Seoraksan Mountain
Located at the heart of Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, Seoraksan Mountain is third highest mountain in South Korea following Hallasan Mountain and Jirisan Mountain. It was designated the 5th national park in Korea, boasting the grandeur of winding ridges, oddly shaped cliffs and rocks, beautiful valleys, and a graceful shape of the mountains. Every season has something to offer: new green leaves in spring, cool valleys in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and pure white snow in winter. Seoraksan Mountain is also one of the world’s rarest natural habitats. That is why it is designated and managed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an IUCN Category II (National Park).
Seoraksan Mountain Hiking Trail Map
Celebrated Mountain with
Grand Peaks and Magnificent Sceneries
Seoraksan Mountain, which surrounds the city of Sokcho like a folding screen, is widely spread throughout Gangwon-do Province. The west side (near Inje County) is called Naeseorak and the east side (Sokcho City, Goseong County, Yangyang County) is called Oeseorak. The mountain is famous for some 30 grand peaks, including Daecheongbong Peak (1,708m; highest peak), Socheongbong Peak, Jungcheongbong Peak, and Hwachaebong Peak. Its beautiful rock formations, such as Heundeulbawi Rock, Ulsanbawi Peak, Hobakbawi Rock, Gidoongbawi Rock, Neopjeokbawi Rock, are very much appreciated, as well. Let’s hit Seoraksan Mountain, where the magnificent view of ridges and mountains will take your breath away.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION
If you start your hiking from Seorakdong, Sokcho will be your “base camp”. It takes about three hours from Seoul to Sokcho by car. If you want to use public transportation, there is no direct KTX (express train) route from Seoul to Sokcho. You will have to take a KTX train from Seoul to Gangneung, and then take an intercity bus from Gangneung to Sokcho.
* Seoul - Sokcho
TRAIN
Seoul Station - KTX → Gangneung Station (about 2 hours) → Taxi (10 minutes) → Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal → Intercity Bus → Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (1 hour and 10 minutes)
BUS
Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Yeongdong Line) → Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (2 hours 20 minutes)
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal → Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (2 hours 10 minutes)
* Sokcho - Seoraksan Mountain
TAXI
Sokcho Expressway, Intercity Bus Terminal → Seoraksan Entrance (20-30 minutes)
BUS
Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal → 7-1, Bus No. 7 → Seoraksan Entrance (1 hour 10 minutes)
11km(One way)┃6hr 
Daecheongbong Peak Trail (Seorakdong)
Best View from the Top
This trail lets you pass through Biseondae Rock before arriving at Daecheongbong Peak. It is the shortest route to the top, but also the most beautiful path. From Sogongwon Park to Biseondae Rock is a gentle slope alongside a valley. After Biseondae Rock, you will see Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley, where oddly shaped rocks and steep cliffs are in harmony with trees, offering one of the most stunning views. After passing Oryeonpokpo Falls and Chundangpokpo Falls begins a notorious section where you hike up in a narrow valley. From Huiwoongak Shelter to Socheongbong Peak lies a steep mountain pass, but from Socheongbong Peak to Daecheongbong Peak lies a fairly flat uphill ridge. As you hike up, you will have an open, clear view of the mountains, which adds joy to your hiking. When you are finally up on Daecheongbong Peak, you will be greeted with literally the best view. Gongnyongneungseon Ridge (Seorak First Scenic View) is under your feet, and mountain peaks and ridges in layers are presented before your eyes as if they were a painting. Although the trail is not an easy one, you get to see the hidden gems of Seoraksan Mountain with endless falls and oddly shaped rocks in every single valley.
TIP
Useful information for hiking
You have to climb up the stairs and steep slopes, so make sure you take enough rest and pace yourself. To come down from Daecheongbong Peak, the fastest route is to pass through Seorakpokpo Falls and Osaek Mineral Spring. In this case, the entire hiking takes about 11 hours in total. If you take the same route to come down, it takes about 12-14 hours, so you must start your hiking early in the morning. You can use Socheong Shelter, Jungcheong Shelter, and Yangpok Shelter for accommodation. It is a great idea to stay in Jungcheong Shelter and hike up to Daecheongbong Peak early in the morning for sunrise. Sometimes hiking up to Daecheongbong Peak is restricted in spring days, so check ahead to plan your visit.
3.8km(One way)┃2hr 
Ulsan bawi Peak (Heundeulbawi Rock) Trail
Wonderous View Above Scenic Rocky Ridge
Heundeulbawi Rock and Ulsanbawi Peak are among the most visited tourist attractions in Seoraksan Mountain. In particular, Ulsanbawi Peak (900m) is a large rock, the top of which offers an amazing view. From Sinheungsa Temple to Heundeulbawi Rock, it is an easy path alongside a valley, with a slight hill covered with dirt, stones, or wooden decks. Don’t forget to take pictures in front of Heundeulbawi Rock as it is one of the symbols of the mountain. From Heundeulbawi Rock, it takes about one more hour to reach Ulsanbawi Peak. There are countless wooden, stone, and iron steps toward the peak, so make sure you pace yourself. At the end of the steps, on the top of Ulsanbawi Peak, a truly one of the most breathtaking sceneries unfolds. Seoraksan Mountain borders with the coastal waters of Goseong County and Geumgangsan Mountain in North Korea in the north, the East Sea of Sokcho and Goseong in the east, and Misiryeong Pass in the west. The magnificent nature will nourish your spirits!
TIP
Useful information for hiking
The path from Heundeulbawi Rock to Ulsanbawi Peak is quite steep and has a lot of steps. Also, due to the nature of a rocky area, you should always be mindful of your surroundings because rocks may fall. The entire trail takes about four hours, so check sunset time beforehand and pace yourself.
3.4km(One way)┃2hr 40min
Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail
Fastest and Easiest Way to Enjoy Seoraksan Mountain
The easiest and fastest way to climb Seoraksan Mountain is to take Seoraksan Cable Car. The distance to Gwongeumseong Fortress is 1.5km (one way), and you can ride the cable car to travel 1.2km. From the cable car station (699m), walk up a hiking trail for 10 minutes to reach a large rock peak. It is Gwongeumseong Fortress, where our ancestors fought off the Mongolian invasion during the Goryeo Dynasty. The rocky summit of the fortress is high and wide, making it a huge observatory. Standing at the giddy cliff, you can enjoy a picturesque scenery packed with high peaks and a rugged ridge of Seoraksan Mountain, including Gongnyongneungseon Ridge, Manmulsang Rocks, Nahanbong Peak, Madeungnyeong Ridge, Sejonbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak, and Hwangcheolbong Peak. You can also have a panoramic and unhampered view of Ulsanbawi Peak, the East Sea, and Sokcho. Gwongeumseong Fortress is a great place to feel the charm of Seoraksan Mountain.
* Seorak Cable Car
Two cable cars, each carrying up to 50 passengers, connect a distance of 1,128 meters, from the departure station (222m) to the arrival station (699m). Please note that the cable cars do not operate in case of inclement weather, including strong winds.
Addr. 1085, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do┃Tel. +82-33-636-4300┃Web. www.sorakcablecar.co.kr (Korean only)┃KRW 13,000(per round-trip, per adult)
2.8km(One way)┃1hr 30min 
Towangseongpokpo Falls Trail
This trail is for you if you want to go on a light hike while enjoying beautiful waterfalls and sceneries of Seoraksan Mountain. This is an easy trail that allows you to access famous falls of Seoraksan Mountain, such as Yukdampokpo Falls, Biryongpokpo Falls, and Towangseongpokpo Falls, which had been closed to the public for 45 years. The first 1.2km is quite flat, so you can focus on relaxing in the forest. After enjoying valleys, cliffs, Yukdampokpo Falls and Biryongpokpo Falls on steel deck, walk 30 more minutes to arrive at Towangseongpokpo Falls. On this trail, you can truly immerse yourself into the beauty of Towangseongpokpo Falls.
TIP
Useful information for hiking
Watch out for falling rocks in the section from Sogongwon Park to Biryongpokpo Falls. Please stay on the deck and refrain from going into the water because accidents can happen.
Shelters
Gwongeumseong FortressShelter, Jungcheong Shelter, Socheong Shelter, Huiwoongak Shelter, Suryeomdong Shelter, Yangpok Shelter
Reservation Web. reservation.knps.or.kr/foreigner/main.do
Note
Always check the sunrise and sunset times, especially in winter. Seoraksan Mountain is particularly high in altitude and hiking takes a long time, so be sure to check the sunset time prior to hiking.
* Information & Assistance
Seoraksan National Park Office
Addr. 833, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do┃Tel. +82-33-801-0900┃Web. english.knps.or.kr┃Admission fee KRW 3,500 (per adult)
* Where to get stamps in Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park Office & Seorakdong Park Info Center
Addr. 833, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do┃Tel. +82-33-801-0900
Seoraksan Eco-learning Institute
Addr. 106-40, Soeri-gil, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do ┃Tel. +82-33-439-9300
Osaek Branch
Addr.95, Daecheongbong-gil, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do┃Tel. +82-33-801-0974
Jangsudae Branch
Addr. 4193, Seorak-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do ┃Tel. +82-33-801-0984
With its high mountain ranges and deep valleys, Seoraksan Mountain has a number of historical and cultural relics as well as beautiful natural attractions around. Stop by at some of popular tourist attractions in Sokcho City, which will add special memories to your hiking trip to Seoraksan Mountain.
Sinheungsa Temple
It was founded in 652 (Silla Dynasty) by Buddhist monk named Jajangyulsa. A huge bronze Buddha statue with a height of 14.6 meters, made with a wish for unification of the two Koreas, draws attention. What about participating in its temple stay program to create special memories?
Temple┃Nature
Addr. 1137, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-33-635-7044
KRW 4,500(Admission fee)
Sokcho Museum
The museum presents the history and culture of Sokcho. It exhibits the houses where North Korean refugees would live and the items they would use in their daily lives. It is a cultural space that will help you better understand the culture and people of Sokcho.
Culture┃History
Addr. 16, Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-507-1399-2977
Mar. – Oct. 06:00~22:00 / Nov. – Feb. 07:00~21:00, Closed on Mondays
Younggeumjeong Pavilion
It is a pavilion built on a rock in Dongmyeonghang Port. Many people visit the pavilion as it is a great spot to see sunrise. Right next to the pavilion stands Lighthouse Observatory, which is considered as the number one out of Eight Scenic Views of Sokcho.
Ocean┃Photo Spot
Addr. 35, Dongmyeonghang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-33-639-2690
cheongchoho Lake
It became a lake as sand banks on the beach had accumulated. As it connects to the sea, a unique ecosystem has been created, forming a beautiful landscape. It lights up at night, making it a popular spot for a night stroll.
Night View┃Photo Spot
Yeongnangho Lake
This natural lake is created by the sedimentation of white sand, and it is connected to East Sea. It has a floating bridge with a total length of 400 meters and a width of 2.5 meters across Yeongnangho Lake. From the bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yeongnangho Lake and Seoraksan Mountain at the same time.
Yeongnang Hosuwit-gil
Web. www.chungchoho.co.kr
Mar.-Oct. 06:00~22:00 / Nov.-Feb. 07:00~21:00
Yeongnangho Lake & Yeongnang Hosuwit-gil
Addr. 140, Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do┃Tel. +82-33-639-2690
Abai Village
A number of North Korean refugees of the Korean War settled down here because it is close to their hometown of Hamgyeong-do Province. Gaetbae, or a mud boat, which moves only when people onboard attach a hook and pull the metal wire laid in the bottom of the water, has become a must-try experience here. This village is well-known as the filming site of a TV series called “Autumn In My Heart” and still has places where you can try traditional North Korean dishes passed down from the refugees.
Culture┃History
Addr. 16, Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-507-1399-2977
National Mountain Museum
It offers a complex cultural space, where visitors can experience mountain-related cultures. It also exhibits the information on Top 100 mountains on the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and the information on forest trails, and plays documentaries of people challenging themselves and exploring mountains. It also has bouldering walls and a room to experience what it is like to be in the alpine region.
Climing┃Experience
Addr. 3054, Misiryeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-33-638-4459
Web. english.forest.go.kr/kfsweb/kfs/subIdx/Index.do?mn=UENG
Sangdomun Stone Wall Village
This 500-year-old traditional village has winding alleys with stone walls and beautiful traditional houses. You can see houses of different styles built in different eras and Hakmujeong Pavilion, which is considered as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Sokcho. A visit to this village would make you feel like you were time traveling.
Trail┃Tradition
Sokcho Eye
Located in Sokcho Beach, it is Korea’s one and only oceanside Ferris wheel. Almost 65 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking view of Sokcho Beach, Oeongchi Beach, Abai Village, Cheongchoho Lake, Seoraksan Mountain, and downtown Sokcho.
Sokcho Beach┃Photo Spot
Addr. 2, Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-507-1399-2977
Seoraksan Native Plant Botanical Garden
At the foot of Seoraksan Mountain exists a smaller version of the mountain. With extinct rare plants and seasonal wild flowers, Seorak Native Plant Botanical Garden is an ecological learning center and a miniature of Seoraksan Mountain. The garden has preserved the original terrain as much as possible and planted around 50,000 native and rare plants of 122 species that can only be found in Seoraksan Mountain. It has an aquatic botanical garden, rock garden, maze garden, and greenhouse garden to show four seasons of the mountain. The experience programs guided by forest commentators are also available.
Wild Flower┃Forest
Addr. 186, Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-33-693-2928
09:00a.m. ~ 18:00p.m.
Web. english.knps.or.kr
Surfing
Beaches in Sokcho tend to have shallow waters, gentle slope, and fine sand. That is why it is emerging as a great spot for surfing. Improving infrastructure has attracted even more surfers to the beaches of Sokcho.
Sokcho Beach┃Ativity
Addr. 186, Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Tel. +82-33-693-2027
Sokcho, or the city of Seoraksan Mountain, has both mountains and sea, so its food culture is very rich. From North Korean-style dishes passed down by North Korean refugees to casual snacks to be enjoyed in traditional markets, fun and tasty dishes will enrich your trip.
Abai sundae (North Korean-style sausage)
It is made by steaming pig's intestines stuffed with sweet rice and clotted blood. Its recipe is originated from Hamgyong-do Province in North Korea. It is one of Sokcho’s local delicacies, and its chewy and savory texture will make you keep eating it.
Dak gangjeong (Glazed Fried Chichen Bites)
It is surely one of the most popular Sokcho specialties. Fried crispy chicken is coated in sweet and spicy sauce, sprinkled with sliced almonds. You can also customize to your liking: boneless or bone-in, and mild or spicy, for instance.
Ojingeo sundae (stuffed squid)
Squid is stuffed with sticky rice, radish tops, sesame leaves, and other vegetables and then steamed. Then, it is cut, coated in egg wash, and pan-fried. It tastes better when you have an entire piece at once, instead of biting into it.
Hongge (Red Snow Crab)
Hongge is another local specialty. First, you eat the salty crab meat and then finish off with a savory fried rice on a crab shell. Other dishes using hongge as an ingredient are also popular, such as hongge ramyeon, hongge bibimbap, and hongge pancake.
Mulhoe (cold raw fish soup)
It is a traditional Sokcho dish. Chop a variety of seafood (e.g. squid, cuttlefish, sea cucumber, sea urchin, abalone, halibut, sea bass, sea bream, flounder, trout, pearl-spot chromis), put vegetables, add sauce, pour cold water, and voila!
Squid-shaped cakes & Makgeolli bread
Squid-shaped cakes are in different colors depending on what is inside: yellow for cheese or kabocha pumpkin, white for vegetables or red beans, and black for squid ink. It is fun to pick and choose the flavors. Makgeolli bread is made by putting the rice wine when making a dough. It is naturally fermented, which makes it easy to digest and adds flavors.
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