Plizio Visual Lab
Seoraksan National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Seoraksan National Park is located in northeastern South Korea in Gangwon Province, covering an area of approximately 398 square kilometers. Part of the Taebaek mountain range, its highest peak is Daecheongbong, which stands at 1,708 meters above sea level as the nation's third-highest mountain. The park is internationally renowned for its dramatic granite rock formations, deep valleys, and high biodiversity, including over 1,400 plant species and rare animals such as the Siberian musk deer. It was designated as South Korea's fifth national park in 1970 and recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. Within its boundaries lies the Sinheungsa Temple, originally founded in the 7th century, featuring a massive bronze Buddha statue known as Tongil Daebul. The park's bustling autumn foliage attracts millions of visitors annually who explore its extensive trail network and utilize the cable car to the Gwongeumseong Fortress peaks.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Viewpoint · Geumgangguli Cave · Munsudam
- Nearby: Cheonjin-ri (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 8 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 31 | 44 | 49 | 84 | 80 | 119 | 345 | 284 | 196 | 91 | 70 | 33 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Seoraksan National Park is a vast protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and temples, open to visitors year-round. The park can be entered, but some areas may be closed seasonally or due to weather.
Typical hours
The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset, as hiking must be done during daylight. Exact opening hours vary by season - best to inquire at the visitor center.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, with memorable subjects like the granite peaks and autumn colors. Drones are prohibited without a permit - follow park rules.
Time needed
The duration of your visit depends heavily on the chosen hiking trails - from short walks (1 hour) to full-day mountain hikes (6-8 hours). One of the most popular routes, to Ulsan-bawi Rock, takes about 3-4 hours round trip.
Combine with
Combine your park exploration with a visit to the nearby town of Sokcho, famous for its fish market and beaches. Also, the Sinheungsa Temple at the park entrance is worth a stop.
Getting there
The main entrance of Seoraksan National Park is about 10 km west of Sokcho, reachable by bus (line 7 or 7-1) from Sokcho Bus Terminal. Parking is available at the entrances but fills up quickly in peak season.
Insider tip
Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning calm. Bring enough water and snacks, as food options inside the park are limited.
Geography
Facts
- Daecheongbong is the highest peak in the park at 1,708 meters.
- The area was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982.
- The bronze Buddha statue at Sinheungsa Temple weighs 108 tons.
- The park is home to over 1,400 species of vascular plants.
- The cable car to Gwongeumseong travels a distance of 1,128 meters.
- The park was officially established on March 24, 1970.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Seoraksan National Park (11)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cable car in the park?
Yes, the cable car takes visitors to Gwongeumseong Fortress, offering a magnificent panoramic view.
Which temple is the most famous here?
Sinheungsa Temple, famous for its massive bronze Buddha statue, is located near the main entrance.
How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance to the park is free, but Sinheungsa Temple and the cable car have separate fees.
Is the trail to Ulsanbawi Rock difficult?
The trail is steep and involves many stairs; a good fitness level is required for the ascent.
Are there parking spaces at the entrance?
Yes, there are large paid parking lots, but they fill up very quickly on weekends.
Seoraksan National Park: where is it located?
Seoraksan National Park is located in South Korea.
Seoraksan National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Viewpoint, Geumgangguli Cave, Munsudam.
Seoraksan National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Seoraksan National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Seoraksan National Park is located in northeastern South Korea in Gangwon Province, covering an area of approximately 398 square kilometers.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in South Korea →
Nearby cities
Gangneung
A charming coastal city on the East Sea, famous for its spectacular sunrise views, vibrant coffee culture, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Donghae
The city of the sunrise featuring striking rock formations and deep mountain valleys.
Sokcho
A coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, a popular destination for hikers and tourists.
Goseong (Gangwon)
Goseong is South Korea's northernmost coastal town, famous for views of North Korea, lavender fields, and pristine beaches.
Cheonjin-ri
A trendy seaside village in Goseong that has become a premier destination for surfers and cafe enthusiasts.
Cheonggan-ri
A historic coastal village in Goseong, famous for its ancient pavilion and crystal-clear beaches with fascinating rock formations.
🗺️
Song-am-ri
An idyllic coastal village in Gangwon-do, famous for its fine sandy beaches and the clean air of the East Sea.
🗺️
Oho-ri
A beach lover's paradise in Goseong, known for its scenic lake, fine sand, and excellent surfing conditions.
🗺️
Munamjin-ri
An idyllic coastal village in Goseong, known for its bizarre rock formations and the crystal-clear waters of the East Sea.
Yangyang
The mecca of Korean surfing and a place of deep spirituality on the East Sea coast.
Hyeonbuk
A scenic coastal area in Yangyang, famous for its spectacular pavilions, pine forests, and top-tier surfing spots.
🗺️
Inje
Inje is a hub for adventure sports and pristine nature, famous for Seoraksan National Park and white-water rafting.
Sandaewol-ri
An idyllic coastal village in Gangneung, known for its fine sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the East Sea.
Hasidong-ri
An idyllic coastal area near Gangneung, famous for its vibrant coffee culture, wide sandy beaches, and scenic East Sea sunrises.
Jeongdongjin-ri
A legendary destination famous for having the world's closest railway station to the ocean and breathtaking sunrises.
Nature
More places
Seoraksan National Park
A national park in Gangwon province, famous for its picturesque mountains, waterfalls, and rare animal species.
Udem Preservation Area
A preservation area dedicated to conserving the Korean Pine and other native plant species near the DMZ.
DMZ Eco-Peace Park
A park near the Demilitarized Zone that has become a pristine nature reserve due to minimal human interference.
Daegwallyeong Plateau
A high plateau in Gangwon province, renowned for its sheep farms, wind farms, and heavy winter snowfall, earning it the nickname 'Alps of…
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
A large sheep farm in the Pyeongchang mountains, known as the 'Alps of Korea', where visitors can feed sheep.
🗺️
Gariwangsan Mountain
A high mountain in Jeongseon, known for its ancient yew trees and as the venue for the alpine skiing events in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
🗺️
Ujong Rice Terraces
Beautiful rice terraces carved into the mountains, showcasing traditional farming methods in the Gangwon region.
🗺️
Mindungsan Mountain
A mountain in Jeongseon whose name means 'Bald Mountain'.