Hiking/Trail Running in South Korea

[The Android]

Has anyone on the site spent much time in the South Korean mountains? I will be in Daegu for a few months this summer, I am hoping to spend some time in the mountains. Anyone done much of this in South Korea? Seems like there will be ample opportunity for trail running, exploring, maybe some ridge linkups. Information in English is somewhat limited though. I am interested in anything from nice trails that I could run on up to long, all-day scrambles.

Of course there is Hallasan on Jeju Island, the country high point.


And two other mountains of cultural significance:
Jirisan:


Seoraksan:

[myfeetrock]

My brother was there for two years in the army. I can see if he has any hiking books or info on hikes. He talked a lot of how crowded the trails were. Lots of old people in the mountains and plenty of wine and noodles to buy on many of the trails and summits.

[OklahomaMountainMan]

I spent two years in South Korea and lived in the northeast province of Gangwon-do. There are tons of great hikes and mountains to climb over there! I only did Taebaeksan and Chiaksan so my knowledge is a bit limited. In general, trails are pretty well marked on most popular mountains and there will be lots of metal staircases on steep sections on trails. Pretty much any national park will have a well maintained trail system so there are lots of options! Be prepared for lots of crowds because Koreans love to go hiking and don't forget soju or makgeolli for the summit! I'm not sure about any specific trails or mountains around Daegu though.

[nyker]

Try looking up these:

Mt. Bukhansan - Bukhansan National Park
Mt. Dobongsan
Mt. Suraksan

Chiaksan National Park, Taebaeksan

Thee are also a bunch a easier hikes you can reach by train/subway

Also look into the hike of the Wall that circles Seoul, you can hike a long the wall.