Seoraksan National Park Park

Address: Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: http://english.knps.or.kr/Knp/Seoraksan/Intro/Introduction.aspx

Hours: Park open year-round; visitor centers typically 8:00am-6:00pm (seasonal variations)

Admission: Entrance fee typically KRW 3,000-4,000 for adults (varies); cable car/gondola and lifts have separate fares

Seoraksan National Park is a protected mountain park in Gangwon Province in northeastern South Korea, centred on Mount Seorak and renowned for its dramatic granite peaks, rock formations and seasonal foliage. The park is one of South Korea’s most visited natural areas for hiking and scenic viewing.

Key attractions include the highest summit Daecheongbong at 1,708 metres, the Ulsanbawi rock formation with steep ridges and panoramic viewpoints, and the historic Sinheungsa temple which features a large bronze Buddha statue over 14 metres tall near the park entrance. Trails range from short walks to multi-hour ascents and a cable car provides easier access to ridge viewpoints.

Seoraksan has been managed for conservation and recreation since its designation as a national park and contains developed trail networks, visitor facilities and temples that reflect both natural and cultural values. The park’s granite scenery and waterfalls are major features of its landscape.

The park sits in northeastern Gangwon Province near the coastal city of Sokcho and is accessible by road from Sokcho and from Seoul via public transport; it is a popular day-trip and multi-day hiking destination.

• Best time and access: Peak autumn colours in October attract large numbers of visitors; a cable car provides access to ridge viewpoints for those who do not hike to the summit.

What to See#

• Daecheongbong peak (1,708 m): Daecheongbong is the park’s highest peak at 1,708 metres and is a common objective for hikers and mountaineers visiting the park.
• Sinheungsa temple and large bronze Buddha: Sinheungsa is a Buddhist temple within the park notable for its large bronze seated Buddha statue measuring over 14 metres, serving as a cultural and religious landmark at the park’s entrance area.
• Ulsanbawi rock formation: Ulsanbawi is a prominent granite rock formation with a well-known hiking route and viewpoint offering extensive panoramas of the park and surrounding mountains.

From Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, take local buses to Seorak-dong (the park entrance area) - about 20-30 minutes. From Seoul, express buses to Sokcho take approximately 2.5-3 hours; some tour buses run directly to the park. The nearest major railhead is Donghae; taxis and buses connect to the park.

• Start hikes early (before 8:00) to avoid afternoon crowds and clouds on the peaks.
• For Ulsanbawi peak, expect steep granite steps and bring walking poles; the stair count is roughly 1,200 when approaching certain routes.
• Avoid weekends during autumn foliage season if seeking solitude; weekday mornings are best for quiet.