If you're planning a trip to South Korea, putting some Seoraksan National Park hikes on your itinerary is a total no-brainer. This place is basically the crown jewel of Korea's mountains, and honestly, no matter how many photos you see online, they don't really do the granite peaks and deep green valleys justice. Located over on the northeast coast near the city of Sokcho, it's a bit of a trek from Seoul, but it's worth every second of the bus ride.
I've spent quite a bit of time wandering these trails, and what I love most is that there's something for literally everyone. You don't have to be a hardcore mountaineer to enjoy the park, though if you are, you'll definitely find ways to test your legs. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll by a stream or a grueling climb to the highest peak, the variety of Seoraksan national park hikes will keep you busy for days.
The Iconic Climb: Ulsanbawi Rock
If you only have time for one hike, it's probably going to be Ulsanbawi. This is the one you see on all the postcards—the massive, jagged granite ridge that looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie. It's categorized as an intermediate hike, but let's be real: it's a leg-burner.
The trail starts out pretty easy, winding through the woods past the Sinheungsa Temple (home to that massive bronze Buddha statue you can't miss). Eventually, you'll reach Heunhendeulbawi, which is a "shaking rock" that everyone tries to push. Give it a go, but don't expect it to actually fall off the cliff.
After the rock, things get serious. You'll be faced with about 800 to 900 stairs. They are steep, and in some sections, it feels like you're climbing a ladder. But once you get to the top? Oh man. The view of the East Sea on one side and the inner mountain range on the other is just incredible. Pro tip: get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds, because those stairs can get a bit congested by midday.
An Easy Win: Biseondae Rocks and Geumganggul Cave
Not everyone wants to spend four hours climbing stairs, and that's totally fine. If you want something a bit more laid back, the walk to Biseondae Rocks is perfect. It's mostly flat, following a crystal-clear stream with massive boulders scattered everywhere. It's a great spot to just sit for a minute, listen to the water, and soak in the fresh air.
If you're feeling a little extra energy once you reach Biseondae, you can continue up a very steep (and I mean very steep) set of metal stairs to Geumganggul Cave. It's a tiny cave high up on the cliffside where a monk often sits and prays. The view looking down into the valley from the cave entrance is one of the best perspectives you can get without spending the whole day hiking.
For the Water Lovers: Biryong Falls and Towangseong Falls
If you prefer waterfalls over rocky peaks, you should definitely check out the trail to Biryong Falls. This one is relatively short and takes you over some cool suspension bridges. The "flying dragon" falls are beautiful, especially after it's been raining.
If you've still got some gas in the tank, keep going up the stairs past Biryong to the Towangseong Falls Observatory. This is one of the longest waterfalls in Korea, dropping down three distinct tiers. It's a bit of a climb to the observatory, but looking across the canyon at that massive drop of water is pretty special. Just keep in mind that in the height of summer, the falls can sometimes dry up a bit, so they're most impressive in late spring or fall.
The Big One: Daecheongbong Peak
Alright, for the people who actually want to spend the whole day (or two) on the trail, Daecheongbong is the goal. At 1,708 meters, it's the highest point in the park. This isn't one of those casual Seoraksan national park hikes you do in flip-flops. You need good boots, plenty of water, and a decent level of fitness.
There are a few ways to get there, but many people start from the Oseam or Baekdam-sa side and head up. The climb is relentless, but reaching the summit for sunrise is a "bucket list" experience for many Koreans. If you want to do this, you can actually stay overnight in one of the mountain shelters, but you have to book those way in advance because they fill up the second reservations open. The feeling of being above the clouds at the top of Seoraksan is something you won't forget anytime soon.
The Lazy Way: Gwongeumseong Fortress Cable Car
Okay, calling it "the lazy way" might be a bit mean, but the cable car is a lifesaver if you're traveling with kids, elderly family members, or if your knees are just shot from the day before. The cable car takes you almost to the top of Gwongeumseong Fortress.
Once you hop off the cable car, it's just a short 10-minute walk up some rocky ground to the actual peak. You get those high-altitude views of the "Dinosaur Ridge" (a very jagged, famous ridge line in the park) without having to sweat through your shirt. It's incredibly popular, so if you're there on a weekend, expect to wait in line for a ticket.
When Should You Go?
Timing is everything. Autumn is peak season for a reason. The maples turn bright red and orange, and the whole park looks like it's on fire. It's stunning, but be warned: it is crowded. Like, "standing in line on the trail" crowded.
Winter is beautiful if you like snow, but many of the steeper Seoraksan national park hikes get really icy and dangerous, so you'll need crampons. Spring is great for the wildflowers, and summer is nice if you want to escape the city heat, though it can be quite humid and rainy.
A Few Practical Bits
Before you head out, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Transport: Most people stay in Sokcho. From there, you can catch the No. 7 or 7-1 bus which takes you right to the park entrance. It's super cheap and runs frequently.
- Food: Near the main entrance (Sogongwon), there are plenty of restaurants. You can grab a bowl of bibimbap or some seafood pancakes after your hike. There's nothing like a cold beer and some salty food after a long day on your feet.
- Gear: You don't need professional gear for the easy trails, but for Ulsanbawi or Daecheongbong, please wear actual hiking shoes. The granite can be slippery, and your ankles will thank you.
- Entry Fees: There used to be a fee for the temple area, but recently things have changed regarding park fees in Korea. Usually, you just pay for parking or the cable car now, but it's always good to have a little cash on hand just in case.
Seoraksan is one of those places that stays with you. There's a certain energy there—a mix of the quiet Buddhist temples and the raw, rugged power of the mountains. Whether you're hitting the hard Seoraksan national park hikes or just wandering the lower paths, you're going to have a blast. Just remember to pace yourself, bring a camera, and maybe grab some makgeolli (rice wine) back in Sokcho when you're done!