Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal worth booking?
Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal is a 6-hour experience in Seoul, South Korea, from $156 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 56 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (56)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $156 per person
This hike starts at Gupabal Station and climbs through pine forest and mountain passes to a handful of Buddhist temples with roots in Korea's shamanic traditions. Along the way you'll hear about the monks who lived here,
What you get
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
About this experience
This hike starts at Gupabal Station and climbs through pine forest and mountain passes to a handful of Buddhist temples with roots in Korea's shamanic traditions. Along the way you'll hear about the monks who lived here, the spirits believed to still watch over the peaks, and a few ghost stories locals still tell about these mountains after dark. The hike ends the way Koreans traditionally end one: with hasanju, a meal and a drink at a mountainside restaurant once you're back down. Choose between chicken stew with mountain roots and vegetables or a vegetarian bibimbap, paired with makgeolli, beer, or something non-alcoholic if you'd rather skip the drink. ✅ Small group | ✅ Moderate difficulty | ✅ Expert host
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seoul
Gupabal Station - Line 3, Gate 1. Meet inside. 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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Gupabal Station - Line 3, Gate 1. Meet inside. 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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ZenKimchi Experiences
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 56 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
56 verified traveler reviews for Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Just keep climbing
Hiking with Shawn was one of the best experiences of our trip to Korea. His knowledge of the folk tales combined with love for hiking makes the trail easier (psychologically at least). 10/10 meal after the hike even for vegetarians
Response from the operator: Shawn has a talent for distracting people from the uphill sections by casually introducing mountain spirits, old folk beliefs, and stories about what may or may not be lurking deeper in the woods. Somehow it works. And post-hike food always tastes about 30% better after earning it on a mountain trail.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful hiking experience through mountains full of stories
This hike will be one of the experiences we'll most remember from our trip to South Korea for sure! After a week in Seoul, a day in nature was just what we needed, and the trail was challenging enough to be fun but still easy enough to be highly enjoyable even for inexperienced hikers. Apart from being a great storyteller with deep knowledge of Korean folklore, Shawn was a great guide who really took care to keep the right pace and make sure everyone in the group was safe and comfortable. We would never have found this trail away from the crowds ourselves, and even if we did, it would have been less fun and we would have missed out on so much context to understand it better! Finishing with a delicious dinner completed the experience.
Response from the operator: Sounds like you caught the hike at just the right moment in your trip. That balance between a bit of challenge and still being enjoyable is exactly what we aim for, especially for people who don’t hike regularly. Bukhansan has plenty of quieter trails if you know where to look, and adding the folklore along the way tends to change how people experience the mountain. Good to hear the pace, the route, and the finish with a proper meal all came together.
via Tripadvisor
A day well-spent
We had a memorable time hiking Bukhansan with Shawn. The route was just challenging enough for a non-hiker while still being very doable. Heed the advice and wear good shoes since the trail is rugged! The views are worth it though, and the people you pass by on the trail are so kind. Shawn is great company and very knowledgeable. Overall it was a day well-spent and it made me want to try more hikes in the future!
Response from the operator: A day well-spent Tripadvisor review: Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal We had a memorable time hiking Bukhansan with Shawn. The route was just challenging enough for a non-hiker while still being very doable. Heed the advice and wear good shoes since the trail is rugged! The views are worth it though, and the people you pass by on the trail are so kind. Shawn is great company and very knowledgeable. Overall it was a day well-spent and it made me want to try more hikes in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Very knowledgable guide.
Well curated hiking trip with a very knowledgable guide (shawn). Loved it and highly recommend it to everyone who visits Seoul for dome days.
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining the hike. Shawn’s careful pacing and mix of temples, stories, and that meal at the end make it a great way to spend a few days seeing a quieter side of Seoul.
via Tripadvisor
Genuinely had so much...
Genuinely had so much fun! By chance it ended up just being me on the hike this day and Shawn tailored both the difficulty and sites we stopped at to my interests with an emphasis on art, temples, and my beginner hiking abilities. Was such a blast and his storytelling was a highlight of the hike, he was always willing to elaborate on my questions which really helped with my understanding both of the sites we were visiting and the history and stories behind them. Felt super safe as well and the restaurant at the end was the perfect cherry on top. Would recommend this to everyone of all ability types!
Response from the operator: Sounds like a great match of pace and personality. Shawn’s talent for tailoring the route and stories makes each hike feel personal, and that meal at the end really is the perfect finish.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seoul.
How much does Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal cost?
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Prices start at $156 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seoul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seoul is not rushed.
Is Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 56 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Seoul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 6-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal?
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Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seoul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seoul and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Seoul Mountain Hike: Temples, Folklore & Traditional Meal start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seoul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seoul?
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On Outty we rank every Seoul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include DMZ Tour: Defector Q&A, Tunnel & Suspension Bridge /Hotel pick up, Best DMZ Tour Seoul: Defector Q&A, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge, 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seoul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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