Seoraksan
★ 4.8🇰🇷 SokchoSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season October for autumn colour; May to June for spring flowers
NatureMountainsHiking
Granite peaks and autumn colour make Korea's best-known mountain scenery, with ancient temples among the trees.
Overview
In north-eastern Korea and established in 1970, Seoraksan is among the country's oldest national parks. Granite peaks, gorges and waterfalls define it, with Daecheongbong at 1,708 metres the highest point. Sinheungsa temple in the valley dates from AD 652 and holds stone pagodas and a bronze bell. Autumn fills the valleys with colour, and a cable car and several trails reach viewpoints at different heights.
History
Declared a national park in 1970 as one of Korea's first, with Sinheungsa temple dating from AD 652; it became a biosphere reserve in 1982.
Highlights
- •The granite peaks around Daecheongbong
- •Sinheungsa temple and the great Buddha
- •Autumn colour in the valleys
- •The cable car and Gwongeumseong viewpoint
Practical tips
- •Trails vary in difficulty — pick to your fitness
- •Autumn weekends are packed; enter early
Practical information
- Best time
- October
- Tickets
- The park is free; cable car about KRW 12,000
- Opening hours
- Park open all day; cable car roughly 9:00-17:00
- Local food
- Bibimbap, grilled fish, Sokcho seafood
- Getting around
- About 2.5 hours by bus from Seoul to Sokcho.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
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