When travelers search for the best fall hiking near Seoul, Bukhansan almost always tops the list.
But while its trails are famous for autumn foliage, they’re also crowded and demanding.
If you’d rather enjoy the colors without the tourist rush (or a serious climb), I’ve personally hiked two underrated trails that deserve a spot on your Seoul hiking itinerary.
Both are easy to reach from the city and offer something unique.
One takes you along a UNESCO World Heritage fortress wall, and the other is a hidden gem mountain hike beloved by locals for its panoramic views and fiery fall colors.
TL;DR – Hidden Gem Fall Hikes Near Seoul
- Namhansanseong Fortress → Easy fortress hike on wide, mostly paved paths. UNESCO World Heritage site with autumn foliage, fortress gates, and panoramic views of Seoul. Plan ~80 minutes for the popular Course 1 loop (3.8 km). Expect long lines for the bus down in the afternoon.
- Cheonggyesan Mountain → Moderate hike from Wonteogol Entrance to Maebong Peak. Stairs and inclines make it a workout, but no special gear needed. About 3–4 hours round trip. Lively local vibe, great views, and plenty of restaurants at the base (try tofu at Sodamchae or chicken at Matgoeul).
Cheonggyesan Mountain – A Local Favorite With Real Mountain Vibes
If you are looking for a hike that feels like a real mountain but is not as intense or crowded as Bukhansan, Cheonggyesan is one of the best hidden gem spots for autumn hiking near Seoul.
It is especially stunning in fall when the slopes glow with fiery reds and golds, making it a perfect day trip for anyone craving nature without going far from the city.
How to Get There:
- Take the ShinBundang Line subway to Cheonggyesan Station.
- From Exit 2, walk straight about 400 meters, then turn right and go under the underpass. You will often see ajummas selling snacks there.
- Continue past a road on your right, then bear right just before the large Black Yak building.
- Or simply follow the colorful parade of Korean hikers from the station. They will lead you straight to the entrance. It is about a five minute walk.
I hiked from the Wonteogol Entrance to Maebong Peak, which is the mountain’s most popular route.
I would call Cheonggyesan a moderate hike as you will face steady inclines right from the start and plenty of stairs on the way up.
It is a workout, but it is also very doable with comfortable shoes, water, and a little stamina. The panoramic views at the top make the effort worthwhile.
Most people can complete the round trip in three to four hours, depending on your pace.
There are plenty of resting spots along the trail where you can catch your breath and enjoy a quick snack before continuing.
When I hiked here in spring, I stopped at a rest area near the beginning where a man strummed his guitar as hikers passed by. It gave the mountain such a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
In autumn, the same trails are filled with families, couples, and groups of friends soaking in the crisp air and colorful scenery.
After the hike, you will find cafes and restaurants at the base that are perfect for a hearty post-hike meal.
Post-Hike Eats:
At the base of Cheonggyesan, you will find plenty of restaurants catering to hungry hikers. Two standouts are:
- Sodamchae (소담채) – A well-known tofu specialist that serves comforting stews and side dishes, perfect after a chilly autumn hike.
- Matgoeul (청계산맛고을) – Famous for its chicken dishes, from hearty soups to grilled chicken, it is a local favorite for refueling after the climb.
Both are popular with locals, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere during peak hiking season.
👉 For hotel recommendations, detailed neighborhood breakdowns, and booking tips, check out my complete Seoul accommodation guide.
Namhansanseong Fortress – History and Scenic Fortress Walls
If you want a fall hike that combines history with sweeping views, Namhansanseong Fortress is one of the best easy fall hikes near Seoul.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits just outside the city and offers a trail experience unlike anywhere else in Korea.
Instead of steep climbs and rugged mountain paths, you walk along centuries-old fortress walls framed by brilliant autumn foliage.
On a clear day, you can look out across the Seoul basin and spot the skyline in the distance.
How to Get There:
- Take line 8 to Sanseong Station.
- From Exit 2, walk straight for 100 meters to the bus stop.
- Take bus #9, #9-1, or #52 to Namhansanseong bus stop.
- After you get off, walk about 30 meters in the direction the bus came from to find the beginning of several trails.
Pro tip: The bus down from Namhansanseong is busy no matter what time you leave, but mornings are usually less hectic than late afternoons. Plan for a line either way, and build in extra time to get back to Seoul.
Pro tip: Traffic to Namhansanseong crawls on weekends, especially during peak foliage season. Do not assume a taxi will save time. It is often quicker to stay on the bus or hop off and walk the last stretch like many locals do. Going early in the day helps avoid the worst congestion. The reward of sweeping views and brilliant autumn leaves is absolutely worth it.
Namhansanseong is more of an easy fortress hike than a strenuous mountain hike.
The paths are wide and mostly paved, and while there are some inclines, you will not face endless staircases or rocky terrain.
You can keep it short or extend your outing with a longer loop, making it a flexible choice for autumn hiking near Seoul.
Trail to Try: Course 1 is the most popular route (3.8km, about 80 minutes). This well-marked loop takes you from the Roundabout to North Gate, West Gate, Sueojangdae, Yeongchunjeong, South Gate, and back. It gives you a perfect balance of fortress history, forested paths, and panoramic views without the challenging climbs you’d find elsewhere.
What makes this hike memorable is the way history and nature blend together.
As you wander the fortress walls, you are literally walking in the footsteps of Korean history.
Gates, temples, and pavilions appear along the way, each framed by vivid fall leaves that make the scenery feel timeless.
After your hike, the fortress village at the base of the mountain has cafes and restaurants where hikers refuel before heading back to the city.
You can easily make this a half-day trip, as Namhansanseong is close enough to Seoul for convenience.
Yet, the combination of fortress walls, autumn colors, and cultural history makes it feel like a hidden gem far from the city.
FAQ – Hidden Gem Fall Hikes Near Seoul
Yes. Both Namhansanseong and Cheonggyesan are accessible by subway plus a short bus or walk. Namhansanseong takes about an hour from central Seoul, while Cheonggyesan is even quicker on the ShinBundang Line
Namhansanseong is the easier option, with wide paths and gentle inclines. Cheonggyesan is more moderate, with stairs and steady climbs that require more stamina.
Namhansanseong Course 1: about 80 minutes for the 3.8 km loop.
Cheonggyesan (Wonteogol Entrance to Maebong Peak): about 3–4 hours round trip depending on your pace.
No special gear is required. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, water, and some snacks are enough. In autumn, bring a light jacket as the weather can change quickly.
Peak autumn foliage usually arrives from late October to early November. Weekends are busier, so go on a weekday morning if you want fewer crowds.
Yes. Cheonggyesan has several popular restaurants at the base, including Sodamchae (tofu dishes) and Matgoeul (chicken dishes). Namhansanseong has a fortress village with traditional restaurants serving Korean comfort food.
Both are popular with locals, especially in autumn. Expect lively trails and long lines for the bus down from Namhansanseong in the afternoon. Cheonggyesan also draws local hikers, but it feels less touristy than Bukhansan.
Wrap-Up – Seoul Hidden Gem Hikes
Most travelers searching for the best fall hiking near Seoul head straight for Bukhansan, but these two alternatives offer everything Bukhansan does: gorgeous fall colors and rewarding climbs.
Cheonggyesan gives you an authentic mountain feel without the crowds, while Namhansanseong blends history, culture, and autumn colors in a completely unique way.
Both are beloved by locals but often missed by international visitors, making them perfect hidden gems for your Seoul fall hiking itinerary.
Whether you prefer a moderate mountain climb with panoramic views or a leisurely fortress hike through Korean history, these trails offer authentic autumn experiences beyond the typical tourist paths.
👉 If you would rather stick to parks, streams, and neighborhood strolls, check out my full guide to Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Seoul for easy walks and photo spots around the city.
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