Mt. Inwangsan & HoneyTrail: An Epic Experience in Seoul

Hiking enthusiasts will love the adventure of exploring Mt. Inwangsan. (originally published in Stars and Stripes Korea)

Originally this article was published in Stars and Stripes Korea. I wanted to highlight a female-run business in Korea, HoneyTrail. I love writing about small businesses and giving them the visibility they need. Locals know their city, parks, and places better than we ever will. So here we are.

While in Korea I climbed Mt. Inwangsan several times along with other mountains like Bukhansan These are both hikes that will give you amazing views of Seoul. I credit Lee, from HoneyTrail for inspiring me to see more of the mountains in South Korea.

Where I Found This Tour

I first stumbled upon Mt. Inwangsan while I was browsing Airbnb Experiences. This is one of my favorite resources to explore a new country or city. I was looking for a short hike near Seoul that I could easily accomplish during a weekend visit. I also wanted to rise above the hustle and bustle of the big city. So, I looked no further than Honey Trail Korea, a female-run company that can help you tackle the country’s trails. Lee, the owner of Honey Trail, had a listing that included her impressive hiking resume, including conquering the likes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas and the Alps. She also offered the assurance that she “doesn’t like to hike too fast in the mountains.” Instantly I knew she was perfect for me and booked my trip. Mt. Inwangsan is in the central part of Seoul just outside Gyeoungbokgung Palace.

The Start of My Adventure with HoneyTrail

From Gyeonbokgung Station Line 3 (Orange Line) Exit 1, it’s a straight walk towards the Inwangsan and Seoul City Wall trails. Look out for signboards to show you the way. We met Lee outside the station exit at 5:30 p.m. and grabbed snacks before heading out. She recommended a kimbap and even some Cass beer to bring along with us. “The views aren’t so bad with soju, kimbap and ramyeon,” she said. As we started the hike along an ordinary street just outside the palace, Lee showed us Sajikdan and Dangun Seongjeon. She pointed out a tree with bullet holes from a past invasion by North Korean Special Forces and gave us a little history lesson as we made our way to the mountain. Lee also assured me that it was okay to breathe as heavily as I was because hiking in Seoul and in Korea can be tough.

The Views From The Top of Mt. Inwangsan

As we made our way up to the trailhead, Lee mentioned the area would be crowded so we could be prepared. Inwangsan is a very popular mountain for locals year-round. Oftentimes it can be shoulder to shoulder, but I assure you that it is worth it. As we made our ascent up our first set of stairs, Namsan Tower and rooftops appeared below. While hiking along the fortress walls, Lee filled us in on what the outposts were that dotted the trail. She spoke about the 1968 incident where a unit of North Korean Special Forces infiltrated the Blue House, or Cheongwadae, and that the area was not re-opened until 1993. As the hike went on, the sky transitioned from blue to purple as the sun set and the Seoul nightlife switched on providing a beautiful backdrop. Hikers around us grew quiet, with the exception of camera clicks as we watched busy Seoul below. Planes flew over us on their way to Incheon Airport and it made time stand still. Stars began to dot the purple sky, creating such a beautiful atmosphere.

The Way Down Mt. Inwangsan

As time went on, Lee broke us from our spell and told us we needed to start hiking down. She handed out headlamps and motioned where to go. She suggested we take Train Rock, which would lead us to Muakjae Station (Orange Line). A local hiking group was behind us, and at one point they offered us a cheer of “FIGHTING!” It was great and we exchanged laughs. Lee had mentioned she studied calligraphy and gave us a thoughtful and impressive gift of our names in Korean calligraphy.

All about HoneyTrail

Honey Trail is one of the few female-run hiking companies, and Lee told us that the desire to share Korea with visitors has driven her to continue despite hardships in running a business. While traveling, I think it’s important to help out small businesses like Lee’s, as this is how you get firsthand experiences with locals and a different perspective you might not have otherwise. As a travel blogger, I feel it’s important to highlight local experiences, this is how we learn and spread the word while traveling.

If you want to get out and do more hiking in Korea, why not check out my Gwankasan Guide? If you are a military family trying to PCS from Korea to Italy, I have a comprehensive guide to mastering your military move here