Seoraksan is Korea’s finest mountain landscape. Granite peaks, ancient Buddhist temples, dramatic gorges, and the most spectacular autumn foliage in the country. Here is everything you need to visit.
Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon Province covers 398 square kilometres of mountain terrain on the northeastern coast of Korea. The park reaches its peak visual state in early October, when the maple and oak forests turn vivid red and gold, but it is rewarding in every season: spring wildflowers, summer green valleys, and winter snow on the granite peaks.
Getting to Seoraksan
- From Seoul to Sokcho: Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) to Sokcho Bus Terminal. About 2.5 to 3 hours,s depending on traffic. Around 19,000 won. Buses depart every 30 to 60 minutes.
- From Seoul by ITX: ITX-Cheong Chungang line to Gangneung, then local bus to Sokchaboutt, 2.5 hours total.
- Sokcho to Seoraksan: Local bus from Sokcho Bus Terminal to Seoraksan National Park entrance (Sogongwon area). About 20 minutes, 1,350 won T-money.
Stay in Sokcho: Sokcho is the nearest city and an excellent base. The East Sea coast seafood in Sokcho, particularly crab and raw fish, is excellent. Stay one or two nights for a proper mountain and coast combination.
Main Trails
Ulsanbawi Rock Trail (Most Popular)
The most visited trail in Seoraksan. A 4-kilometre round trip from the Sogongwon entrance to the base of Ulsanbawi, a formation of six massive granite boulders rising 873 metres. The final section climbs 808 steep steps to a viewing platform with panoramic views over the park. Trail difficulty: moderate. Time: 3 to 4 hours round trip.
The route passes Sinheungsa Temple (free entry, the oldest surviving Zen temple in Korea) and Heundeulbawi (a 16-tonne boulder that visibly wobbles when pushed but cannot be toppled). Both are worth time on the way up.
Daecheongbong Summit Trail (Hardest, Best Views)
The highest peak in Seoraksan is at 1,708 metres. The main approach from Osaek in the south takes about 7 to 8 hours round trip and involves significant elevation gain. The summit views on a clear day extend to the East Sea coast and north toward the North Korean mountains.
Permit required: Daecheongbong requires reservation through the national park website (knps.or.kr). Daily limits apply. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for the autumn foliage season (early to mid-October).
Biseondae and Towangseong Falls (Easiest)
A relatively flat 3-kilometre trail from Sogongwon to Biseondae (a large smooth rock formation beside the river) and the Towangseong waterfall (98 metres, impressive during or after rainfall). Suitable for all fitness levels. About 2 to 3 hours round trip.
Outer Seorak – Dinosaur Ridge (Best Scrambling)
The Outer Seorak area (accessible from Osaek or Hangyeryeong Pass) features more challenging technical trails, including the Dinosaur Ridge route, which follows an exposed granite spine with chains and ladders. For experienced hikers comfortable with exposure. Not recommended for first-time visitors to the park.
Best Time to Visit Seoraksan
- Autumn (early to mid-October): Peak foliage. The finest visual experience in the park. Busiest weekend crowds. Book accommodation in Sokcho at least 3 weeks ahead.
- Spring (April to May): Azalea and cherry blossom on the lower slopes—significantly fewer crowds than in autumn.
- Summer (June to August): Green and lush. Good for waterfall trails after rainfall. Hot at lower elevations but cool on the peaks.
- Winter (December to March): Snow on the upper mountain. The granite peaks with fresh snow are extraordinary. Some trails close due to ice.
Park Fees and Facilities
- National park entry: Free since 2020
- Sinheungsa Temple grounds: Free
- Ropeway (optional shortcut to views): Around 11,000 won return
- Accommodation in the park: Limited to the park management authority shelter near Daecheongbong. Booking essential.
