Private Hiking to Bukhansan & Korean Style Spa(Include Lunch)

Explore Bukhansan’s scenic trails, visit a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple, enjoy a traditional Korean lunch, and unwind at a Korean spa—all in one personalized experience.
This private tour from Seoul offers a thoughtful blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, led by knowledgeable guides who make the day both enriching and fun. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic glimpse of Korea’s outdoors and spiritual side without the hassle of group tours or crowded attractions.
What we love: The intimate setting allows for tailored attention and in-depth stories about Korea’s history and traditions. Plus, the combination of light hiking and a spa creates a well-rounded, restorative day.
Consideration: The hike is described as relatively easy, but it involves some rocky sections and a 600-foot elevation change, so it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness.
Ideal for: Travelers who appreciate outdoor activity without intense exertion, cultural exploration, and a relaxing finish. Families, beginners, or anyone looking for a peaceful yet engaging experience in Seoul will find this tour a great fit.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: This is a private tour, so the itinerary adapts to your pace and interests.
• Scenic moderate hike: About 2 hours on an easy trail with some rocky spots and gentle elevation.
• Cultural insight: Visit Seunggasa, a Buddhist temple with a 1,000-year legacy, run solely by lady monks.
• Authentic Korean lunch: Savor traditional dishes near Bukhansan, offering a taste of local cuisine.
• Relaxing spa finish: End the day soaking in a Korean-style sauna, often including body scrubs and socializing.
• Comfortable transport: Travel comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles with pickup service.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Easy and Personal

From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel, the atmosphere is relaxed, thanks to the private setting. This personalized approach ensures your group’s preferences and pace are prioritized. The ride to Bukhansan National Park is comfortable, allowing you to settle in and get excited for what’s ahead.

The Hike: A Leisurely Ascent with Views

The core of the tour is a hike along the Gugi-dong trail, a route favored by locals for its manageable length and stunning scenery. Expect about two hours of walking, covering roughly 3 miles. The trail is described as relatively easy, but there are rocks and some uneven terrain, so good walking shoes are recommended.

What makes this hike special is the chance to experience Seoul’s mountainous landscape, which covers 70% of the country. The views from the top are often highlighted in reviews—“the scenery far away is fantastic,” and the sense of peacefulness at the summit is palpable. As one reviewer noted, “The hike was spectacular. The views at the peak were unparalleled.”

Visiting Seunggasa: A Buddhist Temple with 1,000 Years of History

At the summit, you’ll find Seunggasa, a temple only staffed by lady monks, which adds a unique touch to your visit. The story and traditions of Korean Buddhist practices are shared by guides, enhancing your understanding of the spiritual importance of this mountain.

Guests frequently mention how meaningful it is to see a living temple with such a long history—some say it’s one of the highlights of the day. The chance to hear stories about Korean Buddhism and its role in local culture makes this stop both educational and spiritual.

Lunch: Authentic and Local

After descending from the mountain, you’ll head to a nearby downtown area for a traditional Korean meal. This isn’t just a quick bite but a genuine experience—delicious, comforting dishes served at a local restaurant. Many reviewers praise the lunch as “delicious” and “a highlight,” with one mentioning it as “one of the best meals of their trip.”

The Spa Experience: Korean Style Sauna & Relaxation

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a Korean-style sauna (jimjilbang). Here, you can unwind in a hot bath, enjoy a body scrub, and experience a social, communal atmosphere unique to Korea. Some reviews describe this as “incredible,” with one mentioning it as a “great way to relax and shed inhibitions.”

Be aware that Korean spas sometimes involve body scrubs by staff who may not speak English, but patience and good humor usually make the experience enjoyable. It’s a perfect way to finish your day, leaving you refreshed, both physically and mentally.

Transportation & Practicalities

The entire experience is designed for convenience: air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and a private setting mean no waiting around or crowded buses. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, making it a full but well-paced day. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—it’s accessible but still involves some effort.

Reviews & Feedback

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8/5 score from 24 travelers. Guests rave about the guides’ knowledge, with comments like “Kim was very knowledgeable about Seoul,” and “Sophia shared so much information about plants and landmarks.”

Many highlight how the guide’s storytelling turned what could be a simple hike into a deeply engaging experience. The views, food, and spa are frequently praised, with travelers often calling it “the highlight of their trip” or “a perfect introduction to Korea.”

A small number of reviews mention guides with less suitable behavior or language issues, but these are outliers. The overall consensus affirms that the guides, especially Benny, Jimmy, and Sophia, make the experience memorable.

Value for Money

At $182 per person, the tour offers significant value, combining outdoor activity, cultural insights, authentic cuisine, and relaxation—all tailored to your group. The one-on-one attention in a private setting justifies the cost, especially considering the personalized service and the depth of experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you prefer a light outdoor adventure combined with cultural learning and relaxation. It’s especially suitable for beginners or those who aren’t looking for intense hikes but want scenic views and a spiritual touch. Families with children over 8, solo travelers, or anyone interested in Korea’s natural and spiritual side will find this tour rewarding.

If you love stories, good food, and a relaxing finish, this tour hits all those marks. Even seasoned travelers who have seen many sights in Seoul find the mix of hiking, temple visit, and spa a refreshing change of pace.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 8 years old can participate, but they should be accompanied by an adult. The hike is relatively easy but involves some rocky sections, so energetic kids with moderate fitness will enjoy it most.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Weather can vary, so check the forecast—bring a hat or rain jacket if needed. A small backpack with water and sunscreen is helpful.

Is the transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, all transport during the tour is in air-conditioned vehicles, making the journey comfortable, especially during warm months.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup to drop-off, including hiking, temple visits, lunch, and spa time.

What kind of food is served during lunch?
Expect traditional Korean dishes near Bukhansan, praised for their authenticity and flavor—ideal for a true taste of local cuisine.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are flexible and can adjust the schedule slightly based on your preferences or physical condition.

Is it physically demanding?
The hike involves some rocky and uneven sections and a 600-foot elevation change, so a moderate fitness level is recommended. It’s accessible to most, but not suited for those with mobility issues.

What should I know about the spa experience?
The Korean spa features traditional baths and possibly body scrubs. Staff may not speak English, so patience and an open mind are appreciated. It’s a social and revitalizing way to end the day.

To sum it up, this private tour balances outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and relaxing indulgence. It’s perfect for those who want a multi-faceted experience without the crowds or rushed schedules. Whether you’re a nature lover, curious about Korean Buddhism, or simply seeking a relaxing day out, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and delicious food combine to make this a standout option for your Seoul itinerary.