Why Hike in Korea?
South Korea is a modern and safe nation with thousands of stunning peaks and trails that reveal her long rich culture and history. South Korea is a friendly host for international travelers. It is the new destination for visitors to North East Asia. If you are looking for a guided hike, take a look at some of the designed hikes in the menu bar. 'But' I can take you anywhere in Korea. So many peaks, so many choices. Contact me on the WhatsApp icon. Or email me at [email protected] with your idea. Thank you.
May 2026 – The Jirisan Day Loop.
I enthusiastically recommend Roger. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the park, and regaled us with fun accounts of his adventurous life in his native New Zealand, Africa, and now Korea. He also helped and encouraged us through what was probably a somewhat more ambitious hike than I should have attempted at age 71. (I am an experienced hiker, but not getting any younger. ) But even though I probably won’t try anything quite so ambitious in the future, I will never regret what was probably the most spectacular hike in a life filled with many wonderful hikes. And yes, we made it all the way to the top, and back down again. Roger suggested a loop hike that got us away from the crowds, and was in many ways the best part of the hike. Yay Roger. Mary, United States.
South Korea is a mountainous land. Once run by Kingdoms. Its numerous peaks shape culture, belief, and daily life.
An old web of trails has evolved into a vast modern network crossing ridges, forests, temples, coasts, and cities. With dozens of parks and countless trails, South Korea feels like a vast labyrinth.
Individuals, couples, small groups and families - I have been guiding international hikers across Korea for over 15 years. I know this terrain inside out: how to move, where to stay, what to eat, how life really works beyond the cities. My trips are multi-day, fully guided adventures: traveling by SUV, hiking new peaks each day, staying in different towns, eating well, and discovering a side of Korea most visitors never see.
You’ll get experienced, professional guidance - and something far more personal than a standard tour. I can design hiking tours for a range of age groups and abilities.
Designed Hiking Tours
Individuals, couples, small groups and families - I have been guiding international hikers across Korea for over 15 years. I know this terrain inside out: how to move, where to stay, what to eat, how life really works beyond the cities. This isn’t a side job. It’s my life’s work. My connection to Korea goes deeper than guiding. I’ve published six books on its mountains, and before COVID-19, my work took me into North Korea to photograph the Baekdu-daegan. Those images became exhibitions across Korea and abroad - from Pyongyang to Kyoto to New Zealand - capturing the peninsula as one landscape, one story. I’ve also worked with MBC Korea on two documentaries about those journeys, and I’m well known within Korea’s hiking community. My trips are multi-day, fully guided adventures: traveling by SUV, hiking new peaks each day, staying in different towns, eating well, and discovering a side of Korea most visitors never see. You’ll get experienced, professional guidance - and something far more personal than a standard tour. I can design hiking tours for a range of age groups and abilities. See my career details here.
HIKEKOREA
Mountain Hiking in Korea: Founded in 2009, HIKE KOREA designs guided hikes for international visitors, led by New Zealander Roger Shepherd. Trips span all of South Korea, with past trips reaching even the remote Paektu Plateau in North Korea. Korea is a mountainous land where peaks shape culture, belief, and daily life. Come and see in the provinces, how that extends through music, art, language and foods - mixed with an ancient idea of san-shin (mountain spirits) and pungsu-jiri (geomantic energy). An old web of village trails has evolved into a vast modern network crossing ridges, forests, temples, coasts, and cities. With dozens of parks and countless trails, Korea feels like a vast labyrinth. For your next trip to Asia, consider Korea.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I organised an eight day hiking trip to South Korea for myself and a group of eight males, mostly from Ireland. I found Roger online and from the beginning he was knowledgeable, responsive and extremely helpful. He helped design a program to climb several mountains throughout Korea, including an overnight at a refuge and a sunrise summit. He answered all my questions promptly, was very flexible when one of our group had to withdraw and the trip went without a hitch. The transport was a comfortable modern minibus, the hotels were all very nice and the spa visits after every climb were well received by all. Roger and his colleague, Dong Il were very professional, logistics all worked well and most importantly, they fitted in very well to the gregarious nature of the group. I would have no hesitation in recommending Roger and Dong Il for anyone planning a trip to South Korea. Terry Kelleher IrelandPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The time we had with Roger really made our trip to Korea an amazing experience. Having not been to Korea before, but keen hikers, we knew we wanted an outdoor, touring experience, but didnt know the locations. We asked Roger to put together a 6 day itinerary and left him to it ... he came up with an awesome mix of hiking, sightseeing and food experiences tracking south from Jeonju to Hamyang and the coast at Namhae. Roger brings a huge depth of knowledge on the mountains, the culture and the history of Korea. Add to that a very friendly character and it was one of the best trips we have undertaken.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a fantastic experience!. Roger and his team tailored our hikes, accomodation and the wonderful meals to the complex needs of our group of 9. His knowledge and expertise enabled us to enjoy the glorious scenery without any stress or hassle. I couldn't recommend Hike Korea warmly enough.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our hike in the Jirisan National Park was beautiful with so many of the trees just beginning to have their Spring leaves and many of the hillsides blanketed in mauve azaleas. Roger crafted a terrific walk for our group of nine - challenging but not too challenging, varied in terms of landscape and vegetation and well supported by excellent accommodation and meals. We all learned a lot about South Korea’s history and its current state. I would highly recommend this hike and, Roger as a guide, to anyone interested in exploring the less populated parts of South Korea.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Roger is an informed guide who provides a great experience. Our group had a well-organised trip in the Jiri-San that had a variety of experiences and enjoyable engagements with local people. Roger is flexible and considerate while offering clear advice and guidance.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guide, knows the area (probably all of South Korea) better than most locals. Always helpful, friendly and kiwi cool. A genuine Gen X legend. Would recommend to anyone looking for a day or more of adventure and nature.
Hiking tour deposits to fix dates, can be arranged through PayPal. Balance payments can be made with an international bank transfer or in-person with a Visa/MasterCard on my wireless card-terminal (EasyCheck) in Korea. 
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys with HIKE KOREA are run as backpacking expeditions. I’m a qualified External Activity Provider (L2) with 10+ years’ experience delivering programs in South Korea for international schools. If your school is part of the DofE Award and looking for a Korea-based expedition, get in touch. Bronze, Silver, and Gold courses available.
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Books by Roger Shepherd
