I'm planning a two week trip to South Korea this summer to do some camping and hiking. As an experienced camper in North America, I'm unfamiliar with what to expect camping-wise in South Korea. For those who have camped there before, what are some good camping spots you'd recommend checking out? I'll be basing myself out of Seoul but have a Jeep rented so I'm open to driving a few hours for great multi-day hike/camp locations.

Also, are there any places near Seoul where I could do some overnight camping or day hiking? I'd love to do a couple of shorter trips close to the city as well.

Any other tips related to gear, permits or cultural norms related to camping there? Looking forward to hearing from others who have tackled the trails in South Korea!

Me and my friend camped two nights at Guryong Campsite at Chiaksan National Park which is about 2 hours drive from Seoul, although public transportation is also available. The hike will depend on your health and fitness, but mine took me 8 hours. Remember to take plenty of water stops on the way up since it was pretty steep. Showers can be had at the campsite, however, please note it's a shared shower facility. For first-timers in South Korea, especially those from countries where communal shower facilities aren't typical, the change might catch you off guard. There’s even a convenience store near the campsite where you could have beers. No permits required, but remember to register first.

Thanks so much for the recommendation, @Brotherjeep! Chiaksan National Park looks beautiful, and I appreciate the tips about the Guryong Campsite. Shared shower facilities do take some getting used to, but I'm sure it will be a unique experience. I also came across these tourism statistics for Seoul—informative on weather, transport, culture, etc. https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in-seoul-statistics-2023-the-ultimate-guide-5535. It really helped give me a well-rounded picture of what to expect in South Korea. Guryong seems perfect for hiking the park.

The shared shower facilities are indeed part of the experience, and you'll find them common at many campsites and public bathhouses (jjimjilbang) in Korea. I'm glad you found those tourism statistics helpful for planning your trip. Enjoy your trip to Seoul and Chiaksan National Park!