This guide is a work-in-progress. We will add reviews/directions to additional hiking areas in the near future. If you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions, please let us know.

What You’ll Encounter

-Busan’s mountains have many splendid forests, creeks, boulders, temples and a handful of fortresses. You’ll encounter symphonies of chirping, singing and squawking birdsong – the real deal (unlike when the subway pulls into Seomyeon). Visiting Busan’s mountains provides a great escape from the concrete, crowds, noise and sidewalk-prone motorcyclists. However, it’s difficult to leave Busan completely behind. There are no unexplored frontiers, and few secluded areas. In addition, Busanites view the mountains the same way most Westerners might view a park. Get-togethers and noise are commonplace. You’ll also regularly stumble upon outdoor gyms – small, flat areas complete with sit-up benches, pull-up bars, hula hoops, weight machines and various other exercise contraptions. Thus, if your legs aren't the only things you wish to exercise, you can also get in a good pectoral workout on your hike.

Most Koreans you’ll encounter on the trails will be middle-aged. They tend to be in great spirits while hiking and will greet you with hearty ‘Hellos’ and ‘Anyong Haseyos’. You’ll also hear a capella Korean folk tunes and Tarzan-quality hollers. Koreans like to hear echoes from opposing mountaintops, and, additionally, other Koreans often join in. These periodic primal roars can be trying on Western nerves, especially if you’re trying to soak up ‘Walden’ wisdom. However, before you declare yourself the ‘Hayduke of Busan’ -- try joining in. Throw your head back and let out a whelp. It’s a great stress reliever; it’s actually pretty damn fun, and who knows? Maybe you’ll exhale some of that Busan pollution accumulating in your lungs.

For their excursions, the adjumma and their male escorts seem to prefer 10 am to 4 pm on weekends. Thus, for solitude, try waking up at 6 am and scaling the nearest alp. Henry David would be proud.

Safety Issues

-Although many beautiful spots exist in, around and on the Busan area mountains, you are neither in the Himalayas nor the Rockies. Indeed, at a brisk pace, a trip from Oncheon-jang subway to Mt. Geumjang ’s highest peak and back may be done in about three to four hours. Your chances of getting lost are therefore minimal. If you do get lost, simply walk downhill until you reach civilization. Or, yell ‘saram sallyo’ (Help), until your nearest fellow hiker appears.

Nevertheless, please take standard precautions to avoid injury and discomfort. Hiking alone is not a good idea. If you do go on a hike alone, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re heading, and when you expect to return. Also, watch out for poison sumac – abundant in Korean forests. Dressing and equipping yourself properly is quite easy and will greatly reduce the possibility of discomfort.

What to Wear/Bring

-Shoes – Most hikes around the Busan area require only a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Simple running shoes, due to their lightness and flexibility, will often prove superior to hiking boots on a majority of Busan’s trails. On occasion you may encounter some loose rocks, mud and/or snow, all of which would call for hiking boots.

-Socks – Korean middle-aged hikers are famed for their colorful knee-high socks. Although these are not necessary, comfortable socks, preferably cotton, are. During colder weather, or for longer hikes, the practice of a thin, cotton sock underneath, with a thick wool sock on top, is a foot-saver.

-Clothing – Layer clothing so that you may take it on/off as conditions dictate. Temperatures on the mountaintops are generally 10 to 15 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler than those in the valleys. In addition, the clouds come in low over Busan, and oftentimes completely cover the mountains. This is great fun, standing on a mountain looking down on clouds, but can also quickly turn your trek into a soggy mess. To avoid soak and perhaps illness, simple rain ponchos may be purchased and kept in your pack for emergencies.

-Water – Most important item. Complete dehydration is unlikely, as you will encounter many small creeks, and vendors selling food and drink. But stay on the safe side and bring one liter for each hour of hiking.

-Odds & Ends - Bug repellent, First Aid Kit, Sunscreen, Earplugs (Korean hikers like to exercise their lungs as well as their legs)

Where to Buy Gear

-You can find hiking/camping gear – clothing and equipment - at almost any large department store. MegaMart in Dongnae and Carrefour in Seomyeon, in particular, carry a significant amount of gear. The best place for shoes/boots/clothing is to hit the Columbia/North Face sections, 5th floor, Lotte Department Store, or stop in at any of the Nike or Adidas shops around town.

Low Impact Hiking

-If you’re from rural North America , you may think that Koreans are oblivious to the ‘Take only pictures, leave only footprints’ approach to visiting the great outdoors. However, considering the crowds, Busan’s mountains are relatively litter-free. Please help keep the mountains as clean as possible and pack out all litter that you bring in with you. In addition, realize that, although something may be biodegradable, it still can harm the environment. Food leftovers, such as apple cores and banana peels, are not native to the Korean mountain environment. Animals, birds and insects will devour cast-off food leftovers, oftentimes resulting in their deaths, and the disruption of the food chain. Also, native plants can become poisoned by food leftovers, or, if a foreign seed takes root, killed off by competing plants.

Wildlife

-Other than a few grey squirrels with hairdos to make Don King jealous, you’re unlikely to encounter any wild four-legged creatures. Birds, however, abound. In particular, magpies rule the roost. On rare occasions, you may see hawks circling for prey.

Organizations/Clubs

-Busan Hike Club - The hiking club organizes hikes and connects hikers in the Busan area. To join, simply show up at any of the organized hikes, information on which will appear in What's Happening or The Events Calendar. Or, send an e-mail to busanhike@yahoo.com, with ‘Join’ in the subject heading, and you'll receive periodic e-mail updates. Any Questions? Send an e-mail to busanhike@yahoo.com.

-International Hash House Harriers – For information on the next hash, check What's Happening or The Events Calendar.

Places to Hike

Stay tuned for details of more place to hike.

This guide is a work-in-progress. We will add reviews/directions to additional hiking areas in the near future. If you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions, please let us know.

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