Sweet Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원). All of Korea’s national parks are beautiful, but this one tops them all.
Maybe it’s the craggy peaks, rising up from verdant forests to pierce the clouds. Perhaps it’s the multitude of trails looping through the park. It could be the view from Daecheongbong peak or the beauty of the Sibiseonyeotong fairy ponds.
Or, maybe it’s because this was the first national park I visited – and only the second mountain I ever climbed – way back in 2012. Perhaps it was the impression it left when I first traversed Dinosaur Ridge in 2014. It could have been the wild, off-the-beaten-trail adventure we had here in 2016. Most likely, it’s that top of the world feeling you always get on Daecheongbong!
There’s just something about this park that keeps me coming back for more.
In fact, an opportunity to live just outside this loveliest of parks brought us back to Korea yet again in 2017. Based in Gangwon-do for two years, Seoraksan National Park was only a few minutes drive away from our home. We got to live nearly next-door to the quiet, lesser-known back entrance at Namgyo-ri – which happens to be my favorite climbing route!
This proximity enabled us to turn Seoraksan National Park into one of our regular training playgrounds in 2017. We recognized our uniquely lucky position and decided to make the most of it: we had seven running adventures on our favorite mountain, and three cycling adventures on its passes!
In 2018, I had the opportunity to share this spectacular park with a visiting film crew on a very special expedition! Later in the year, Kent and I visited Gombaeryeong – a remote pass on the slopes of Jeombongsan in the otherwise closed western section of the park!
Step into stunning Seoraksan with me
So, without further ado, I’d like to share with you all of the best hikes in Seoraksan National Park. Each article describes a different adventure and details a different route. Choose your adventure below, then scroll down to the bottom for some tried and true advice on how to best enjoy Seoraksan.
Tips and tricks for enjoying Seoraksan National Park
When to go
You can hike in Seoraksan National Park almost year round. There are two annual closure periods that affect all of the mountainous national parks, including Seoraksan. The fire prevention period is in late fall, with closures occurring usually mid-November to mid-December. The second closure protects hikers from dangerous rockfall and icy conditions during the spring snow melt. This closure period differs from year to year and by location, but for Seoraksan, it is typically from early March to mid-May. These closures typically only affect peaks and ridges: some valley trails are usually still accessible. Check the official Korea National Park Service website for more information on annual closures, and look out for trails marked in red on Naver Maps before you go.
Enjoy Seoraksan when it’s a winter wonderland, be dazzled by fantastic fall foliage or play there in the summer when rivers rush, clouds hang low and the forest is a rainbow of greens. If you want to enjoy cherry blossom season in the park, you’re in luck: take this opportunity to climb Ulsan Bawi while the main peak is off-limits!
Where to stay
For day-hikers, the two best options are Sokcho and Osaek.
Stay in Sokcho for lots of sleeping and dining options, and access to the sea before or after your hike. From the Sokcho side, trail options include Ulsan Bawi, Madeungryeong, Dinosaur Ridge and Yangpok.
From Osaek, you’re in prime position for a sunrise summit on the Osaek trail. You can also head uphill from here for an easier start at Hangyeryeong. Osaek does not have the options of Sokcho, but there are several motels and other Korean-style options. There are also great mountain vegetable restaurants in this area.
Maybe you’d like to spend a little more time in the park. That’s great! But if that’s your aim, plan in advance! Make a reservation with the Korea National Park Service for the specific shelter you’d like to stay at. Making a reservation can be done in English using this website on the 1st and 15th of each month. Have a look at the information provided to familiarize yourself with the reservation rules and process. Or ask a Korean friend for help!
Hiking & Running
One of the great things about Seoraksan National Park is that there is truly something for everyone. Really. Even if you’re not hiking, you can stroll through beautiful valleys and go wading below waterfalls! Hiking and running options are covered in detail in the articles above.
You should definitely experience Daecheongbong peak, whichever way you choose to get there. Hardcore hikers love the challenging Dinosaur Ridge. Sunrise seekers climb up the shortest trail up from Osaek, and people who can’t wait to get on the ridge start at the high Hangyeryeong trailhead. On the Sokcho side, the closest and most popular summit trail is Yangpok. Some of my personal favorites are the lesser known routes Namgyori, Baekdamsa and the secret temples. Aside from the summit, anyone short on time but after big views should set their sights on Ulsan Bawi, Gwongeumseong mountain fortress, or Geumganggol cave!
Still not sure what to do? Check out my original Seoraksan guide here.
Happy hiking!