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Night views of Seoul as seen from the top of Mt. Inwangsan

Mt. Inwangsan & HoneyTrail: An Epic Experience in Seoul

ByKimberly Korea

Seoul is famous for its food, palaces, and neon-lit nights — but what many travelers don’t realize is that some of the city’s best views come from its mountains. During my time living in Korea, I fell in love with Seoul’s hiking culture, especially the climbs up Inwangsan and Bukhansan, two of the most accessible and rewarding hiking trails in Seoul. These are the kinds of summit views that make you pause: fortress walls snaking across ridgelines, granite boulders glowing at sunset, and the entire city unfolding beneath you.

What pulled me deeper into Korea’s mountain landscape was a local connection. I originally wrote about this experience for Stars and Stripes Korea, highlighting HoneyTrail, a female-run hiking company in Seoul. Lee, the founder, changed the way I explored the city. Her knowledge of the trails, her understanding of mountain culture, and her commitment to sharing lesser-known routes helped me see a side of Seoul most travelers miss.

This guide brings all of that together — practical trail details, local insight, and everything you need to plan your own Inwangsan hike or add it to a broader list of the best hikes in Seoul. If you’re looking for a hike that’s doable for beginners, close to central Seoul, and packed with panoramic views, this is the one to start with.

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Woman sitting on a rock with outstretched arms with a view of Seoul.

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.

Views of Seoul and Surrounding Districts while on Mt. Inwangsan

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.

Woman posing for a photo on the ledge of Inwangsan with the Seoul City Skyline in the background with the sun setting.

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

Want to learn about the best weekend getaway I had while living in Korea? Check out my Weekend Getaway to Taiwan

Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.

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