An Ultimate Guide to Seoraksan National Park for First-time Visitors

For all the first-time visitors trying to see Seoraksan National Park, here is the ultimate guide that will answer all your questions!

Seoraksan National Park, home to Seoraksan or Mount Seorak, is the third-highest mountain in Korea. It is a popular hiking destination blessed with dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and jagged ridges. It offers spectacular landscapes all year round with jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. It is no wonder Seoraksan is one of the top-rated destinations in Korea.

For those who are planning to embark on their first adventure to Seoraksan National Park, here’s a comprehensive guide with great tips for you!

1. Where is Seoraksan National Park

2. How to Get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul

3. Where to Visit within Seoraksan National Park

4. 5 Best Attractions at Seoraksan National Park

5. Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park

▷Check out hassle-free tours to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul!◁

1. Where is Seoraksan National Park

Located in Gangwon Province in eastern Korea, Seoraksan National Park spans 4 cities and counties, Sokcho, Goseong, Yangyang, and Inje.  The park is divided mainly into two areas – Oe-Seorak (Outer Seorak) and Nae-Seorak (Inner Seorak).

From Daecheongbong Peak (1,708m), the highest peak in the park in the center, the eastern area is referred to as Oe-Seorak, and the western area is Nae-Seorak.

2. How to Get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul

Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to get from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park.

1) By Car

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a car is a great option. Within 3 hours by car, you can reach Seoraksan National Park, which is close enough to make a day trip or weekend getaway from Seoul. There is ample parking available near the entrance of Seoraksan National Park. It’s best to take a tour if you want to take the hassle out of organizing your trip.

Book a Private Transfer to Sokcho from Seoul!

• Intercity Private Van Transfer from Incheon/Gimpo Airport/Seoul
• Korea Chartered Bus Private Tour for Big Group (Departing from Seoul)

2) By Express Bus

One of the most convenient ways to get to Seoraksan from Seoul is by taking an express bus. Head to the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, also known as Gangnam Bus Terminal (Express Bus Terminal Station, Subway Line 3, 7, 9). Then purchase a ticket to Sokcho, the city nearest to Seoraksan. Once you arrive at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, take local bus number 7 or 7-1 towards Seoraksan Sogongwon Park, the main entrance to the park. The local bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

3) By Train

While there is no direct train service to Seoraksan, you can take a train partway and then switch to a bus. Take a KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station. The KTX ride takes about 2 hours. From Gangneung Station, take an intercity bus to Sokcho, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Book Your Korail Pass (KR Pass) via Trazy!

• Korail Pass (KR Pass): Unlimited KTX & Trains Rides (2/3/4/5 days)

3. Where to Visit within Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park, one of South Korea’s most treasured natural landmarks, is divided into two main areas: Oe-Seorak (Outer Seorak) and Nae-Seorak (Inner Seorak). Each region offers distinct experiences, catering to different types of visitors and showcasing the park’s diverse landscapes.

For first-time travelers, visiting Oe-Seorak, or Outer Seorak is highly recommended. Compared to Nae-Seorak, it’s more easily accessible from major cities like Seoul, making it a popular destination for tourists. On the other hand, Nae-Seorak is less accessible than Oe-Seorak, requiring a longer journey, but offering a more secluded and tranquil experience.

Check out the key attractions of Oe-Seorak & Nae-Seorak!

[Oe-Seorak (Outer Seorak)]

• Sogongwon Park: The main entrance to Oe-Seorak, featuring visitor facilities, information centers, and starting points for various trails.
• Sinheungsa Temple: A historic Buddhist temple known for its giant bronze Buddha statue, perfect for those interested in cultural and spiritual sites.
• Ulsanbawi Rock: A challenging but rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the park. The trail includes steep sections with metal staircases.
• Biryong Falls and Towangseong Falls: Beautiful waterfalls that provide a scenic and relatively easy hike, ideal for families and casual hikers.
• Gwongeumseong Fortress: Accessible via a cable car from Sogongwon Park, this ancient fortress site offers stunning views of the mountains and the East Sea.

[Nae-Seorak (Inner Seorak)]

• Baekdamsa Temple: A serene temple located deep within the park, providing a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into traditional Korean Buddhism.
• Yongso Falls: A series of picturesque waterfalls surrounded by dense forest, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
• Osaek Mineral Spring: Known for its naturally carbonated waters, this area is popular for its health benefits and scenic beauty.
• Daecheongbong Peak: The highest peak in Seoraksan, offering challenging hikes and rewarding summit views. Best suited for experienced hikers.
• Seongguksa Temple: A lesser-known but equally beautiful temple, offering a quiet escape and spiritual solace.

4. 5 Best Attractions at Seoraksan National Park

For hikers and nature lovers, Seoraksan National Park offers an incredible hiking experience. The park has several scenic hiking trails, featuring spectacular cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and many other natural wonders. They can be accomplished in a few hours, making the park ideal for a day hike.

1) Sinheungsa Temple

Sinheungsa Temple is one of the oldest Zen temples in the world, originally built in the 7th century. Located near the entrance of the park at Sogongwon Park, making it easily accessible for visitors. One of the highlights of this temple is its massive bronze statue, standing 14.6 meters high, representing a symbol of Korean unification.

2) Ulsanbawi Rock

Ulsanbawi Rock is a prominent rock formation consisting of six granite peaks, known for its steep and rugged appearance. The hike starts from Sogongwon Park and takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The summit offers breathtaking views of the park and the East Sea!

3) Seoraksan Cable Car

The Seoraksan Cable Car provides an easy and scenic way to experience the park’s beauty without a strenuous hike. It’s a popular cable car that takes you up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, a stone fortress at the top of Seoraksan Mountain, which offers fascinating views of the park.

4) Gwongeumseong Fortress

Gwongeumseong Fortress is believed to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty as a military outpost. It’s accessible via the Seoraksan Cable Car, followed by a short hike. You’ll get to enjoy the 360-degree views in the park, encompassing mountains, valleys, and the distant sea.

5) Daecheongbong Peak

Standing at 1,708 meters, Daecheongbong Peak is the highest peak in the Taebaek mountain range and the third highest in South Korea. Reaching the summit is a challenging endeavor, typically taking 10-12 hours round trip. However, many hikers start their ascent early to witness the stunning sunrise from the peak.

5. Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park, one of South Korea’s most cherished natural landmarks, offers stunning and diverse landscapes that transform with each season. It’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year as it offers stunning scenery all year round.

1) Spring (March to May)

Spring is a time of renewal at Seoraksan National Park, with the landscape bursting into vibrant colors as flowers bloom and trees come to life. In early spring, cherry blossoms paint the park in shades of pink and white, especially around Sinheungsa Temple and Sogongwon Park. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for hiking and outdoor activities.

2) Summer (June to August)

Summer at Seoraksan is lush and green, with the park’s dense forests providing a cool refuge from the heat. The park’s waterfalls, such as Biryong Falls and Yukdam Falls, are particularly spectacular during this season due to increased water flow from summer rains. While it can be hot, the higher elevations and shaded trails provide cooler conditions.

• Seoraksan National Park & Surfyy Beach 1 Day Tour (Jun 1~Sept 2)

3) Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is arguably the most popular season to visit Seoraksan, as the park’s foliage turns into a spectacular array of reds, oranges, and yellows. The park is famous for its autumn colors, attracting visitors from all over the country. Key spots for foliage viewing include Ulsanbawi Rock, Biryong Falls, and the paths around Sinheungsa Temple.

• Seoraksan National Park (+ Seasonal Flower Festival Option) 1 Day Tour – from Seoul (Sept 15~Nov 17)
• Korea Autumn/Fall Foliage 1 Day Tour to Mountains & National Parks – from Seoul (Oct 10~Nov 10)

4) Winter (December to February)

Winter at Seoraksan transforms the park into a serene and magical snowy landscape, offering a different kind of beauty and tranquility. The park’s peaks and trails are blanketed in snow, creating stunning winter scenes. Ulsanbawi Rock and the higher elevations are particularly beautiful. Waterfalls like Biryong and Yukdam freeze over, providing unique and picturesque ice formations.

Looking for tours to Seoraksan National Park and nearby attractions?

• Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour (Join-in/Private)
• Seoraksan National Park & Naksansa Temple Tour
• Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island Tour
• Nami Island & Seoraksan National Park Tour (+ Garden of Morning Calm/Rail Bike options)
• Seoraksan National Park Private Tour (+ Nami Island/Naksansa Temple/Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm)
• 3D2N Gangwon Biking, Hiking & Surfing Tour from Seoul

For those hoping to visit Seoraksan National Park, browse our collection of Seoraksan National Park tours at Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!

[Photo Credits]
cc.photoshare 설악산 단풍, by 서배이 via photopin (license)
stacya October 12 via photopin (license)
Seoraksan National Park Official Website
Seoraksan National Park Cable Car Official Website
Korea Tourism Organization Official Website