2026 Seoul Trail Complete Guide: Courses to Official Certification

2026 Seoul Trail Complete Guide: Routes to Certification

In the crisp autumn of 2026, set out on an epic 156.5 km journey circling the outer ridges of Seoul. The Seoul Trail is a comprehensive walking network designed to immerse hikers in the city's rich history, culture, and natural ecology. Extensively revamped into "Seoul Trail 2.0" in 2024, the path has been divided into shorter, more accessible sections so anyone can take on the challenge. Here is your complete guide to all 21 courses, plus everything you need to know about getting your official completion certificate.

Seoul Trail 2.0 at a Glance

In April 2024, the trail was restructured from its original 8 courses into 21 shorter sections. Each course now averages around 8 km and takes roughly 3 hours to complete, significantly improving accessibility.

• Total Distance: 156.5 km
• Total Courses: 21
• Admission: Free
• Operating Hours: Open 24/7 (hiking before sunset is strongly recommended for safety)
• Highlights: Stamp tour along the trail with an official certificate awarded upon completion

Course Overview & Difficulty

Seoul Trail 2.0 categorizes its paths into three difficulty levels—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—allowing you to pick routes that match your fitness level. Explore the full breakdown of courses and their current ratings below.

How to Get Certified: Step-by-Step

One of the most rewarding aspects of hiking the Seoul Trail is collecting stamps along the way. Gather all 21 stamps across the course network to earn an official certificate issued under the name of the Mayor of Seoul.

1. Pick Up Your Stamp Book You can pick up a free paper stamp book at any of the following 5 official distribution centers. Be sure to check operating hours before visiting.

   • Seoul Trail Information Center (Iris Garden): Near Dobongsan Station
   • Seoul Trail Information Center (Maeheon Citizens' Forest): Near Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station
   • Seoul City Hall Simincheong
   • Achasan Park Management Office
   • Gwanaksan Park Management Office

2. Collect Stamps Along the Trail Orange stamp kiosks are set up near the starting point, midpoint, and endpoint of each course. Collect all 21 distinct stamps in your booklet as you complete each section.

3. Claim Your Completion Certificate Once you have collected all 21 stamps, bring your booklet to either of the two main information centers below. Your booklet will be verified and you will receive your official completion certificate on the spot.

   • Seoul Trail Information Center (Iris Garden)
   • Seoul Trail Information Center (Maeheon Citizens' Forest)

What to Pack

• Essentials: Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, plenty of water, trail snacks, and a trash bag to pack out what you pack in
• Recommended: Seoul Trail paper map (available at info centers), stamp book, hat, sunscreen, basic first aid kit
• Autumn Additions: A light outer layer or windbreaker to handle sharp temperature swings between day and night

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What benefits do I get for completing the entire Seoul Trail? A. Once you hike all 21 courses and verify every stamp, you will receive an official "Seoul Trail Completion Certificate" issued by the Mayor of Seoul. Beyond the paper certificate, the proud sense of personal accomplishment and having your milestone officially recorded are the best rewards.

Q. Do I have to hike the courses in numerical order? A. Not at all. The Seoul Trail is completely self-guided, meaning you can tackle the courses in any order you like. Feel free to plan your hikes based on your fitness level, schedule, and preferred scenery.

Q. Where can I pick up a stamp book? A. Stamp books and trail maps are distributed free of charge at the two Seoul Trail Information Centers (Iris Garden and Maeheon Citizens' Forest), Seoul City Hall Simincheong, and the park management offices at Achasan and Gwanaksan. The information centers are typically closed on Mondays and public holidays, so check opening times before you go.

Seoul Trail Information Centers

These are your primary hubs for obtaining trail maps, advice, and your final completion certificate.

• Iris Garden Information Center (Changpowon)

  • Location: 916 Madeul-ro, Dobong-gu (outside Dobongsan Station, Exit 2)
  • Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Lunch break 12:00–13:00)
  • Closed: Mondays, January 1, and the Seollal/Chuseok holiday periods

• Maeheon Citizens' Forest Information Center

  • Location: 99 Maeheon-ro, Seocho-gu (near Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station)
  • Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Lunch break 12:00–13:00)
  • Closed: Mondays