Seoraksan National Park · Ode to Nature in Four Seasons

【Introduction】

Seoraksan National Park is located in the northeastern part of Gangwon Province. As one of South Korea's most famous mountain ranges, its name means "Snowy Peak," known for its granite peaks, dense forests, and clear streams. It is the first natural reserve in South Korea to be designated as a national park. The scenery varies dramatically with the seasons: spring brings azaleas covering the mountains, summer offers cool valleys, autumn features fiery maple leaves, and winter presents picturesque snow scenes, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

🕘【Opening Hours】

Park Open: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 (No entry after 16:00)

Cable Car Operation: 09:30 - 17:30 (Extended to 18:30 during peak season)

Recommended Visit Duration: 6-8 hours (including hiking and rest time)

Seasonal Tip: Autumn (October) is the peak season for viewing red leaves; it is recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.

💴【Ticket Prices】

Adult Ticket: 5,000 KRW

Youth: 3,500 KRW (ages 13-18)

Children/Seniors: 2,500 KRW (ages 7-12 / 65 and above)

Cable Car Ticket: Round trip 15,000 KRW (Children 10,000 KRW)

Recent Change: Dynamic pricing implemented from 2025 (20% increase during red leaf season)

⛺【Activities】

• Gwongeumseong Cable Car Viewing: Take the cable car directly to the 800-meter-high observation deck to overlook granite peak forests and the East Sea coastline. The sea of clouds at sunrise is especially spectacular.

• Cheonbuldong Valley Hiking: Walk along a 2.5 km wooden boardwalk through the primeval forest, passing Flying Dragon Waterfall and Six Pools Waterfall. A popular summer retreat.

• Ulsan Rock Climbing Route: Challenge the 873-meter granite cliff. This professional climbing area requires a guide (reservation needed).

• Osaek Five-Color Hot Springs Experience: Carbonated hot springs at the mountain foot relieve hiking fatigue. Both indoor and outdoor pools use natural spring water (swimsuit required).

• Ecological Guided Tours: National park rangers provide free ecological explanations daily (10:00/14:00 sessions, Korean and English bilingual).

✨ Recommended Route: Park Entrance → Cable Car Up → Gwongeumseong Observation Deck → Hike to Flying Dragon Waterfall → Cheonbuldong Valley → Return to Hot Springs Area

🚌【Transportation Guide】

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho City (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to bus routes 7 or 7-1 to Seoraksan Entrance.

• Self-Drive: Take the Yeongdong Expressway to Sokcho IC exit, then navigate to "Seoraksan National Park Parking Lot" (8,000 KRW/day fee).

• Private Car Service: Round-trip private car from Seoul for about 250,000 KRW (includes driver, 7-seater vehicle).

👉【Itinerary Suggestions】

• Nearby Attractions:

• Sokcho Beach (20-minute drive): Enjoy sashimi sets and the seaside cable car.

• Naksansa Temple (30-minute drive): Coastal ancient temple for sunrise viewing and worship of the millennium-old Avalokitesvara statue.

• Accommodation Recommendations:

• Seoraksan Resort: Mountain view rooms with floor heating and hot spring access (starting at 150,000 KRW/night).

• Sokcho Guesthouses: Traditional hanok-style renovations offering seafood breakfast (80,000 KRW/night including breakfast).

🧡【Preparation Tips】

1. Clothing: Essential non-slip hiking shoes and layered warm clothing (temperature difference up to 10℃ at the summit).

2. Gear: Recommended to bring hiking poles (some sections are steep) and a headlamp (in case of delayed sunset).

3. Supplies: Prepare high-energy snacks (restaurants only available at the park entrance).

4. Booking: During red leaf season (October), accommodation and cable car tickets must be booked at least one month in advance.