Explore the captivating fusion of nature and culture with the Mt. Bukhansan Hiking and Korean Sauna Tour. Set out on a rejuvenating journey through the stunning landscapes of Bukhansan National Park, followed by a traditional jjimjilbang experience complete with a soothing body scrub. Whether you opt for the beginner-friendly Seunggasa Temple trail or the challenging Bibong path, you’re in for a day of unparalleled adventure and relaxation. But the true highlight may just be the mouthwatering Korean BBQ feast that awaits, offering a delectable culmination to this unforgettable culture.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Seoul.
Good To Know
-
This full-day tour in Seoul includes hiking at Bukhansan National Park, with beginner-friendly and challenging routes, and a visit to a traditional Korean sauna with a relaxing body scrub service.
-
The tour offers a personalized experience for up to 15 participants, with round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, and knowledgeable guides providing insights into Korean culture and customs.
-
At the Dragon Hill Spa, participants can enjoy a 20-minute hot bath and traditional Korean body scrub (Seshin), as well as access to various exercise rooms and facilities.
-
The Seshin exfoliation treatment uses a rough, textured scrub mitt to remove dead skin cells, promoting deep cleansing and circulation as part of the authentic Korean bathing culture.
-
The tour includes access to gender-segregated bathhouses with nudity policies, saunas and steam rooms for relaxation, and leisure spaces like lounges and refreshment areas.
Tour Overview
The Mt. Bukhansan Hiking and Korean Sauna Tour offers a full-day adventure in Seoul, South Korea.
This tour takes guests to the scenic Bukhansan National Park for a hike, followed by a relaxing visit to a traditional Korean sauna. The tour is limited to 15 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
Hiking routes cater to different skill levels, ranging from the beginner-friendly Seunggasa Temple to the more challenging Bibong path.
After the hike, participants can enjoy a soak in the hot baths and a Korean body scrub at the Dragon Hill Spa.
The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient way to explore Seoul’s natural and cultural offerings.
Ready to hit more trails? More hiking adventures we feature in Seoul
Hiking Mt. Bukhansan
Hiking Mt. Bukhansan offers two distinct routes suited for different skill levels. The beginner option is the Seunggasa Temple trail, which climbs 1,300 feet over 2 hours.
The more challenging Bibong path ascends 1,835 feet, providing a strenuous hike. Along the way, hikers can enjoy traditional Korean delights like seaweed rolls, ramen, and sharing tea at the summit.
The trails wind through the scenic Bukhansan National Park, immersing adventurers in the natural beauty of South Korea.
With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can explore this iconic mountain while learning about Korean culture and customs.
Beginner Hiking Route
One of the hiking routes offered on this tour is the beginner-friendly Seunggasa Temple trail. This route takes hikers to an elevation of 1,300 feet and covers a distance of approximately 2 hours.
The trail offers:
- Scenic views of the Bukhansan National Park
- Opportunity to visit the historic Seunggasa Temple
- Manageable incline suitable for hikers of all skill levels
- Chance to sample traditional Korean snacks like seaweed rolls and ramen at the summit.
This beginner option provides a great introduction to the natural beauty of Bukhansan while allowing participants to experience Korean culture and cuisine along the way.
Challenging Hiking Route
Along With the beginner-friendly Seunggasa Temple trail, this tour also offers a more challenging hiking route along the Bibong path.
Reaching an elevation of 1,835 feet, the Bibong path presents a steeper and more strenuous climb. Hikers can expect to spend 2-3 hours navigating the rugged terrain and rocky sections.
While more demanding, the Bibong route rewards trekkers with stunning panoramic views of the Bukhansan National Park.
Guides tailor the experience to each group’s skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable challenge for more experienced hikers.
Whether choosing the beginner or advanced route, the Mt. Bukhansan tour provides an immersive outdoor adventure in the heart of Seoul.
Visiting Dragon Hill Spa
After the invigorating hike through Bukhansan National Park, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Dragon Hill Spa, also known as a jjimjilbang.
This gender-segregated bathhouse offers a unique cultural experience, including:
- 20-minute hot bath and traditional Korean body scrub (Seshin)
- Access to various exercise rooms and facilities
- Opportunities to immerse in Korean bathing customs, with nudity being the norm
- Relaxation in the sauna and steam rooms, helping to soothe sore muscles after the hike.
The jjimjilbang experience is an integral part of the tour, providing participants with a chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and gain deeper insights into Korean bathing traditions.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Seoul
- Seoul Ultimate Food Tour With a K BBQ Finale
- Private DMZ Tour and Suspension Bridge + Korean BBQ
- Korean Bbq Place of the Month Curated by the Host
- Seoul Food N Night View With Local Korean BBQ Dinner Hongdae St.
- Full-Day Culinary Tour of Seoul Including Noryangjin Fish Market and Korean BBQ Dinner
- Half Day Korean BBQ Experience With Local Guides
Korean Body Scrub Service
The Korean body scrub service, or Seshin, is a traditional and integral component of the bathhouse experience at Dragon Hill Spa.
Guests can enjoy this 20-minute treatment, which involves a thorough exfoliation of the skin using a rough, textured scrub mitt. The process removes dead skin cells, leaving the body feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Seshin is a crucial step in the jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) ritual, promoting deep cleansing and circulation.
After the scrub, visitors can relax in the hot baths, saunas, and other amenities at Dragon Hill Spa, seeing authentic Korean bathing culture.
Facilities at Dragon Hill Spa
Dragon Hill Spa offers a wide array of facilities catering to the diverse needs of its visitors.
At this renowned Korean bathhouse, guests can indulge in a variety of amenities:
- Gender-segregated bathhouses with nudity policies
- Saunas and steam rooms for relaxation
- Exercise rooms and fitness areas for physical activity
- Additional leisure spaces like lounges and refreshment areas
These comprehensive facilities allow visitors to fully enjoy the traditional Korean sauna experience, providing a serene and rejuvenating environment for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Pricing and Logistics
Pricing for the Mt. Bukhansan Hiking and Korean Sauna Tour starts from $250.00, with the final cost varying depending on the group size.
The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience for participants. Pickup details are tailored to accommodate most hotels, and specific meeting points are provided for those staying at Airbnb locations.
The tour commences at 8:00 AM, allowing ample time to explore the Bukhansan National Park and indulge in the relaxing facilities of the Dragon Hill Spa.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, providing flexibility for participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?
The tour is well-suited for solo travelers, who can benefit from the group dynamics, personalized attention from the guides, and opportunities for culture and meeting new people during the hiking and sauna experiences.
What Is the Dress Code for the Korean Sauna Experience?
The dress code for the Korean sauna experience is nudity. Guests are expected to disrobe and wear a provided robe or towel to fully enjoy the spa facilities in a traditional manner. Swimsuits are not permitted.
Can I Bring My Camera on the Hiking Portion?
Hikers are generally welcome to bring cameras on the hiking portion of the tour. However, it’s important to be mindful of the terrain and take precautions to protect the camera from potential damage during the hike.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration. Customers can request an extended itinerary or additional activities for an additional cost, which the tour provider may accommodate based on availability and feasibility.
Can I Request a Specific Guide for My Group?
Guests can request a specific guide for their group, though availability may vary. The tour operator will try to accommodate preferences, but the guide assigned will depend on scheduling and group size considerations.
Sum Up
The Mt. Bukhansan Hiking and Korean Sauna Tour offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure paired with a rejuvenating spa experience. Hikers can choose between two scenic trails, followed by a revitalizing body scrub at the renowned Dragon Hill Spa. The day culminates in a delectable Korean BBQ feast, delivering a well-rounded culture. This comprehensive package promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and spa-goers alike.
More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Seoul
- One-Day Hike at Mt. Seoraksan Review
- Gwanaksan Hike & Old Buddhist Temple Visit (Lunch Inclusive)
- Hiking Mt. Wolchulsan National Park by KTX Train From Seoul
- Seoul Day Tour, Inwangsan Sunset Hiking and Dinner
- 2-days: Mt Seorak, East Sea(Naksansa) & Nami or Ulsanbawi Hiking
- Private Hiking Tour in Seorak National Park With Korean Authentic Chicken Soup
More Tours in Seoul
More Tour Reviews in Seoul
- Private Tour Rail Bike & Nami Island & (Petite France or Garden of Morning Calm)
- Insadong Makgeolli Taster Tour
- Day Trip to Yongin Daejanggeum and Korean Folk Village From Seoul
- Seoraksan Daecheongbong(1,708m) Peak Hiking [1-Day Tour From Seoul]
- Hwadamsup, Luge and Korean Folk Village One Day Tour/Shuttle Bus
- Summer Season Round Trip for Seorak Mountain and Surfy Beach
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Seoul we have recnetly reviewed
- 9 Best BBQ Experiences In Seoul
- 25 Best Food Tours In Seoul
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Seoul
- 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Seoul
- 2 Best 3 Day Tours In Seoul
- 2 Best 4 Day Tours In Seoul
- 10 Best Photography Experiences In Seoul
- 15 Best Dining Experiences In Seoul
- 11 Best Dinner Tours In Seoul
- 11 Best Lunch Experiences In Seoul
- Moonlight Stroll at Seoul Palace
- Hello Hanbok