Seunghaksan – Hiking Guide To A Must-See Mountain In Busan

South Korea may seem like a small country, but that doesn’t stop it from being the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. With 70% of its territory mountainous, chances are you’ll find the hike that’s right for you. And if you love coastal cities and beautiful scenery, then Seunghaksan in Busan is definitely for you!

Scenic beauty and silver grass fields await you, so follow this guide!

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Seunghaksan in a few words

Located in Saha-gu, and rising to an altitude of 497m, the mountain may fly under the radar of many visitors, which is a shame as Seunghaksan offers a breathtaking panorama over the city and the sea, and is a magnificent place to visit in autumn thanks to its soft and fluffy, silver grass fields.

As for the name of the mountain, it is said that a Buddhist monk from the Goryeo Dynasty, Muhak, was once looking at the mountains in the country and declared that Seunghaksan was so named due to its resemblance to a beautiful crane in flight.

Boasting many trails suitable for all levels, a hiking trip to Seunghaksan is the perfect way to escape the busy city for a few hours while enjoying its unique views. Sounds like you? Follow this guide!

The trail to the peak

As I said, there are several trails in Seunghaksan, but if you’re visiting in autumn and want to see the silver grass or simply enjoy a beautiful and moderately challenging trail, here’s my recommendation!

You have two main options to reach the start of the hike. Whichever one you choose, you can do a loop or choose one path and finish your hike on the other path:

• you can start from Dongwon Benest2 apartment (get off at Dangni station – orange line, and take the green bus Saha-gu 2-1 for 11 stops): the trail I chose

• or you can start from Dong-A University (get off at Hadan station – orange line, and walk 20 minutes): the trail I took on the way down

Here’s what to expect if you choose to start from Dongwon Benest2 apartment!

Gently sloping road

As soon as you get off the bus, you’ll see this wooden bridge along the road. Follow it until you stumble upon a path on the left where you’ll see a map showing the different trails. Turn left and continue along the wooden path.

At some point, you’ll see what looks like a parking lot with a building and a small path going up on your left. Take it and keep following the gravel road.

There are no particular difficulties here, except there’s little shade, so remember to bring a hat and plenty of water, as even in autumn, temperatures can easily reach 18°C (64°F).

After following the winding roads for a little while (maybe around 30 minutes), you’ll come to a fork: Yolo-gil. This is where you’ll need to turn left if you want to see the silver grass fields.

Silver grass fields and first viewpoint

Once you reach the silver grass fields, you’ll not only be rewarded by the harmonious melody of the grass swaying in the wind, but you’ll also be able to access a first viewpoint.

To do so, keep walking along the rope path until you reach a platform overlooking this panorama (photo below).

For more views, don’t hesitate to climb the hill on your right and take a break on one of the benches provided.

So far, the hike can be considered fairly easy, so if you’re not that much into hiking or if you have health issues, you can stop here, admire the view as long as you like, and then make your way down via the same path you took before.

Otherwise, if you want to hike to the top of Seunghaksan, keep reading!

Getting closer to the peak

After passing the viewpoint, continue walking along the rope path until it ends and you enter the forest part of the trail.

Here, wooden stairs and sharp rocks await you! This way isn’t so much difficult as it’s a little bit tiring, and you’ll need to be extra careful when climbing the rocks so as to not hurt yourself, or slip and twist your ankle.

But you’ll continue to enjoy breathtaking views even before reaching the top of Seunghaksan!

Seunghaksan summit

There you are, you’ve made it to the top of Seunghaksan with a little sweat, perhaps a little out of breath, hopefully without any scratches on your hands, but nevertheless overjoyed.

Between the crows circling the summit, the wind ruffling your hair, and the panoramic view of Busan, the sea, and the Nakdong river, Seunghaksan deserves a place among my favorite hikes in the city!

And since the way up is, in fact, only half of the hike, here’s what you can expect as you descend the trail leading to Dong-A University.

The descent

This is where you’ll find the famous wooden stairs, common on hikes in South Korea, but also a downhill forest path and more rocks. After the summit stele, head to the right (Nakdong river) and follow the trail down.

If you choose this trail for the ascent, keep in mind that it’ll be a little more challenging, but you’ll then have the easier path on your descent.

In any case, just keep going straight, even when you reach the forest. Always follow the signs for the parking lot or the university (download Papago as the signs are only in Korean) or download the AllTrails app for added safety.

Hiking tips for Seunghaksan

1. Pack some kimbap and water

Because kimbap is a staple food when you go hiking and you can’t live without water unless you don’t mind dehydration! Hiking is tiring and requires a lot of energy so be well prepared!

2. Wear comfortable hiking shoes

So you can forget about blisters, sprained ankles, and other incidents that happen when you wear the wrong shoes!

And don’t forget your first-aid kit and safety items (whistle, power bank)!

3. Remember to apply sunscreen

Better safe than sorry or being sunburnt or sunstroke!

4. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)

As air quality is often very polluted in South Korea, especially in large cities, remember to check the index before setting off on a hike.

5. Prioritize weekdays

Weekends tend to be pretty busy in South Korea, as everyone takes advantage of the sunshine to go hiking. So if you want more peace and a trail with very few people, opt for weekdays!

6. Respect nature and wildlife

As always, be respectful of the place you’re visiting and be kind to Mother Nature. Keep your trash in your bag until you find a trash can in the city and don’t litter!

Don’t touch or approach animals either!

How to get to Seunghaksan

Whichever trail you choose, you’ll need to take the line 1 (orange) toward Dadaepo and get off at Dangni or Hadan station, depending on the trail you want to do.

FAQ

How long does the hike to the top of Seunghaksan take?

It should take you between 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend taking breaks and enjoy the view at the peak.

How difficult is the hike up Seunghaksan?

I’d say it ranges from an easy hike to a moderately difficult hike. Once again, it all depends on your fitness level and pace.

When is the best time of year to see the silver grass fields?

Usually, it’s during fall, often between mid-October and early November.

Is Seunghaksan dog-friendly?

I didn’t see any restrictions on this when I was on the trails, but to be sure, check with the nearest district office, as they’ll surely be able to inform you about the regulations regarding hiking trails.

Here are a few pictures of the hike:

Seunghaksan may be one of the lesser-known hikes in Busan, but that doesn’t change the fact that this hike will take your breath away with its superb panoramic views.

So, if you’re looking for an easier alternative to Geumjeongsan that still offers plenty of exercise while surrounded by natural beauty, Seunghaksan is for you!

Heading to Seoul? Here are my top 5 hikes in the capital!