Long jagged granite ridge above forested slopes under a cloudy sky in Seoraksan

National park · Sokcho, Inje and Yangyang, Gangwon-do

Seoraksan National Park

Granite peaks, temples and autumn colour near Sokcho on Korea's east coast

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Ambient sound · similar settingHwamei song in hillside forest at morning

Photo: Michael Ahn (@alohaboston) / Unsplash

Discover Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan is one of Korea's best-loved mountain landscapes: a spread of pale granite peaks and ridges rising above forested valleys just inland from the East Sea. The highest peak, Daecheongbong, reaches 1,708 metres, but you do not need to climb that high to enjoy the park - the main entrance near Sokcho gives access to temples, rock formations, waterfalls and a cable car within a short walk.

The park changes dramatically with the seasons, from fresh green in spring to flaming reds and golds in autumn and snow-dusted rock in winter. Day visitors can pair an easy valley walk with a temple visit, while serious hikers can tackle steep stair routes or multi-day ridge treks.

Don’t miss

01Sinheungsa temple and its 14.6-metre gilt-bronze seated Buddha
02Ulsanbawi, a long granite ridge reached by a steep stair climb
03Heundeulbawi, the 'rocking rock' on the way to Ulsanbawi
04Cable car up to the Gwongeumseong area for ridge views
05Biseondae valley and the trail to Geumganggul cave
06Daecheongbong (1,708 m), the park's highest summit

History & culture

The story of Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan was designated a national park in 1970 and became Korea's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. It is managed by the Korea National Park Service and forms part of the Baekdudaegan, the mountain spine that runs down the Korean peninsula.

Buddhist temples have stood in these mountains for well over a thousand years. Sinheungsa, near the main entrance, traces its origins to the monk Jajang in the 7th century and was rebuilt several times after fires. Its giant gilt-bronze seated Buddha, built with donations and the wish for Korean reunification, now greets visitors at the park entrance.

Local life & traditions

Seoraksan has deep religious significance, and Sinheungsa and the hermitages inside the park are active places of Buddhist practice. Dress modestly in temple grounds, keep voices low and avoid photographing people at prayer. The park is also a classic school-trip and family destination, and autumn hiking here is a much-loved Korean tradition.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

From the Sogongwon entrance, an easy walk leads to Sinheungsa and on along the valley. Popular half-day hikes include Biseondae and Geumganggul cave (about two hours from the temple) and the steep climb past Heundeulbawi to Ulsanbawi, which ends in a long stairway. The cable car offers a quicker way up for views over the ridges.

Fit hikers can attempt Daecheongbong as a long day or an overnight trek using mountain shelters, which must be booked separately. In autumn the valleys are at their most colourful, but also at their busiest.

When to go

Autumn is the highlight, with foliage typically peaking from early to late October as colour moves down from the summits to the valleys. Late spring (May to June) is green and comfortable. Summer brings heavy rain and humidity; winter is cold and snowy, with some high trails restricted. Parts of the park can close temporarily during wildfire-prevention seasons, so check notices before hiking.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Managing authority: Korea National Park Service; IUCN Category II national park, area 398.24 sq km Source: iucngreenlist.org ↗
Designations: National park since 1970; UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1982 (Korea's first) Source: iucngreenlist.org ↗
Highest peak: Daecheongbong, 1,708 m Source: iucngreenlist.org ↗
Sinheungsa Buddha: Gilt-bronze seated Buddha 14.6 m tall on a 4.3 m pedestal (18.9 m in total) Source: en.wikipedia.org ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Local buses 7 and 7-1 run from Sokcho to the Sogongwon entrance (last stop), taking roughly 25-40 minutes.
On autumn weekends, arrive early - cable car queues can run to hours.
The Ulsanbawi climb ends on long, steep stairs; allow 3-4 hours return and carry water.
Mountain shelters for overnight treks must be booked in advance through the park service.
Dress modestly and remove shoes where indicated inside temple halls.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Seoraksan National Park: food, markets & places to stay

Sokcho, about 20-30 minutes away by bus, is the main base, with seafood markets, a beach and plenty of accommodation. The Seorak-dong area right by the park entrance also has hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Yangyang and Inje give access to the southern and inner parts of the park.