Korea National Parks & Mountain Hiking Guide 2025: Tickets, Insurance, and Safety Rules for Foreign Visitors

Korea National Parks & Mountain Tourism for Foreign Visitors (2025): Tickets, Insurance & Safety Rules

Korea National Parks & Mountain Tourism for Foreign Visitors (2025): Tickets, Insurance & Safety Rules

Planning to hike Bukhansan in Seoul, climb Hallasan on Jeju Island, or explore Seoraksan’s dramatic peaks? Korea’s national parks attract millions of hikers each year, including a growing number of foreign travelers. This 2025 guide summarizes the latest officially confirmed regulations on park entry, mountain permits, insurance, and safety measures, based on data from the Korea National Park Service (KNPS) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).

1. Entrance Fees and Ticketing Rules (2025 Update)

As of 2025, all 22 Korean national parks — including Jirisan, Seoraksan, and Bukhansan — remain free of basic entrance fees. The Ministry of Environment abolished park admission charges in 2007 to encourage eco-tourism. However, facility fees may still apply:

  • Parking: ₩2,000–₩5,000 per vehicle (depending on park)
  • Shelters & campsites: ₩6,000–₩20,000 per night
  • Private services (e.g., cable cars, eco-museums): Separate ticketing

Visitors can confirm facility pricing on the official KNPS English website. Foreigners do not need any special ticket or hiking permit except for limited-capacity mountains such as Hallasan and Dulle-gil trails that require advance online reservations.

2. Mandatory Reservations: Hallasan & Specific Trails

Due to environmental protection, Hallasan National Park (Jeju) and some restricted trails in Jirisan and Seoraksan operate a daily visitor quota system. Reservations must be made through the official websites:

Foreign visitors can register using a passport number or Alien Registration Number (if residing in Korea). It’s advised to book at least 3–7 days in advance during peak seasons (October–November and May–June).

3. Insurance & Safety Requirements for Foreign Hikers

Foreign tourists are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance that covers mountain hiking accidents. According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), most rescue costs in national parks are not covered by the government unless the visitor is insured.

  • Emergency rescues are managed by KNPS and the 119 Fire Service.
  • Average rescue fees (if uninsured): ₩200,000–₩1,000,000 depending on terrain.
  • Popular insurers offering foreigner-friendly coverage: Samsung Fire, Hanwha General, and SafetyWing.

Visitors engaging in activities like paragliding, rock climbing, or backcountry hiking must have accident insurance covering such sports.

4. Seasonal Safety & Trail Closures

To prevent forest fires and landslides, seasonal trail closures are enforced by KNPS each spring (March–April) and fall (November). Updated closure lists are published on english.knps.or.kr. Entering a restricted trail may result in fines up to ₩300,000 under the Natural Parks Act.

  • Always check the daily mountain weather forecast before climbing.
  • Foreign visitors should register their contact number and emergency info at the trailhead visitor center.
  • Night hiking and off-trail camping are prohibited without a special permit.

5. Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors

  • Carry your passport or ID for entry verification in reservation-based parks.
  • Use official KNPS visitor centers for map guidance and translation support.
  • Follow designated trails; drones are restricted inside most national parks.
  • Download the “National Park App (KNPS)” for live trail conditions, emergency alerts, and GPS tracking in English.

All national park staff are trained in basic English communication, and emergency operators (dial 119) can connect you with English interpreters 24/7.

References & Credible Sources

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