Suraksan Seoul
A 2,092-ft. mountain in Seoul offering scenic trails, waterfalls, and temples with rewarding city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Suraksan Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,092-ft. mountain in Seoul offering scenic trails, waterfalls, and temples with rewarding city views.
"The summit views are absolutely breathtaking, making the climb well worth it!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Refill stations might be limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Suraksan Summit Views
Summit
Panoramic cityscapes and mountain vistas await at the peak. A rewarding climb for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Waterfall Trails
Various trails
Discover serene waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. A refreshing and picturesque element of the hike.

Sacred Temples
Various locations
Find moments of peace at ancient temples nestled within the mountain's natural beauty.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Suraksan Adventure
Getting to Suraksan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Refill stations might be limited.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers incredible photo ops. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps ensures you won't get lost.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Refill stations might be limited.
📸 Capture the views
The summit offers incredible photo ops. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🗺️ Download offline maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps ensures you won't get lost.
⏰ Start early to beat crowds
Weekends and holidays get busy. An early start means a more peaceful experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Suraksan is praised for its stunning summit views and beautiful waterfalls, offering a rewarding hiking experience accessible from Seoul. While generally well-maintained, some trails can be challenging, and crowds can be significant on weekends. Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and spiritual sites.
"Good trail..Good view also. But since the peak is narrow, i can not enjoy until i satisfy. There is someone sell beverage on the peak, so no need to worry if you need more water. There is also pajeon shop, in the middle of trail. You can enjoy it while steeping your feet in the water"
d. kurn
"Good trail. Recommend staying on the main trail because the side trails are not well maintained. Starts easy then gets really steep halfway through."
David Cy
"One of the best hiking trails to the top. Some trails are so well developed. The peak to Suraksan is 2092 feet or 637.7 meters of elevation hike. Most of the peaks on Suraksan mountain ranges tend to have huge boulders for display. The views around each peak is breath-takingly beautiful of Seoul, Namyangju and Uijeongbu cities. From one of the mountain ranges of Suraksan to the other end takes about 5 hours and if you add Bulamsan next to it, add another 4 hours to complete. Highly recommended hiking trails of both mountain ranges!!!"
Buster Got it
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Suraksan via public transport. Take the Seoul subway to Dobongsan Station (Line 1) or Suraksan Station (Line 7), followed by a short bus ride or walk to the trailhead. Some travelers opt for taxis from nearby subway stations for convenience.
Yes, public transport is quite efficient. Many visitors use the subway and bus system to access the mountain, making it a popular day trip from Seoul.
While not as common as tours for larger national parks, some local tour operators might offer excursions. However, many travelers find it straightforward to visit independently.
Dobongsan Station on Subway Line 1 is a common starting point, offering access to various trails. Suraksan Station on Line 7 is another option, depending on your chosen route.
Driving is possible, but parking can be limited, especially on busy days. Public transportation is often recommended to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Suraksan is a public mountain and generally does not require an entrance fee for hiking. Access to trails is free.
Suraksan is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's advisable to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Unlike some other national parks, Suraksan typically does not have an admission fee for general hiking access.
Since there's no general admission fee, advance ticket booking is not necessary for hiking.
There are no specific passes for Suraksan itself. However, if you plan to visit other attractions in Seoul, consider a Discover Seoul Pass or Klook Pass for potential savings.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the route to the summit for panoramic views and trails leading to waterfalls. Some hikers enjoy combining Suraksan with nearby Puramsan for a more challenging rocky climb.
The duration varies greatly depending on the trail and your pace. A hike to the summit and back can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, not including breaks.
Yes, Suraksan is known for its picturesque waterfalls, which are a highlight for many visitors, especially during or after rainy seasons.
Suraksan offers a range of difficulties. Some trails are moderate, while others can be steep and challenging, comparable to other Seoul mountains like Bukhan or Gwanak.
Yes, there are sacred temples located within Suraksan, offering a peaceful spiritual experience amidst nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding mountains. The waterfalls and temples also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
The summit is ideal for capturing sunrise or sunset, offering stunning light over the cityscape. Be mindful of hiking in the dark if you stay for sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be respectful of any designated no-photography zones within temples or sacred sites.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant green of the foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure kids have comfortable shoes and plenty of snacks and water. Consider bringing a small backpack for them to carry their own essentials. The views from the summit can be a fantastic motivator for younger hikers to reach their goal.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Start early to enjoy a more peaceful experience and ample opportunities for photography. Downloading offline maps is crucial for navigation, and letting someone know your hiking plans is always a good safety practice.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss opportunities to capture the cascading waterfalls and the serene atmosphere of the mountain temples. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the expansive views, and a tripod can be useful for capturing the motion of the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Suraksan's Trails
For those seeking a more challenging experience, consider combining Suraksan with the adjacent Puramsan, known for its granite rock formations. Hikers often recommend starting early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable in certain areas.
Key trails often pass by serene waterfalls and sacred temples, adding cultural and natural beauty to the hike. These spots are perfect for a refreshing break and offer excellent photography opportunities.
Experiencing Suraksan's Natural Beauty
Beyond the waterfalls, Suraksan is dotted with ancient temples that offer a glimpse into Korea's spiritual heritage. These sites provide moments of quiet reflection amidst the natural splendor of the mountain.
The changing seasons bring different charms to Suraksan. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues, and winter can blanket the mountain in snow, creating a serene, albeit colder, hiking environment.
Suraksan vs. Other Seoul Mountains
While Bukhan National Park is larger and more expansive, Suraksan offers a more accessible yet rewarding hiking experience, particularly for those looking for stunning city views without an entire day commitment. The presence of waterfalls and temples also adds unique elements not always found on other mountains.
Many hikers find Suraksan to be a great option for a half-day trip from Seoul, offering a good balance of physical activity and natural beauty. Its accessibility via public transport further enhances its appeal for both locals and tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit