Imagine standing on rugged granite peaks with a sea of fiery autumn leaves below you, while the sound of temple bells drifts through misty valleys. That’s Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)—South Korea’s ultimate mountain escape and one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in all of East Asia
Did you know that more than 70% of Korea is mountainous? Among all those peaks, Seoraksan stands out as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural history. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just looking for a scenic day trip, Seoraksan deserves a spot on your Korea travel itinerary.
Why Seoraksan Should Be on Your Korea Bucket List
Seoraksan lies in Gangwon-do province, near the coastal city of Sokcho, and the name means “Snowy Crags Mountain.” Once you get here, you’ll see why Koreans treasure it so much.
- Jaw-dropping landscapes: Covering 164 square kilometers, the park is dotted with 30 soaring granite peaks. Its highest summit, Daecheongbong (대청봉), reaches 1,708 meters (5,603 feet)—the third-highest in Korea. Landmarks like Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위) are so iconic they’ve been painted and written about for centuries.
- Wildlife and biodiversity: Over 1,000 plant species and more than 1,500 animal species call this place home, including rare ones you won’t spot elsewhere. It’s been protected since 1965, so much of the park still feels wonderfully pristine.
- Temples and culture: Don’t miss Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사), founded way back in the 7th century. With its giant bronze Buddha and traditional wooden halls tucked into the mountains, it’s the perfect place to pause and soak in Seoraksan’s spiritual side.
- Hikes for everyone: From easy valley walks and a cable car ride to all-day treks up to Daecheongbong, there’s a trail for every fitness level. Seriously, everyone can find their happy place here.
When to Visit Seoraksan: Seasons at a Glance
Each season transforms the park into something completely different:
| Season | Highlights | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (Sept–Oct) | The famous fiery fall foliage. This is peak season and also peak crowds. | Book hotels and buses early. Trust me, weekdays are way calmer than weekends. |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and mild hiking weather. | A quieter, equally colorful alternative to autumn. |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Lush greenery, roaring waterfalls, but hot and humid with monsoon rains. | Start hikes early, bring tons of water and rain gear. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Snow-dusted peaks and crystal-clear skies. | Some trails close for safety. Bundle up and wear proper winter gear. |
Pro tip: Most travelers aim for autumn, but spring is just as magical—without the massive crowds fighting for cable car tickets.
Must-See Trails and Attractions
Most visitors enter through Oeseorak (Outer Seorak), near Sokcho’s Seorak-dong area. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Easy & Family-Friendly
- Sinheungsa Temple & Great Unification Buddha – Just a 20-minute stroll from the entrance (about 1 km). Don’t miss the massive 14.6-meter bronze Buddha that symbolizes hope for reunification. It’s impressive up close!
- Seoraksan Cable Car & Gwongeumseong Fortress – A quick 5-minute ride gives you sweeping views with just a short walk at the top. Buy tickets the moment you arrive—they sell out lightning-fast, especially on weekends!
- Biryong Falls Trail – About 2.4 km each way (1.5-2 hours round trip). A gentle forest hike that ends at a waterfall plunging into a gorgeous turquoise pool. Perfect for families.
Moderate & Iconic
- Ulsanbawi Rock – 3.8 km each way (3-4 hours round trip), including 808 stairs near the top. Yeah, it’s tough, but the 360° view over Sokcho and the East Sea? Totally worth every step.
- Geumganggul Cave – A hermitage tucked into a cliff, reached by a steep climb (about 3 hours round trip). Perfect if you want something quieter and off the beaten path.
- Towangseong Falls Observatory – A challenging hike, but the view of one of Asia’s tallest waterfalls (320 meters!) is absolutely spectacular. Your legs might hate you, but your camera roll will thank you.
Challenging & Epic
- Daecheongbong Peak – At 1,708 meters, this is the ultimate prize. Expect a full-day climb or overnight trek. The Osaek Trail is the shortest but steepest route. Mountain shelters must be reserved far in advance through the Korea National Park Service, especially in autumn (spots go fast!).
How to Get There
From Seoul to Sokcho: Express buses run from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong-Seoul Bus Terminal. The ride takes 2.5–3.5 hours and costs about ₩15,000–20,000. Pretty straightforward!
From Sokcho to Seoraksan: Hop on bus No. 7 or 7-1 to the main entrance (Seorak-dong/Sogongwon). Takes about 30–40 minutes. T-Money cards work like a charm here.
Day Tours: If you’d rather skip the logistics, plenty of Seoul-based tours include transport and a guide. Sometimes the easiest option if you’re short on time.
Visitor Info & Essential Tips
- Admission: Around ₩3,500 per adult—pretty affordable for what you get!
- Park Hours: Open dawn to dusk. Some trails have seasonal closures, so check ahead.
- Trail Status: Higher elevation trails sometimes close due to snow, typhoons, or fire danger. Always check the official Korea National Park Service website before you go: http://english.knps.or.kr
- What to Bring: Proper hiking boots (the trails can be rocky!), water, snacks, layers, and rain gear if you’re visiting in summer.
- Navigation: Download Naver Map or Kakao Map before you arrive—trust me, Google Maps won’t cut it in Korea.
- Language: Signage is usually in Korean and English, but grab Papago (translation app) just in case.
- Facilities: Shops, restaurants, and clean restrooms at the entrance. Once you hit the trails, you’re pretty much on your own, so plan accordingly.
Stay in Sokcho: The Perfect Base
Sokcho is a charming seaside city just 30 minutes from the park. It’s famous for insanely fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and super relaxed vibes—an ideal place to crash after a day of hiking. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to comfortable hotels, plus the seafood markets are an experience in themselves.
How to Plan Your Perfect Trip
Day Trip from Seoul: Hit up Sinheungsa Temple, take the cable car, and tackle either Ulsanbawi or Biryong Falls. That’s a full, satisfying day right there.
Weekend Escape: Stay overnight in Sokcho. Hike Ulsanbawi or Towangseong Falls on day one, explore the city’s seafood markets and beaches on day two. Perfect balance of mountain and coast.
Multi-Day Adventure: Book mountain shelters way in advance and go for Daecheongbong Peak. Combine with a couple days in Sokcho for the ultimate nature + coastal getaway.
Seoraksan isn’t just another mountain—it’s where nature and culture meet in the most spectacular way possible. One moment you’ll be standing in front of a centuries-old temple, the next you’ll be gasping at the view from a granite cliff with clouds swirling around your feet.
So, whether you come for the fiery autumn leaves, the peaceful spring blossoms, or the snow-capped winter peaks, one thing’s for sure: Seoraksan will stay with you long after you’ve left Korea. It’s one of those places that just gets under your skin in the best way.
Pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, charge your phone (for all those Instagram-worthy shots), and get ready. Your Seoraksan adventure is waiting, and it’s going to be epic.
See you on the trails! 🥾⛰️