bukhansan.
Fall foliage & bloom timing
Expected peak foliage by mountain and region, plus spring bloom timing at a glance.
Hiking calorie calculator
Estimate calories burned and recommended water from weight, distance, elevation and time.
Beginner hiking guide
A complete rundown of hiking gear, safety, weather and fitness.
How to use (planning a hike)
- Choose a mountain — In the mountain info, compare height, difficulty and time to choose a mountain that fits your fitness.
- Pick the timing — On the fall foliage page, check the expected peak foliage by mountain to set your hike date.
- Check calories and fitness — Use the hiking calorie calculator to estimate calories burned and recommended water.
- Pack your gear — Use the beginner hiking guide to check gear, safety and weather preparations.
Hiking info at a glance
When choosing your first mountain, difficulty and time matter most. The table below summarizes popular mountains by difficulty. For detailed routes and locations, see the mountain info table.
| Difficulty | Example (height) | Recommended time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy (beginner) | Namsan 270 m · Cheonggyesan 618 m | 2–3 hrs | Beginners & families |
| Moderate | Bukhansan 836.5 m · Gwanaksan 632 m | 4–5 hrs | Average fitness |
| Moderate-hard | Seoraksan 1,708 m · Gayasan 1,433 m | 7–9 hrs | Experienced |
| Hard | Jirisan 1,915 m · Hallasan 1,947 m | 8–12 hrs | Skilled, strong fitness |
If you are planning a foliage hike, check the peak timing first. Foliage starts in early October on northern, high mountains and gets later toward the south and lowlands; most mountains peak in mid to late October.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What can I find in this hiking info hub?
The height, difficulty, time and representative routes of 30+ famous mountains in Korea, expected peak fall foliage by mountain and region, a hiking calorie calculator based on body weight and elevation, and a beginner guide to gear, safety and weather, all in one place.
What is the highest mountain in South Korea?
The highest in South Korea is Hallasan on Jeju Island at 1,947 m, followed by Jirisan's Cheonwangbong at 1,915 m and Seoraksan's Daecheongbong at 1,708 m. In the Seoul area, Bukhansan's Baegundae (836.5 m) is a famous peak.
When is the peak of fall foliage?
Foliage starts in early October on northern, high mountains like Seoraksan and gets later toward the south and lowlands. Most mountains peak in mid to late October, while city-center foliage lasts into early November. Check peak timing by mountain on the foliage page.
What should a beginner hiker prepare first?
Ankle-supporting hiking boots, functional clothing that regulates body heat (no cotton), enough water and trail food, and checking the sunset time come first. Start your first hike with an easy course of 3-4 hours round trip.
Related tools & guides
Feels-like temperature calculator
Check the feels-like temperature and suitability before your hike.
Cycling calorie calculator
Get calories and speed from ride distance and time.
Korea tide times & fishing info
Check the tide (mulddae) and fish seasons.
Outdoor safety guide
Feels-like temperature and gear by activity.
Last updated: 2026-06-25