Busan is a remarkable place.

The city itself is massive and sprawling, and full of amazing things to do. But what takes Busan to the next level are the rolling hills and mountains that peak up all around the city, each offering the most exceptional viewpoints.

Seunghaksan possesses some of the best viewpoints in the whole city.

Situated in the northwestern part of the city by the Nakdong River, Seunghaksan isn’t just a mountain- it’s a larger complex filled with many trails, peaks, and amazing viewpoints.

In this post, I’ll be detailing all there is to know about Seunghaksan: how to get there, the best trails to take, and the viewpoints that will leave you in awe.

How to get to Seunghaksan

As I mentioned, Seunghaksan is quite massive- so there are naturally many entrances.

However, the entrance I recommend you go to is the one by the Dong-A University. Why? First off, it’s pretty easy to get to by metro. It also allows you to get up to the nice views quickly and efficiently.

To get to Dong-A University, you’re going to take the 1 line (metro) to Hadan.

If you’re staying in the most popular areas (Nampo-Dong or Seomyeon), you have direct access to the 1 line. If you’re in Haeundae, you’ll have to take a bus or take the 2 line and transfer to the 1 at Seomyeon.

If you’re anywhere else, download Naver Maps and figure it out. Did you really have to be so difficult?

Once you arrive at Hadan Station, take Exit 7 and walk to the entrance to Dong-A University. It should take around 10 minutes.

I’ll pin the spot below- if there are multiple pins, walk to the one that says Dong-a Univ. Main Gate.

Once you reach the spot on the map, you’ll see a parking lot with buses. Go up this lot and continue until you see a path ascending up to your right.

If you have difficulty finding the spot, AllTrails and even Naver Maps will show you the exact entrance. Much simpler than trying to follow my vague instructions.

Map of Seunhaksan

The horse is long dead and thoroughly beaten, but I’ll beat it just once more and remind you that Seunghaksan is very large.

If you take a look at the map below, you’ll see what I mean. You can easily spend multiple days hiking through here.

But without an infinite amount of time, which route is best to take? Let’s talk about it.

Best hiking route in Seunghaksan

Hike up to the first peak

There are many trails you can take, but the one I’d recommend is the yellow trail on the map above.

It’s scenic, decently challenging, and full of jaw-dropping views.

The first leg of the hike is on the steeper side.

These steep staircases and other dirt paths continue for the first 30-40 or so minutes of the hike. At first, it’s a battle- it’s hot, and you don’t have much of a view yet as everything is blocked by the trees.

But after that 30-40 minute mark- really, once you hit the wooden staircase in the photo above- the trees will give way and you’ll start to see those amazing views.

The view here is stunning, but since you haven’t reached the top you’ll only be able to see west, towards the Nakdong River.

After another 20-30 minutes, you’ll see the first peak.

Once you summit the first peak, you’ll get a complete, panoramic shot of the city. The Nakdong River, the sea, and the tall white buildings of Busan.

Take some time here to take it all in.

From this first peak, there’s only one path onwards- but you’ll soon have options, don’t worry.

First, there will be a pretty steep but short descent before the path evens out, and the scenery changes completely.

I almost felt like I was back in North America, or in some sort of farmland. The area is very green and it feels like all it’s missing are a few interspersed cows.

This was undoubtedly one of my favorite areas.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t go on for too long.

After 20 or so minutes, you’ll reach a gravel lot with paths branching out in every direction.

Option 1- Loop around

The simple answer is to finish the loop that will bring you back to where you started.

This is a great choice and one that you can follow simply on AllTrails if you search for the “Seunghaksan Loop” hike.

Since that’s the case, I won’t be talking about it in too much detail.

Don’t mistake that for me telling you it’s not the better option. It’s a beautiful route, and the easier choice as the other option is more intense.

Option 2- Go up to the second peak

The first peak gives you a great view over Busan, but I couldn’t help looking ahead and seeing an even higher peak in the distance.

And once you get to the gravel lot, it’s not that far ahead of you.

To get up there, you’re going to have to get on to the road going up directly in front of you once you arrive at the gravel lot.

From there, you simply climb up. Or- if you don’t want to walk on the road- you can take a narrow path that opens up on the left after less than a minute.

It’s narrow to the point where you’re likely going to be getting a little scraped up. By thorns, brambles, and the like. If this sounds like a good time, head right on in.

Otherwise, just take the road. The only issue is that I can’t promise you it leads to the exact same place. But 95% sure.

It’ll take around 10-20 minutes and you’ll be at the top. There’s some sort of facility with a barbed-wire fence around it- I imagine it’s a military site.

Anyway, I wouldn’t try and get in there.

Walk around and you’ll be treated to a collection of some really awesome views on every side.

From here, you have two options- either head back to the gravel lot and finish the loop, or take the express route to the bottom.

I’m going to attempt to explain the express route, but I really recommend you download AllTrails– it maps out the path and all you have to do is follow it (it’s not in the list of hikes, the path is just shown on the main map).

If you for some reason refuse, bear with me.

The path down starts at a similar point to the spot where I took the photo with the view above. It’s gonna take some detective work, but you’ll find it. You deserve it for being a pain.

From there, it descends steep and fast.

Once you’re on the path, it’s a gritty but fast way down. If you go at a good pace, you can go from top to bottom in 45 minutes.

The path will eventually spill you out onto a downhill main road making a sharp left turn. From here, you walk down just a little until you find a staircase descending to the right. Take it.

From here, you really just keep on descending and working your way a little to the left. There are a few ways you can do it, but they should all lead to the same place.

Just keep one thing in mind- you’ll see a wooden bridge once you’ve descended a little more. Don’t cross it, it heads back up the mountain.

Pictures will probably do better than words.

Once you’ve made it onto the main road, head to the bus stop (Gudeok Kkonmaeul on Naver or Gudeok Kkot Village on Google).

Take the Seogu 1 Town bus in the direction of the 1 line and get off at the closest stop to Dongdaesin Station. From here, either transfer buses or get on the 1 line.

Keep in mind- if you want the express route up Seunghaksan, just do the descent I’ve just described in reverse. Definitely a good, but tough option.

And for the last time, please download Naver Maps and AllTrails. Could have saved me from writing half of this post.