With its rich cultural history and spectacular landscapes, there are a heap of reasons to visit South Korea – and the country’s hiking offering is one of them. From gentle day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, South Korea’s hiking options are abundant, and its hiking offering is on the up – with a stunning new multi-day hike opening up over the next few years. The 849-kilometre trail will be the first coast-to-coast hiking route in the country, and it’s set to be complete by the end of 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about The Dongseo Trail.
What is the Dongseo Trail?
The Dongseo Trail is South Korea’s first coast-to-coast long-distance hiking route. Once complete, it will link the country’s east and west coasts through dense forests, stunning mountainous regions, and quaint rural communities. Like Spain’s Camino de Santiago and Turkey’s Lycian Way, it’s set to become a major drawcard for visitors – showcasing the best of the country’s natural landscapes and cultural experiences.
Where is the Dongseo Trail?
In its entirety, the trail will run all the way across South Korea from coast to coast, starting at Anmyeon Island in Taean (on the west coast) and finishing in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province (on the east coast). Along the way, the trail will pass through other regions including Sejong and Daejeon.
How far is the Dongseo Trail?
Once complete, the full route will stretch for around 850 kilometers across the country. The route is divided into 55 sections, with several sections already open to hikers. The whole trail is expected to be completed by 2026, so you might want to wait until then for your Korea trip.
How long does the Dongseo Trail take to hike?
If you were to hike the whole thing in one go, it would take around 40 to 50 days. If you’re not up for the whole thing, you can tackle a shorter section – with a few multi-day and single-day trails already open.
How do you get to the Dongseo Trail?
The starting point at Anmyeon Island (on the western side) can be reached by bus or car from Seoul in around three hours. On the eastern side, the Uljin trailhead is accessible via intercity bus services from major cities including Seoul, Daegu and Busan.
Best times to visit the Dongseo Trail?
As with most hikes, shoulder season is the best time to visit – either springtime (between April and June) or fall (between September and November), when the weather conditions are easier to handle and the scenery is at its peak.
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