My hometown Seoul is mega city of 10 million population. As it’s big and crowded, it’s not easy to find places to chill themselves within the city. But Seoul is blessed by mountains and river. Thanks to many mountains surrounded Seoul and river crossed in the middle of the city, Seoul is good place to live.
As Seoul was capital of Korea from 12th century, there are fortress wall along the ridge in Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Namsan and Naksan. Those mountains are literally in the middle of the city. It means you can take a short walk from business buildings in downtown during lunch time and to back to your workplace.
Mountains are border line of Seoul as well. Rocky mountains surrounded this city are good places to enjoy hiking. As I have been hiking for 9 years, hiking is my most favored exercise. I go to many mountains in Korea and overseas. I traveled 50 countries, I can say Seoul is the one and only mega city with so many mountains. You can get to mountains on foot, by bus, subway or by car in 30~60 minutes!
Google satellite map shows topography of this city. Seoul border, red line crossed dark green space which is mountains.
When you are in Seoul, be sure to drop by one of many mountains and hills within or on the border of the city. Hiking is the most favored exercise in South Korea with more than 10 million Koreans do.
