Urban Oasis: Bukhansan’s Rising Popularity among International Visitors

Bukhansan National Park, a unique urban sanctuary, is increasingly drawing the attention of international tourists. Recent data from the Seoul Tourism Foundation indicates that approximately one-third of visitors to the Seoul Mountain Climbing Tourism Center are from overseas. This surge in popularity highlights the appeal of Korean mountains, which offer a blend of accessible infrastructure, stunning natural beauty, and convenient transportation options.

Experiencing Nature in the City: Personal Accounts from the Trails

A recent visit to San Wooi Station, a gateway to Bukhansan via the Ui new light rail, revealed a vibrant mix of hikers, with foreign nationals noticeably outnumbering locals. This observation underscores the park’s growing international appeal.

It is amazing that Korea can experiance this nature in the middle of the city, unlike Belarus without mountains.
Julia, 39, from Belarus

The tree is so pretty.
Anastasiya, 28, from Russia

These sentiments echo the feelings of many international visitors who are captivated by the chance to immerse themselves in nature without leaving the urban landscape. The park’s trails are becoming increasingly diverse,with students,seasoned hikers,and frist-time climbers all sharing the experience.

Foreign-Pleasant Infrastructure: Enhancing the hiking Experience

Bukhansan National Park is actively catering to its international visitors by providing multilingual resources and clear guidance. Upon arriving at the entrance of the Bukhansan Trail, visitors are greeted with english-language announcements and guide maps available in six languages, including English, Japanese, French, and Chinese. This commitment to accessibility is enhancing the overall experience for foreign hikers.

It’s good to have an infrastructure for foreigners.
Alice, 43, from California, USA

When I searched the Internet, there were many reviews left by foreigners.
murakami, 46, a Japanese American

The availability of data in multiple languages and the presence of online reviews from other international travelers are contributing to the park’s growing reputation as a welcoming destination for hikers from around the world.

Word-of-Mouth and Repeat Visits: A testament to Bukhansan’s Charm

The positive experiences of visitors are driving repeat visits and encouraging others to explore Bukhansan National Park. The park’s natural beauty, coupled with its accessibility and foreign-friendly infrastructure, is creating a loyal following among international tourists.

I was very impressed with my experience in Bukhansan last year, so I came back with my brother this year.
Kubra, 30

I believe in my sister’s guidance and try to challenge the first climbing of my life.
Alpha, 32

As Bukhansan National park continues to attract international visitors, it is poised to become an even more prominent landmark in Seoul’s tourism landscape. Its unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty offers a compelling experience for hikers from all corners of the globe.

A Surge in International Mountain Tourism

South Korea’s mountain trails, particularly those around Seoul, are experiencing a meaningful increase in popularity among international tourists. This surge highlights the growing appeal of Korean natural landscapes as a key element of the nation’s tourism offerings. the trend extends beyond Seoul, with other regions also seeing a rise in foreign visitors drawn to their mountainous terrain.

Bukhansan’s Allure: A Case Study

Bukhansan National Park, with its stunning granite peaks and lush forests, has become a focal point for this international hiking boom. the mountain’s accessibility from Seoul, combined with its breathtaking scenery, makes it an attractive destination for both seasoned hikers and casual nature enthusiasts. Social media has played a significant role, with images of Bukhansan’s beauty shared widely, inspiring travel among international audiences.

One Japanese tourist, Ono, 27, mentioned that I wanted to see you so beautiful after seeing a picture of Bukhansan on the Internet. This sentiment reflects the power of visual media in attracting tourists to specific locations.

Statistical Evidence of Growing Popularity

Data from the Seoul Tourism foundation reveals a significant increase in visitors to climbing tourism centers around Seoul’s major mountains. From 2022 to April 2025, the cumulative number of visitors to Bukhansan, Bukaksan, and gwanaksan reached 84,584. Notably, foreign visitors accounted for a significant portion of this growth, comprising 48% of all visitors between 2023 and 2024, totaling 36,323 individuals. The Seoul Top 10 Myeongsan Certification Challenge, aimed at foreigners, is also witnessing increasing participation.

Beyond Seoul: Seoraksan’s Rising appeal

The trend isn’t limited to Seoul’s mountains. Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon Province has also experienced a surge in foreign visitors. According to the Gangwon Tourism Foundation, the number of international tourists visiting Seoraksan in 2024 increased by approximately 60% compared to the previous year, with 3,834 visitors. The upward trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with 4,350 visitors recorded.

local Governments Respond to the Influx

Recognizing the growing importance of mountain tourism, local governments are actively preparing to accommodate the increasing number of international visitors. Seoul, for example, has been operating city climbing tourism centers as 2023. These centers, located near Gwanaksan, Bukaksan, and Bukhansan, provide essential services such as hiking equipment rentals, showers, and dressing rooms.

The culture of taking garbage home seems to indicate a higher level of citizenship than in some other countries.

An observer of hiking culture in Korea

Sustainability and Future Progress

As mountain tourism continues to grow, sustainable practices and responsible development are crucial.Preserving the natural environment while providing adequate facilities for visitors will be essential to ensure the long-term viability of this sector. Continued investment in infrastructure, multilingual services, and eco-friendly initiatives will further enhance the experience for international hikers and solidify South Korea’s position as a premier destination for mountain tourism.