The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center near Mount Bugak in central Seoul's Samcheong-dong / Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

Hiking in the mountains of Seoul is becoming increasingly popular among foreign tourists, with the city's hiking tourism centers drawing over 6,600 international visitors out of 14,000 visitors as of Aug. 20 this year.

The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) currently operates two Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers aimed at promoting and revitalizing hiking tourism in the city.

The first, established in 2022, is located near Mount Bukhan in northeastern Seoul's Gangbuk District. The second center, located near Mount Bugak in central Seoul's Samcheong-dong, began a trial run in November last year and officially opened in April.

According to the STO, the number of visitors to the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center near Mount Bugak exceeded 10,000 in just four months after its official opening.

As of Sunday, the Bugak center has recorded 10,552 visitors, including 5,274 international guests. The center saw 930 visitors during its initial two months after its trial run.

In addition, the first center near Mount Bukhan has welcomed 3,905 visitors this year, with 1,631 being foreign visitors.

The Bugak center owes much of its popularity to its excellent accessibility. Located just a five-minute walk from Cheong Wa Dae's Chunchugwan, the historic former presidential compound, the center is also situated in a popular tourist area known for Bukchon Hanok Village.

Visitors participate in a makgeolli-making program at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center near Mount Bugak in central Seoul, Aug. 8. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

Serving as a hub for urban mountaineering, the two Seoul Hiking Tourism Centers not only guide hikers but also showcase various tourism resources in the city.

The two centers offer regular hiking programs, designed to provide visitors with an enjoyable urban mountain experience. Weekly hikes are organized for Mount Bukhan and Mount Bugak on Wednesdays and Fridays, respectively.

The Bugak center, in particular, offers a variety of rental items, including raincoats and arm sleeves, catering to the many tourists who visit the center before hiking. To enhance convenience, the center has expanded its rental offerings to include not only essential hiking gear like boots, jackets and trekking poles but also additional items such as picnic sets and sunscreen.

Furthermore, the center hosts a monthly special program aimed at foreign visitors in its Hanok Lounge, located on the second floor of the center.

Through activities such as calligraphy, soap-making with Mount Bugak designs and crafting makgeolli, Korea's traditional alcoholic beverage, the program offers a blend of hiking and cultural experiences.

"Seoul is an incredibly attractive city with mountains close to the city center and it is easy to rent hiking gear and enjoy cultural programs at the center," said Alessia Dal Cin, an Italian tourist who participated in the makgeolli-making program on Aug. 8.

Foreign visitors pose after participating in the opening ceremony for the 2024 Seoul 10 Peaks Hiking Challenge at a trail course of Mount Bukhan in Gangbuk District, northeastern Seoul, July 13. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization

The STO plans to open a third center near Mount Gwanak in southern Seoul in the second half of this year.

The new center will be equipped with specialized climbing gear, including crampons, to ensure safe hiking. Known for its challenging trails, the mountain is popular among experienced hikers.

"We will continue to diversify our services and offer various programs and events to showcase the appeal of K-climbing to international tourists," said Kil Ki-yon, head of the Seoul Tourism Organization.

Since July, the STO has been running a program dubbed the 2024 Seoul 10 Peaks Hiking Challenge, specifically for foreign visitors to explore the city's mountains.

Participants are challenged to hike 10 out of 23 designated peaks in the city, including Mount Nam, Gwanak, Acha, Bukhan, Bugak, Buram, Surak, Dobong, Cheonggye and Inwangsan. They can participate documenting their journey by posting selfies on Instagram with the required hashtags for each mountain. Those who complete the challenge will receive medals and souvenirs.

Individuals can sign up for the event through @seoulhikingtourism_official on Instagram. The challenge will continue through November.