All About Seoraksan National Park 설악산 국립공원

📍833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 속초시 설악산로 833 설악산국립공원 외설악매표소
🚆Express Bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Seokcho, bus #7 or #7-1 to the park entrance
🕒 6:00 – 20:00 daily | 9:00 – 17:30 (Seorak Cable Car)
₩  Free entry | Cable Car: 15,000 won ($11) for adults & 11,000 won ($8) for children
🌐 http://seorak.knps.or.kr | https://www.sorakcablecar.co.kr
☎️ +82 33-801-0900

Korea has something special for you if you’re into nature and love hitting the trails. There are loads of awesome mountains and natural spots to check out, and one of the coolest is Seoraksan National Park. It’s Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is even on the IUCN Green List. 

Located in Gangwon-do province in the northeast, this park is famous for its stunning scenery, diverse plants and animals, and cultural vibe. It has over 4,000 animal species, 1,000 plant species, and even five temples! In this article, we’re sharing all the details you need to know about visiting Seoraksan National Park, from when it was open to what you absolutely can’t miss while you’re there. Check it out!

How to get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul

By Bus

Buses are a good choice for public transportation to Seoraksan National Park since no trains run there.

To reach Seoraksan National Park from Seoul, head to Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and catch an Express Bus bound for Sokcho. These buses operate from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with about 36 daily trips, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. 

Once you arrive at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, walk 100 meters towards the traffic light on your right, cross the road, turn left, and walk 20 meters to find the bus stop. Take bus #7 or #7-1 to the park entrance, the last stop on the route, and take 30 to 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the terminal’s taxi stand. If you’re staying south of the Han River, such as in Gangnam, departing from Seoul Express Bus Terminal on the same side would be convenient.

By Tours

You can book day trips from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park through various companies offering different itinerary choices. These tours typically include stops at one or two other attractions during the journey and allow plenty of time for exploring the park, either with a guide or on your own. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy the park’s main highlights without handling the logistics. Check out the tours on Viator or Klook for convenience!

Things to see and do in Seoraksan National Park

Ride Seorak Cable Car

You can still enjoy breathtaking views at Seoraksan National Park if you’re not an avid hiker. Take a quick five-minute cable car ride from the park entrance to reach the top of Gwongeumseong Peak. 

There’s a cafe, restrooms, and outdoor viewing areas. For more sights, take a 15-minute walk to the “fortress” site, then allow about half an hour to explore and take photos before returning. Remember, tickets can only be bought on the day due to potential wind-related service suspensions. Check out their website for more details.

Check out Sinheungsa Temple and the Giant Buddha

Tucked away among the trees and mountains of Seoraksan, you’ll find a significant temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It’s right at the start of the Ulsanbawi Rock trail, but it’s easy to miss since it blends so well with its surroundings. This temple has been around since the mid-600s AD, although it’s been rebuilt several times due to fires. The current version has been standing for about 500 years.

Don’t worry about finding it—it’s well-signposted from the entrance, and you’ll walk right past it on your way to and from Ulsanbawi Peak. Plus, it’s home to one of the park’s highlights: a nearly 15-meter (45-foot) tall bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by dense trees and towering mountains, it’s a spot you’ll want to snap a few photos of as you go by.

Explore Geumganggul Cave

Geumganggul Cave is nestled in the rocks of Seoraksan Mountain, about 600 meters above sea level. This small cave, spanning 23 square meters, used to be a spot for worship and now holds a stone-sitting Buddha and some old earthenware. 

Getting up there requires some effort, with a steep path, bridges to cross, and concrete stairways to climb. But trust us, the view of Cheonbuldong Valley from up there is stunning!

Conquer Ulsanbawi Rock

For many, the star of Seoraksan National Park is undoubtedly the stunning rock formation of Ulsanbawi. It’s like nature’s masterpiece, with six massive peaks soaring up to 900 meters above sea level. They call it “Ulsanbawi” because the peaks spread like a fence in the middle of Seoraksan Mountain. People love it for its unique shape, the beautiful scenery all around, and the awesome hiking trails it offers. 

Relax at Biryong Waterfall

Biryongpokpo Falls sits nestled between Towangseong Falls in the upper region and Yukdam Falls in the lower region. Its name comes from the shape of the waterfall’s stream, which resembles a dragon ascending to heaven. The falls cascade 16 meters to the ground, with their roaring sound echoing throughout the valley. During winter, the falls freeze, creating stunning frozen water columns. Beneath the falls, a clear pond forms, surrounded by a wooden observation deck, offering visitors a picturesque spot to take in the beauty of nature.

Visit Towangseong Waterfall Observatory 

After Biryong Waterfall, you’ll encounter steep metal steps that vanish into the forest above. Climbing these challenging steps is well worth it because, at the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Towangseong Waterfall.

This 320-meter-high waterfall cascades down the side of the mountain, showcasing one of the many natural wonders of Seoraksan National Park.

Best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park features many stunning hiking trails, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views. Here are some of the top hikes you can refer to:

Ulsanbawi Rock Hike

• Length: 3.8km (1-way)
• Average travel time: 2hrs 20mins (1-way)
• Difficulty: Advanced

The hike to Ulsanbawi Rock is a top attraction in the park, especially on clear days. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning valley views and reach the peak of breathtaking vistas of the area. Ulsanbawi Rock is a remarkable six-peaked granite ridge, towering around 870 meters (2860 feet) above sea level. Also, explore Gyejoam Temple, nestled on the mountainside, and perhaps snap a photo at the renowned “rocking rock” (Heundeulbawi).

Daeseung Waterfall Trail

• Length: 2.4km (1 way)
• Average travel time: 2 hrs (1 way)
• Difficulty: Advanced

The Daeseung Waterfall Trail is ideal for those who enjoy the sound of rushing water. It leads to the Daeseung Waterfall, offering a more substantial experience than the Biryong trail. However, the waterfall’s impressiveness depends on seasonal rainfall, so checking conditions before heading out is best. 

This 11.3 km round-trip is challenging and not recommended for beginners. Still, the trail features captivating rock formations, bubbling streams, and tranquil ponds, making it a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.

Daecheongbong Trail

• Length: O-saec Course 오색 4.6km (1-way)
• Average travel time: 3hrs 40mins (1-way)
• Difficulty: Advanced

If you’re a fan of heights, why not challenge yourself with the tallest peak in Seoraksan National Park? It’s also the 7th highest in South Korea, making it a great starting point if you tackle more peaks. 

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This trail offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience, featuring diverse landscapes that include dense forests, rocky terrains, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

There is a shelter available for overnight stays called the Hungak shelter. This is the only multi-day hike option in Seoraksan National Park, but highly experienced hikers can complete it in just one day.

Biryong Falls Trail

• Length: 2.4km (1 way)
• Average travel time: 50 mins (1 way)
• Difficulty: Moderate

If you love waterfalls, don’t miss the Biryong Falls trail. It’s a relatively short hike that starts on a wide, flat nature trail through the forest and then climbs alongside the river to two different waterfalls. You can also extend the walk to an observation deck for Towangseong Falls, the tallest waterfall in the country. Remember that the staircase feels like a constant workout with limited resting spots, but it’s only an additional 400 meters.

Biseondae Rock Trail

• Length: 3km (1 way)
• Average travel time: 50 – 1 hours (1 way)
• Difficulty: Easy

This trail leads to Biseondae, a rock terrace with breathtaking views of the park’s clear valleys. It’s a serene and picturesque hike, perfect for those wanting to enjoy Seoraksan’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

Best time to visit Seoraksan National Park

The best time to visit Seoraksan National Park in South Korea depends on what you enjoy.

• Spring (April to May): This season is great for flower and cherry blossom lovers. Mild weather and lush greenery are perfect for hiking.
• Summer (June to August): It is hot and humid but ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and waterfall exploration. 

• Autumn (September to November) is the best time for stunning foliage and crisp weather. It is perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
• Winter (December to March): Ideal for snow enthusiasts with picturesque landscapes. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities, but some trails may be closed due to heavy snowfall.

Nearby attractions

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market

• Address: 12, Jungang-ro 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
• Open hours: 8:00 – 22:00 daily

The Sokcho Tourist Fish Market opened in 1953 and is a must-visit spot in Sokcho. Within the building, you’ll find shops selling clothing, daily necessities, and other general products, along with the Nonghyup Hanaro Mart and the Raw Fish Center, where fresh live fish and seafood are available at reasonable prices.

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The alley market is divided into several alleyways specializing in vegetables and fruits, chili peppers, blood sausage, salted seafood, and chicken. Notably, fresh agricultural and fish products and dried seafood entice visitors.

The chicken alley, in particular, is a favorite among tourists. It offers various crunchy and spicy dak gangjeong (glazed fried chicken bites) with unique flavors. It’s a must-try in Sokcho!

 Sokcho Beach

• Address: 190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Beach is just a 7-minute walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, making it a convenient spot to chill while waiting for your bus. The beach stretches about 450 meters and boasts cool sculptures like dolphins and a giant compass. You’ll love the clear water and fine sand—it’s perfect for soaking up some sun. And when you get hungry, plenty of restaurants are nearby to grab a bite. Don’t forget to check out the pine forest and trail behind the beach for a little nature fix!

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To sum it up, Seoraksan National Park is a real gem of a destination in South Korea. There’s so much to see and do, from its breathtaking peaks to its peaceful valleys and cultural sites. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider adding Seoraksan to your list. We hope this article has given you some great ideas for your adventure. Have an awesome trip, and enjoy every moment at this stunning park!

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