Seoraksan
Seoraksan National Park (1970); UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Sokcho, Gangwon
Seoraksan is the jagged granite range on the north-east coast of South Korea, a national park since 1970 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and for many Koreans the most beautiful mountain in the country. Its summit, Daecheongbong, reaches 1,708 metres, the third highest peak in South Korea, but most visitors stay in the outer valley at Seorak-dong, just inland from the port city of Sokcho. From there a cable car rises to the rocky top of Gwongeumseong, a steep trail of metal stairs climbs to the great cliffs of Ulsanbawi, and an easy path follows the valley to the Biryong falls. At the entrance stands Sinheungsa, an old Zen temple with a huge seated bronze Buddha. The inner side, around Baekdamsa temple, is quieter and wilder. Mid-October brings the famous autumn colour and enormous crowds. Trails close in the spring and autumn fire seasons and in bad weather, and winter brings ice and snow. Sokcho, with its seafood, its market and the refugee village of Abai, is the natural base, about three hours by bus from Seoul.
Seoraksan-ro, Seorak-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon, 24902, South Korea
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED. The typical pattern: the park is open every day, with trail entry allowed from early morning, about 3 to 5 am on the long routes, until cut-off times that vary by season and route, often around noon to 2 pm for the high trails. The cable car runs roughly 8 or 9 am to 5 or 6 pm, with last boarding before closing. High trails close roughly March to mid May and mid November to mid December for fire risk, and during heavy rain, wind and snow. The traps that ruin a day are autumn traffic, cable car tickets for hours later, missing the trail entry cut-off and a closure you did not check. Confirm current times before relying on them.