Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
If you watched Taylor Swift’s All Too Well music video, it probably ignited the need to skip through autumn leaves and wear cute beanies. Fret not, you can totally channel your main character energy at Seoraksan National Park in Inje County, about 3 hours away from Seoul.
So, while you’re in your next gym bro session going through this pretty hiking trail in South Korea, you can also take pics of the gorgeous view – the park, in case it wasn’t clear.
When is the best time to visit Seoraksan National Park?
Generally, the best times to visit this treasured park is during fall or spring seasons. If you’re specifically looking for the autumn feels on your next trip to Korea, it’s best to book your flight to South Korea between October and late November. Yes, that means you should start looking at tickets now to catch the cool temperature and golden-brown leaves.
If you’re not into the sweater weather, ‘cause it’s too cold for you here, make sure you layer up with winter apparel. During the day, temperatures are usually really pleasant at around 20°C and temperatures can reach 10°C at night.
Spring is also a good time to visit this park, from March to early June.
How to get to Seoraksan National Park
Sokcho Express Bus Terminal.
Image credit: Kitty Hendrix via Google Maps
To get to this park, first, start off by booking your flight to Incheon International Airport; T’way Air is a budget airline that flies directly to Seoul in 6.5 hours.
Upon your arrival in Seoul, you can take the airport limousine bus or the direct intercity bus to Sokcho, the closest city to the park. This will take you about 4 hours.
Once you reach Sokcho, there are 3 options: public transport, taking a cab, or joining a tour. If you opt for public transport, it’s best to take the bus due to its easy connectivity. You can take bus #7 or #7-1 from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal to the park and alight at the last stop. It’s about a 30-minute ride.
Or, you can book a day tour, to make your life a little easier, and trust your guide to lead you to the beautiful park.
Book a tour from Seoul to Mount Seorak (S$62.30).
35 hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
Image credit: @anya.moorr via Instagram
There are a total of 35 trails you can cover in this park. If you’re stressing about which trails to conquer, we’ve got you covered. Here are the more popular trails people have raved about:
- Gwongeumseong Fortress Course – 1.5km
- Biryong Falls Course – 2.4km
- Geumganggul Cave Course – 3.6km
- Yangpok Course – 6km
- Ulsanbawi Rock Course – 3.8km and considered one of the hardest courses, reaching a height of 876m.
- Osaek Mineral Spring Course – 5km
Image credit: @anya.moorr via Instagram
Ulsanbawi Rock Course is considered one of the favourites of hikers to visit. Though challenging, the final destination is so worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the park at 870m above sea level. Generally, this route will take 3-4 hours to complete to and from the starting point.
Image adapted from: @angelalai0704,@nicole_luvlife via Instagram
You can also experience gorgeous natural water bodies, like the Biryong Falls (Flying Dragon Waterfall). You’ll find this along your journey through the Biryong Falls Course. Cue The Lord Of The Rings theme song, it’s time to venture through the woods and slay dragons – the Flying Dragon Waterfall, that is.
Cable Car route
Image credit: ByeongChae Kim via Google Maps
For some of you burnt-out corporate gurlies, you might want to just enjoy the view without breaking a sweat. Understandably so. You can take the scenic cable car route from the Sogongwon Park entrance and reach the Gwongeumseong Fortress – elevated about 860 metres above sea level.
This 5-minute ride will allow you to revel in the gorgeous views of the Ulsanbawi Rock and then enjoy a refreshing cuppa at the cafe.
Admission:
- KRW11,000 (~S$10.54)/adult
- KRW7,000 (~S$6.70)/child
Click IG-worthy pics during fall
Image credit: @nicole_luvlife via Instagram
Whether you’re taking the cable car or huffing and puffing your way up the trail, there are tons of photo ops for you to take advantage of. Feel free to annoy your group and make full use of the gorgeous backdrop the autumn szn offers by suggesting a group photo every chance you get. Though it’s hard for anyone to get annoyed in the midst of the crisp fresh air and pretty views this season offers.
Image credit: @slowtea_m via Instagram
If you’re not the biggest fan of posing, you can ask your trustee gen-z youngling to help you out or check out our guide to taking gen-z pics.
Visit Seoraksan National Park this fall
If hiking has always been on your bucket list, there’s no better way to cross it off than doing it in our resident fav travel spot – South Korea.
If you find yourself struggling, bear in mind the breathtaking view you’ll get to witness or the scenic route you’ll get to venture through. Cheesy as it is, in the case of this park, life is totally about both the journey and the destination.
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Admission: KRW4,500 (~S$4)
For more scenic places to check out:
Cover image adapted from: @anya.moorr & @nicole_luvlife via Instagram