The Top 6 Hiking And Trekking Tours In Busan

Busan isn’t just about beaches and seafood—its rugged mountains and scenic trails make it a top spot for hikers and trekkers. Unlike many cities that just offer a quick stroll through busy streets, Busan has a wealth of natural landscapes where you can genuinely get away from the crowds. We love tours that blend authentic local experiences with breathtaking views, like hiking up the tallest mountain or exploring ancient temples with a cable car ride. For example, the Temple Tour with hiking and cable car offers a deep dive into history while giving you panoramic views of the city.

Some tours, such as the 4-hour rice wine hike, combine mountain trekking with local food and drink, making them perfect for those who want a well-rounded experience. Others, like the Bongnaesan hike, focus on coastal scenery and local flavor. Whether you’re interested in a guided group adventure or a private custom tour, Busan’s varied terrains and cultural sites deliver plenty of options. Let’s explore each in detail to help you find the perfect trek.

1. 4-Hours Hiking and Tasting Rice Wine in the Mountain of Busan

This tour combines mountain hiking with an authentic taste of Korean rice wine (Makgeolli), all within the scenic mountains of Busan. It’s a relaxed yet engaging experience that starts with a hike up the highest mountain in the area, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and coast. After reaching the summit, the journey continues to Pocha, an old-style street food stall famous for its local rice wine and authentic Korean snacks.

What makes this tour stand out is the social atmosphere—it’s perfect for travelers who want to mingle with locals and learn about Korean mountain life. The guide, HugYou, is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, sharing cultural insights along the way. The handpicked food and local rice wine tasting after the hike add an extra layer of flavor to the day. With a 5-star rating from 59 reviews, this experience offers great value for those wanting a mix of adventure and culture.

Bottom Line: Perfect for social travelers seeking a relaxed hike with delicious food and drinks, this tour also provides a chance to enjoy breathtaking views and local stories.

2. Busan: Hiking and tasting Rice wine in the hidden village

At number 2, this tour takes you into less touristy areas for a hiking adventure that’s as authentic as it gets. Starting from Oncheonjang Station, you’ll head to Geumjeongsan, a mountain known for its white granite rocks and fortress ruins. The guided 2.5-hour hike winds through secluded spots beloved by locals but rarely seen by travelers.

The real highlight is the village visit, set in a location only accessible by hiking. Here, you’ll enjoy Makgeolli with side dishes (banchan), offering a true taste of rural Korean life. This tour’s focus on local, less-visited sites and the social atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore beyond the typical tourist trail. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guide and the authentic food experience, with one describing their guide as a “100% K-star” who made the hike enjoyable and informative.

Bottom Line: This tour is best for those who want a less commercialized, more genuine hiking experience with local food and drinks in a place few travelers see.

3. Temple Tour: Byeongpungam Seokbulsa Temple [Hiking+Cable car]

For those interested in cultural heritage and scenic views, this tour offers a combination of temple exploration, hiking, and a cable car ride. Starting with a visit to Byeongpungam Seokbulsa, famous for its stone-carved Buddha statues, the journey involves some moderate hiking with the benefit of trekking poles, towels, and gloves provided.

The hike ascends to admire the stunning geological formations and panoramic views of Busan from the cable car, which adds a touch of comfort to the adventure. The temple itself offers a glimpse into Korea’s spiritual architecture and history, with enough info to satisfy history buffs and culture lovers alike. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the smooth logistics, making it a good choice for those who want a mix of history, nature, and scenic transport.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a cultural experience combined with a manageable hike and spectacular city views from the cable car.

4. Busan: Bongnaesan Hiking Tour with Local Lunch

On Yeongdo Island, this tour offers a coastal mountain hike on Bongnaesan, where ocean views dominate the landscape. The hike is relatively peaceful and authentic, with fewer travelers and more local flavor. After the hike, the tour continues with a visit to Gukje Market, where you can sample street food, buy souvenirs, and experience daily local life.

The highlight is the local Korean lunch, often including Makgeolli and traditional dishes. The combination of nature, food, and culture makes it a well-rounded day. Though only reviewed by one person, the feedback was glowing—“a perfect blend of nature, culture, and community.” This tour is excellent for those who want to enjoy nature without strenuous climbs and appreciate the local scene.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking for a coastal hike paired with authentic local markets and casual dining.

5. Busan Private Hiking Tour: Panoramic Views Await

This private tour offers a tailored experience up Geumjeongsan, one of Busan’s most scenic mountains. Designed exclusively for your group, it provides a personalized itinerary that can include the historic Beomeosa Temple, walks along fortress walls, and photo stops at stunning viewpoints. The hike lasts around three hours, with breaks to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the city and coast.

Your guide, with their local knowledge and flexibility, ensures the trip matches your pace and interests. The highlight is the scenic walk along Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, where the history and landscape combine beautifully. The review praises the guide’s expertise and the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or families wanting a customized, comfortable hike with exclusive access to scenic spots and historical sites.

6. Pohang and Gyeongju Hiking and Makgeolli Brewing

This full-day tour extends beyond Busan to include Pohang and Gyeongju, blending mountain hikes, cultural exploration, and Kimchi-style Makgeolli brewing. The hike on Naeyeonsan Mountain features spectacular waterfalls and fiery autumn leaves, perfect if you’re visiting in fall. It’s followed by a visit to Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO site with traditional Korean hanok homes.

What sets this tour apart is the hands-on Makgeolli brewing class, offering a chance to learn about this fermented rice wine while enjoying a local Korean meal. The 12-hour day is packed with scenic trails, cultural sights, and culinary experiences that will satisfy both nature lovers and foodies.

Reviewers love the well-organized day and the delicious food, with one calling it “peaceful, colorful, and full of photo-worthy moments.” This tour is suited for adventure and culture enthusiasts with ample time and a desire for an immersive experience.

Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an all-in-one day trip that combines nature, history, and hands-on food in a comprehensive package.

How to Choose the Best Hiking and Trekking Tour in Busan

When deciding, consider your fitness level, as some hikes involve moderate to challenging terrain like Geumjeongsan or Naeyeonsan. If you prefer cultural sights with manageable walks, the temple and fortress tour might be better. For authentic local flavors combined with outdoor activity, tours that include Makgeolli tasting—such as the first or second options—are excellent.

Budget is also a factor; private tours like the Panoramic Views trip are pricier but offer more personalized service. If time is limited, the 4-hour hikes provide a compact, fulfilling experience. Book early, especially during peak seasons of spring and fall, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Busan offers a surprising variety of hiking and trekking experiences that combine breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and delicious local foods. For a relaxed day with local wine and views, the mountain hike with rice wine tasting is hard to beat. If you’re after a deeper cultural exploration, the temple and fortress tour delivers history and scenic vistas.

For private, tailored adventures, the Panoramic Views tour is unbeatable, while the coastal Bongnaesan hike offers a peaceful escape. For those wanting a more immersive multi-location experience, the full-day Pohang and Gyeongju trip is a fantastic choice. Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these popular adventures—so get ready to lace up your hiking boots and enjoy Busan’s natural beauty.