Korea’s 120 summits are the finest showcase of the republic’s geography, history and culture. These 120 summits include tranquil trails through wild forests, slippery scrambles off the beaten path, and dramatic peaks over scenic temples and waterfalls. Interested? I sure hope so – because I think this is one of the finest adventures you can have!
But wait…what – and where – are these famous summits? There are two classic 100 mountain challenges in South Korea. Korea Forest Service celebrated the year of the mountain in 2002 by compiling a list of 100 must-visit mountains across the country. Korean outdoor gear company Black Yak also has a popular 100 summits challenge, accessed now exclusively through their hiking club app. These two summit lists overlap a lot – by 80 mountains, to be precise – but my thinking was, why choose only one challenge? If you’re interested in a monster of a mountain mission, read on.
The mountains on my combined list of 120 summits include big names (if you want to focus on national parks and/or provincial parks, I’ve got you!) and lesser-known peaks. Start here for some insights on how to make the most of a mountain mission, or explore below!
Happy summit seeking, my friends!
