Seoraksan National Park Playbook
Majestic natural landscape of Seoraksan mountain peaks and ridges
Sokcho · Yangyang · Inje · Goseong, Gangwon-do

Seoraksan Hiking Playbook

Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea's best mountains and a rock ridge hiking destination. We provide three guides: the Ulsanbawi Rock course, a day-long trek to Daecheongbong Peak, and a 2-day, 1-night traverse from Baekdamsa Temple to Daecheongbong Peak.

Photo byAustin Curtis/unsplash
Beginner Course
Beginner Course Overview
Round trip distance 7.6km
Duration 3~4h
Ulsanbawi Rock Summit 873m
Cumulative Altitude ±600m
Estimated Calories ~900 kcal
Difficulty
Recommended Season Autumn (Oct)

Elevation Profile — Ulsanbawi Course

Sogongwon Park 200mHeundeulbawiUlsanbawi Rock 873mDescent
Overall Course Flow
Sogongwon→Sinheungsa Temple→Heundeulbawi→Ulsanbawi Rock 873m→(Descent)→Biryongpokpo Falls→ Sogongwon

Course Features

  • Well-maintained stairs, optimal for beginner hikers
  • Panoramic views of the East Sea, Sokcho City, and Daecheongbong Peak from Ulsanbawi Rock summit
  • Optional visit to Biryong Falls (round trip +1 hour)
  • Approx. 800 stairs to Ulsanbawi Rock summit — knee pads recommended
  • Seorak-dong Sogongwon Park Visitor Center Departure/Arrival
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Sogongwon Park Visitor Center
Elevation 200m Starting Point
Difficulty

Start at Seorak-dong Sogongwon Park Visitor Center. Parking lot and restrooms are available. Get a map at the visitor information center and start your journey. Begin walking towards Sinheungsa Temple.

Check with the visitor center for national park reservation status. Advance reservations are required during peak season.
1
Sogongwon Park → Sinheungsa Temple → Heundeulbawi Rock
Approx. 1.5km 40 min Elevation ↑200m
Difficulty

Walk past the ancient Sinheungsa Temple along a well-maintained trail. The incline is gentle until Heundeulbawi (a large rock below Ulsanbawi), making it an easy walk. This is a refreshing section where you can hear the sound of the valley.

Free admission to Sinheungsa Temple grounds. Take a moment to admire the historic buildings.
2
Heundeulbawi → Ulsanbawi Peak
Approx. 0.8km 40 min Elevation ↑300m (Stairs)
Difficulty

From Heundeulbawi to Ulsanbawi Peak, you will climb approximately 808 steel stairs. Although it is a steep section, the stairs are well-maintained and safe. From the summit, you can view the East Sea, Sokcho city, and even Daecheongbong Peak in the distance.

Concentrated section of uphill stairs. Take ample breaks and ascend slowly. For those with weak knees, wearing knee braces is recommended.
3
Ulsanbawi Rock Summit → Heundeulbawi Rock → Biryongpokpo Falls direction
Approx. 2.3km 1h 10m Descent
Difficulty

Descend the way you came. If you have time, you can explore further towards Biryongpokpo Falls. Yukdampokpo Falls → Biryongpokpo Falls → Towangseongpokpo Falls Observatory adds approximately 2.4km round trip and 1.5 hours.

At Biryongpokpo Falls, you can admire the magnificent three-tiered waterfall from the Towangseongpokpo Falls Observatory. It's the best spot during the autumn foliage season!
degrees
Arrive at Sogongwon Park · Descent complete
Elevation 200m End Point

Return to Sogongwon Park parking lot to conclude the hike. Seorak-dong, nearby, offers various restaurants and cafes for convenient dining and relaxation after the hike.

Sokcho city buses are available from Seorak-dong Bus Terminal. We recommend Sokcho seafood stew and king crab restaurants!
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (non-slip)
  • Knee pads (many stairs)
  • 1 pair of trekking poles
  • Rain jacket (for weather changes)
  • Headlamp

Food & Hydration

  • Prepare 1.5L or more of water
  • Energy bar · Chocolate
  • Sogongwon Park convenience store available
  • No cooking allowed at the summit area

Safety Rules

  • Complete descent 2 hours before sunset
  • Avoid solo hiking
  • Use handrails on stair sections
  • Mandatory National Park Trail Reservation Check

Transportation Information

  • Sokcho City Center → Seorak-dong City Bus No. 7-1
  • Seoul Dongseoul Terminal → Sokcho Express Bus
  • Seorak-dong Parking Lot operates for a fee
  • Beware of traffic congestion during peak season

Seasonal Information

  • Spring (April-May): Azalea bloom, peak hiking season
  • Summer: High humidity, valley exploration recommended
  • Autumn (October): Peak foliage, crowded
  • Winter: Beware of ice, crampons essential

Useful Apps

  • National Park Reservation App
  • Korea Forest Service Smart Forest Disaster App
  • Weather App (KMA Local Forecast)
  • Rambler (GPS Tracking)

Ulsanbawi Rock Course Map

Sogongwon Park PSinheungsa TempleHeundeulbawiUlsanbawi Rock873mBiryongpokpo FallsNMain Hiking Trail (Ulsanbawi)Additional Exploration (Biryongpokpo Falls)
All Checkpoints
1
Sogongwon Park Visitor Center Starting Point
Elevation 200m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking·Restroom·Shop
2
Sinheungsa Temple Temple
Elevation 280m Cumulative 0.8km
Amenities: Water Fountain·Restroom
3
Heundeulbawi Attractions
Elevation 530m Cumulative 1.8km
Amenities: Shelter, view
4
Ulsanbawi Rock Entrance Stairs Fork in the road
Elevation 650m Cumulative 2.2km
Amenities: —
5
Ulsanbawi Rock Summit Summit
Elevation 873m Cumulative 2.6km
Amenities: Observation Deck·Marker Stone
6
Biryongpokpo Falls Junction Fork in the road
Elevation 340m Cumulative 5.2km
Amenities: —
7
Biryongpokpo Falls (optional) Attractions
Elevation 310m Cumulative 6.4km
Amenities: Shelter, observatory
8
Return to Sogongwon Park End Point
Elevation 200m Cumulative 7.6km
Amenities: Restaurant, parking lot
Intermediate Course
Intermediate Course Overview
Round trip distance 10km
Duration 7~9h
Daecheongbong Peak Summit 1,708m
Cumulative Elevation Change 1,260m
Estimated Calories ~2,200 kcal
Difficulty
Recommended Season Autumn (Oct)

Elevation Profile — Osaek Daecheongbong Peak Round Trip

Osaek 450mSeorakpokpo FallsDaecheongbong Peak 1,708mJungcheong ShelterReturn to Osaek
Overall Course Flow
Namsorak Visitor Center (Osaek)→OK Shelter→Upper Seorakpokpo Falls→Daecheongbong Peak 1,708m→Jungcheong Shelter→(Descent, reverse direction)→ Osaek Return

Course Features

  • Shortest course to Daecheongbong Peak — 5km one-way, approx. 3.5 hours
  • Starting point Osaek at 450m elevation, reducing altitude burden ↓
  • Steep incline throughout the entire 5km — no easy sections
  • Elevation difference 1,260m — very high physical exertion
  • Depart from Namsorak Visitor Center (Osaek-ri, Yangyang-gun)
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Depart from Namsorak Visitor Center (Osaek)
Elevation 450m Starting Point

Start after checking in at the visitor center at the entrance of Osaek Mineral Spring on National Road 44. Pass through Osaek Mineral Spring to enter the trail. An early morning start is recommended for a more relaxed hike.

Recommended to depart between 4-5 AM. Climbing late in the afternoon increases the risk of adverse weather.
Parking congestion during peak season. Public transportation or early arrival is essential.
1
Osaek → OK Shelter
Approx. 2km 1h 20m Elevation ↑450m
Difficulty

From Osaek to OK Shelter, a steep incline continues from the start. Before reaching the ridge, you'll walk along a valley before entering a section of serious steep ascent. Water can be refilled at OK Shelter, and you can continue after a short break.

From this point on, the trail is continuously steep. Be sure to use knee pads and trekking poles.
2
OK Shelter → Upper Seorak Falls → Daecheongbong Peak
Approx. 3km 2h 10m Elevation ↑800m
Difficulty

After passing the upper Seorakpokpo Falls, join the ridge and ascend towards Daecheongbong Peak. Rocky sections and steel stairs alternate. As the view opens up, the magnificent scenery of Seoraksan National Park, including Gongnyongneungseon Ridge and Ulsanbawi Rock, unfolds. Take a commemorative photo in front of the summit marker.

After reaching the summit, cup noodles and food can be purchased at Jungcheong Shelter (0.6km). Take a short break.
3
Daecheongbong Peak → Jungcheong Shelter (Optional break)
0.6km 20 min Elev. 1,676m
Difficulty

200m down from the summit is Jungcheongbong Peak (1,676m), followed by Jungcheong Shelter. Paid food (cup noodles, drinks) are available, and an outdoor resting area can be used. As this is a day course, it is best to start descending within 1-2 hours.

Only meals are available at Jungcheong Shelter without a reservation. Overnight stays require advance application on the National Park's official website.
4
Daecheongbong Peak → Osaek (Descent)
5km 2h 30m Elev. ↓1,260m
Difficulty

Descend towards Osaek, the way you came up. The slope is steep, so focus on protecting your knees. Pay special attention to your footing on rocky sections. Rocks are very slippery in the rain.

Beware of knee pain during descent. Use 2 trekking poles and walk in a zigzag pattern to distribute impact. Rock ridges are extremely slippery in the rain.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (waterproof · non-slip)
  • Knee pads (essential)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • Insulated/windproof jacket
  • Headlamp, spare batteries

Food & Hydration

  • 2L or more of water
  • Energy bar · Lunchbox
  • Jungcheong Shelter Cup Noodle Sales
  • Warm food to prepare for sudden temperature drops at the summit

Safety Rules

  • Early morning departure (4-5 AM)
  • Avoid entering the mountain after 1 PM
  • Extreme caution for slippery rocks in fog or rain
  • Extra clothing is essential for sudden weather changes at the summit

Transportation Information

  • Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal → Osaek Bus
  • Seoul Dongseoul Terminal → Yangyang Express Bus
  • Osaek Parking Lot operates for a fee

Summit Environment

  • Daecheongbong Peak average temperature: around 10°C in summer
  • Frequent fog, watch out for visibility
  • Frequent strong winds — beware of losing hats
  • Crampons and gaiters essential in winter

Preparation

  • Pre-check National Park Trail Reservations
  • Check Korea Meteorological Administration's Mountain Weather Forecast
  • Share emergency contact with guardian
  • Minimum 2-3 months of physical training recommended

Osaek Daecheongbong Course Map

Osaek (Namsorak Trail) POK ShelterUpper Seorakpokpo FallsJungcheong ShelterDaecheongbong Peak1,708mNUphill (Trail)Descent (Reverse Direction)
All Checkpoints
1
Namsorak Visitor Center (Osaek) Starting Point
Elevation 450m Cumulative 0km
Amenities: Parking·Restroom·Information Center
2
Osaek Mineral Spring Attractions
Elevation 460m Cumulative 0.2km
Amenities: Water fountain
3
OK Shelter Shelter
Elevation 900m Cumulative 2.0km
Amenities: Bench/Temporary Restroom
4
Upper Seorakpokpo Falls View
Elevation 1,280m Cumulative 3.2km
Amenities: —
5
Daecheongbong Peak Summit
Elevation 1,708m Cumulative 5.0km
Amenities: Marker Stone/Observatory
6
Jungcheongbong Peak Peak
Elevation 1,676m Cumulative 5.2km
Amenities: —
7
Jungcheong Shelter Shelter
Elevation 1,676m Cumulative 5.6km
Amenities: Shop · Outdoor rest area
8
Return to Osaek End Point
Elevation 450m Cumulative 10.0km
Amenities: Restaurant, parking lot
Advanced Course
Advanced Course Overview
One-way Distance ~24km
Itinerary 1 night, 2 days
Daecheongbong Peak Summit 1,708m
Cumulative Elevation Change ~2,200m
Overnight stay point Socheong Shelter
Difficulty
Recommended Season Spring~Autumn

Elevation Profile — Nae-Oeseorak Traverse (Baekdamsa Temple → Daecheongbong Peak → Sogongwon)

Baekdamsa TempleSuryeomdongBongjeongam HermitageSocheongDaecheongbong Peak 1,708mHuiungakCheonbuldongSogongwon ParkDay 1↑↓Day 2
Overall Course Flow
Baekdamsa Temple→Yeongsi-am Hermitage→Suryeomdong Shelter→Bongjeongam Hermitage→ Socheong Shelter (1 night)→Daecheongbong Peak 1,708m→Huiungak Shelter→Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley→Biseondae→ Sogongwon

Course Features

  • Naeseorak (Baekdamgyegok Valley) → Daecheongbong Peak → Oeseorak (Cheonbuldong Valley) Seoraksan National Park Full Traverse Course
  • Passes through the three major valleys: Baekdamgyegok, Gugokdamgyegok, and Cheonbuldonggyegok
  • Overnight stay at Socheong Shelter — enjoy the sunrise from Daecheongbong Peak
  • One-way 23.9km, cumulative elevation gain 2,200m — Advanced hikers only
  • Advance reservation required for Socheong Shelter and Suryeomdong Shelter
  • Shuttle bus to Baekdamsa Temple required (Yongdae-ri → Baekdamsa Temple)
Detailed Route by Section (2 days, 1 night)

Day 1: Baekdamsa Temple → Bongjeongam Hermitage → Socheong Shelter (approx. 13km, 8-9 hours)

Departure
Depart from Baekdamsa Temple
Elevation 400m · Use Yongdae-ri, Inje-gun shuttle bus

Take the paid shuttle bus to Baekdamsa Temple from Yongdae-ri parking lot. It's about 7km to Baekdamsa, taking 20 minutes by bus. After using the restroom and refilling water at Baekdamsa, depart towards Yeongsi-am Hermitage.

Early morning shuttle bus ride recommended. Snacks can be purchased near Baekdamsa Temple.
Reservations for a 1-night stay at Socheong Shelter must be made at least 2-3 months in advance through the National Park Reservation System (knps.or.kr)!
1
Baekdamsa Temple → Yeongsiam Hermitage → Suryeomdong Shelter
Approx. 6km · 2 hrs 30 min · Elevation ↑300m
Difficulty

This is a gentle section along Baegdamgyegok Valley, where you can enjoy the hidden beauty of Naeseorak. It passes Yeongsiam Hermitage (a humble hermitage) and continues to Suryeomdong Shelter. The sound of clear stream water and the lush forest make this section impressive.

Water refill available at Suryeomdong Shelter. No water source from there to Bongjeongam Temple.
2
Suryeomdong Shelter → Bongjeongam Temple
Approx. 4km · 2 hrs · Elevation ↑750m
Difficulty

Ascend along Gugokdamgyegok Valley to Bongjeongam Hermitage. The slope gradually steepens, with rock ridges and stairs appearing alternately. Bongjeongam (1,244m above sea level) is a hermitage at Seoraksan National Park's highest point, offering a magnificent view. Buddhists can offer prayers here.

Take a short break at Bongjeongam Hermitage. Spring water within the temple grounds is potable. Afterwards, ascend another 1.7km to Socheong Shelter.
3
Bongjeongam Hermitage → Socheongbong Peak → Socheong Shelter (1 night)
Day 1 Approx. 1.7km 1 hr Elevation ↑450m
Difficulty

Pass Bongjeongam Hermitage and climb a steep ridge to reach Socheongbong Peak (1,708m). Unpack your bags at Socheong Shelter (1,640m above sea level) directly below and stay for 1 night. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the sea of clouds with the evening glow.

After sleeping at Socheong Shelter, depart for Daecheongbong Peak between 3-4 AM to enjoy the sunrise (around 5 AM)!
No cooking allowed inside the shelter. Essential to prepare instant meals (dried food, cup noodles). Sleeping bag required.

Day 2: Socheong Shelter → Daecheongbong Peak → Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley → Sogongwon (approx. 11km, 6-7 hours)

4
Socheong Shelter → Daecheongbong Peak (Sunrise Hike)
0.6km · 30 min · Elev. ↑68m
Difficulty

If you depart between 3-4 AM, you will arrive at the summit of Daecheongbong Peak just in time for sunrise. The sunrise over the sea of clouds is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. After enjoying the panoramic view from the summit, begin your descent via Jungcheongbong Peak and Jungcheong Shelter.

Very low temperatures at sunrise. Down jacket and gloves are essential. Headlamp is a must-have.
5
Daecheongbong Peak → Jungcheong Shelter → Huiungak Shelter
2.4km · 1 hr 30 min · Elev. ↓500m
Difficulty

From Daecheongbong Peak, pass Jungcheongbong Peak (1,676m) and Socheongbong Peak in order, then descend to Huiungak Shelter. This ridge offers the best views, with Gongnyongneungseon Ridge unfolding before your eyes. After breakfast and a sufficient rest at Huiungak Shelter, descend to Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley.

Cup noodles can be purchased at Huiungak Shelter. From here, you can branch off towards Gongnyongneungseon Ridge (Madeungnyeong Pass).
6
Huiungak Shelter → Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley → Yangpok Shelter
Approx. 3.5km · 2 hrs · Elevation ↓700m
Difficulty

Descend along Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley, Seoraksan's best descent course. A series of spectacular views, including Cheondangpokpo Falls and Gureumdari Bridge, unfold. Take a short break at Yangpok Shelter and continue descending to Biseondae.

Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley is Seoraksan National Park's No. 1 scenic spot. Strange rock formations and cliffs, resembling a thousand sitting Buddhas, continue along the valley.
7
Yangpok Shelter → Biseondae → Sinheungsa → Sogongwon
Day 2 Approx. 5km 1h 40m Elevation ↓300m
Difficulty

Pass Biseondae (Scenic Site No. 1) and conclude at Seorak-dong Sogongwon Park via the grounds of Sinheungsa Temple. The gentle trail allows you to soothe tired legs and walk at a leisurely pace. From Sogongwon Park, take a Sokcho city bus.

After arriving at Sogongwon Park, dine at a restaurant in Seorak-dong. Seafood hotpot and mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) in Sokcho city center are recommended!
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots (waterproof · ankle support)
  • Knee pads (essential)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • Down jacket · Insulating layer
  • Sleeping bag (for shelter)
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Rain gear · Windbreaker jacket

Food & Hydration

  • 3L of water (can be refilled midway)
  • 2 days of easy-to-prepare meals (dried food, energy bars)
  • Cup noodles and drinks available for purchase at the shelter
  • Prepare sufficient high-calorie trail food

Shelter Reservation

  • Socheong Shelter essential reservation
  • National Park Reservation System (knps.or.kr)
  • Reservations required 2-3 months in advance during peak season
  • Suryeomdong Shelter (Optional Forward Base)

Safety Rules

  • Strictly observe entry control times
  • Gongnyongneungseon Ridge Entrance: Arrive before 1 PM from April to October, and before 10 AM during winter
  • Descend immediately in case of bad weather
  • Solo hiking prohibited (teams of 2 or more)

Transportation Information

  • Yongdae-ri (Inje) → Baekdamsa Shuttle Bus
  • Seoul → Inje Express Bus
  • Sogongwon Park (Sokcho) → Seoul Express Bus
  • Separate start/end points — transportation planning essential

Physical Preparation

  • Minimum 6 months of hiking training recommended
  • Training with a backpack over 10kg is essential
  • Experience hiking over 10km at least 5 times
  • Attempt after completing an intermediate course

Conceptual Map of Naeseorak-Oeseorak Traverse Course

Baekdamsa PYeongsi-am HermitageSuryeomdong ShelterBongjeongam HermitageSocheong Shelter 1 NightDaecheongbong Peak1,708mHuiungak ShelterCheonbuldonggyegok ValleyBiseondaeSogongwon Park (Seorak-dong) P →← Naeseorak (Inje)Oeseorak (Sokcho) →NDay 1 (Baekdamsa Temple → Daecheongbong Peak)Day 2 (Daecheongbong Peak → Sogongwon Park)
All Checkpoints (2 Days, 1 Night)
DayPoint NameElevationCumulative DistanceTypeAmenities
1 dayBaekdamsa Temple400m0kmTempleShuttle bus, restrooms, convenience store
1 dayYeongsi-am Hermitage570m3.5kmHermitageWater fountain
1 daySuryeomdong Shelter700m6.0kmShelterAccommodation, convenience store, drinking water
1 dayBongjeongam Hermitage1,244m10.1kmHermitageWater/Rest Area
1 daySocheongbong Peak1,708m11.4kmPeak—
1 nightSocheong Shelter1,640m11.8kmShelterAccommodation, drinking water, convenience store
2 daysDaecheongbong Peak 1,708m12.4kmSummitMarker Stone/Observatory
2 daysJungcheongbong Peak1,676m12.6kmPeak—
2 daysJungcheong Shelter1,676m13.0kmShelterShop · Food
2 daysHuiungak Shelter1,190m14.7kmShelterShop · Restroom
2 daysCheondangpokpo Falls800m17.5kmAttractions—
2 daysYangpok Shelter620m18.5kmShelterShelter
2 daysBiseondae340m20.6kmScenic SpotsRestroom
2 daysSinheungsa Temple280m22.5kmTempleDrinking water · Restroom
2 daysSogongwon Park (Seorak-dong)200m23.9kmEnd PointBus/Restaurant/Parking Lot

Seoraksan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions