Mt. Seorak

The basics

The mountain is divided into three sections; of the three, Outer Seorak is the most accessible (and typically the most crowded). Visitors hoping to escape the crowds should head to Inner Seorak, the least developed section on the western edge of the park. Southern Seorak is famous for its mineral springs. Guided excursions to the mountain take the form of single-day hikes, with options for easy or hard trekking courses, or multi-day treks through Seoraksan National Park that offer a chance to see some of the less-visited areas of this mountain range.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers, as it’s significantly cooler at the top of the peak.
• Visitors wanting to overnight at the park can rent a camping site or find accommodation in the village of Seorak-dong in the Outer Seorak portion of the park.
• ATMs and a post office are available in the nearby village of Seorak-dong.

How to get there

The mountain is in Gangwon Province east of Seoul, about three hours away from the city by car. To get there by public transportation, take a bus from the Seoul Express or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Sokcho, then transfer to Bus 7 or 7-1 to Sogongwon.

When to get there

While the park is open throughout the year, some seasons are certainly better for hiking than others. In springtime, the mountain gets blanketed with the colorful blossoms of dogwoods, azaleas, and forsythia, while autumn’s show of yellows, oranges, and reds is no less spectacular, and arguably more popular with locals.

Other Attractions in Seoraksan National Park

While the mountain peak that gives this park its name is certainly a star attraction, it’s not the only thing worth seeing within the park boundaries. Sinhuengsa Temple is known for its bronze Buddha statue and unusual granite rock formations, while the Seoraksan Cable Car offers stellar views on the way to Gwongeumseong fortress.