Seoraksan National Park, located in Gangwon Province, South Korea, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country. Famous for its majestic granite peaks, lush forests, serene temples, and vibrant autumn foliage, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers, hikers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re here for the challenging trails, ancient Buddhist temples, or delicious local food, Seoraksan offers an unforgettable adventure. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for the perfect trip! 🚶‍♂️⛩️🌄

Table of Contents

🌟 Top Destinations in Seoraksan National Park

1️⃣ Daecheongbong Peak (대청봉) – Highest Peak in Seoraksan

🏔️ Why Visit? The ultimate challenge! At 1,708 meters (5,603 feet), Daecheongbong is the highest peak in the park. The sunrise view from the top is absolutely magical. 🌅

📍 Hiking Difficulty: Hard ⏳ Time Required: 8–12 hours (round trip)

2️⃣ Gwongeumseong Fortress (권금성) – The Easiest “Hike” with a View

🚡 Why Visit? Not a fan of long hikes? Take the Seorak Cable Car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, an ancient fortress site with incredible panoramic views of the mountains.

📍 Hiking Difficulty: Easy (just a short walk from the cable car) ⏳ Time Required: 1–2 hours

3️⃣ Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사) – Home to the Great Buddha

⛩️ Why Visit? Located at the base of the park, this 1,300-year-old temple is famous for the massive Great Bronze Buddha (Tongil Daebul), standing 14.6 meters (48 feet) tall. 🛕

📍 Hiking Difficulty: Very Easy ⏳ Time Required: 30 minutes

4️⃣ Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위) – A Breathtaking Granite Ridge

🪨 Why Visit? If you can conquer the 888 steps leading to the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views in Korea. The rock formations are legendary and resemble a reclining Buddha.

📍 Hiking Difficulty: Medium-Hard ⏳ Time Required: 3–4 hours

5️⃣ Biryong Falls (비룡폭포) & Towangseong Falls (토왕성폭포) – Hidden Waterfall Paradise

💦 Why Visit? These stunning waterfalls are easily accessible via a scenic trail, perfect for a refreshing break after a long hike.

📍 Hiking Difficulty: Easy ⏳ Time Required: 1–2 hours

🌄 Best Natural Wonders in Seoraksan National Park

🌲 Autumn Foliage (October–November): A dreamlike landscape of red, orange, and yellow leaves. 🍁

🏞️ Biseondae Rocks: A mystical valley with crystal-clear streams and legendary boulder formations.

🐻 Rare Wildlife: The park is home to the endangered Korean Goral (a mountain goat-like animal) and even the elusive Asian Black Bear! 🐾

🍜 Must-Try Foods Near Seoraksan National Park

1️⃣ Chodang Sundubu (초당 순두부) – Soft, silky tofu stew, famous in the nearby city of Sokcho. 🥣
2️⃣ Ojingeo Sundae (오징어순대) – A unique stuffed squid dish, filled with vegetables and glass noodles. 🦑
3️⃣ Dakgangjeong (닭강정) – Sweet and crispy Korean fried chicken, a Sokcho street food staple. 🍗
4️⃣ Hwangtae-Guk (황태국) – A hearty dried pollock soup, perfect for a chilly morning. 🍲
5️⃣ Makgeolli (막걸리) – Traditional Korean rice wine, best enjoyed after a long hike! 🍶

🚗 How to Travel in Seoraksan National Park

🚆 From Seoul:

By Bus: Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (2.5–3 hours, ₩20,000).
By Car: A scenic 3-hour drive from Seoul. 🚙

🚌 Getting Around:

Local buses & taxis are available, but walking is the best way to explore! 🚶‍♀️

🏞️ Best Time to Visit Seoraksan National Park

🌸 Spring (April–May): Blooming cherry blossoms & mild weather. 🌷
☀️ Summer (June–August): Lush green landscapes, but can be humid. 🌿
🍁 Autumn (September–November): The BEST time for vibrant foliage! 🍂
❄️ Winter (December–February): A snowy wonderland—stunning but very cold! ❄️

🏯 Seoraksan National Park Culture & Etiquette

✅ Respect the Temples – Speak softly and dress modestly when visiting Buddhist sites.
✅ Take Your Trash – The park has a no-trash policy, so bring a small bag to carry your waste. ♻️
✅ Hiking Manners – Greet fellow hikers with a friendly “안녕하세요” (Annyeonghaseyo!) 👋
✅ Wildlife Safety – No feeding or disturbing animals. 🐿️
✅ Shoes Off Indoors – If you visit a temple, always remove your shoes before entering. 👞

🎉 Final Tips for an Unforgettable Seoraksan Adventure

✅ Book a Stay Near the Park – Sokcho has great guesthouses & hotels.
✅ Start Early – The trails get crowded, especially in autumn. 🌄
✅ Dress for the Weather – Layer up in fall & winter; wear breathable clothes in summer.
✅ Bring Cash – Some restaurants and small shops only accept cash (KRW). 💰

🌟 Ready for Your Seoraksan Adventure?

Seoraksan National Park is a place where nature, history, and adventure come together. Whether you’re hiking to Daecheongbong Peak, exploring ancient temples, or indulging in Sokcho’s famous street food, this park has something for everyone.

Would you like custom hiking routes or AI-generated images of these places? Let me know! 🚀😊