Solo Hiking Gains Ground as Koreans Seek Health and Reflection (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
DAEJEON, Jan. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — More than seven in 10 South Koreans take part in hiking or forest trail activities at least once a month, underscoring the growing role of nature-based recreation in everyday life, a government survey showed Wednesday.
According to the Korea Forest Service, 73 percent of adults said they hike or walk forest trails at least once a month, making such activities one of the country’s most popular leisure pursuits. The findings were drawn from a nationwide survey of 2,000 adults aged 19 to 79 conducted in November 2025.
The data point to a notable cultural shift in how Koreans engage with the outdoors. Solo hiking — known locally as “hon-san” — has become increasingly common, with 36 percent of hikers and 28 percent of forest trail users saying they typically go alone.
The proportion of solo hikers has risen by 21 percentage points since 2008, suggesting that outdoor activities are increasingly viewed as personal experiences centered on health, reflection and mental well-being rather than social gatherings.
A couple enjoys a leisurely bicycle hike together. (Yonhap)
Health was cited as the leading motivation for hiking and forest walks, followed by enjoyment of walking itself and appreciation of scenery and atmosphere.
Respondents also expressed growing expectations for safer and more accessible infrastructure. When asked what they hoped to see in future forest trail development, the most common requests were safer routes and easier, less physically demanding courses.
A notable share also said information linked to nearby restaurants and cafes could influence their choice of hiking destinations, signaling a closer connection between outdoor recreation and local economies.
Kim In-ho, head of the Korea Forest Service, said the findings would guide future policies aimed at improving safety, expanding infrastructure and promoting responsible forest-use culture.
The full survey report is available on the agency’s website.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
