Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak (‘Seol’ meaning ‘snow’ and ‘Ak’ meaning ‘big mountain’) because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. In November 1965, the Seorak Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as a park preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.
The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon valley where all the streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream there is Gayadong valley and Suryeomdong valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong ridge (1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong.
Follow Suryeomdong valley and you will reach Waryong and Ssangpok waterfalls. Further up is Bongjeongam (1,224m sea level). Once you arrive at Daecheong peak you can view the magnificent mountain range. The sunrise viewed from here is spectacular and should not be missed. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. South of Yongdaeri valley is the twelve fairy bathing spring, Oktang Falls, and Yongtang Falls, along with several other traditional relics.
Popular nearby, compatible sites for a private tour in Gangwondo:
Naksana Temple
Yangyang Beach
Naksan Beach
Address
Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 속초시 설악산로 설악산국립공원 외설악매표소
Closed
N/A (Open all year round)
Hiking Course
▲ Biryong Falls (1hr, 2.4km): Sogongwon → Yukdam Falls → Biryong Falls
▲ Geumganggul Cave (2 hrs, 3.6km): Sogongwon → Waseondae → Biseondae → Geumganggul Cave
▲ Ulsanbawi Rock (2hrs, 3.8km): Sogongwon → Sinheungsa Temple → Heundeulbawi Rock/Gyejoam → Ulsanbawi Rock
▲ Yongso Falls (1hr, 3.2km): Yaksuteo Hiking Support Center → Seongguksa Temple → Yongso Waterfall → Yongso Falls Hiking Support Center
▲ Baekdamsa Temple (1hr 30min, 6.5km): Baekdamsa Temple Hiking Support Center → Baekdamsa Temple
▲ Daeseung Falls (40 min, 0.9km): Jangsudae → Daeseung Falls
▲ Yangpok (2hrs 50min, 6.5km): Sogongwon → Waseondae → Biseondae → Gwimyeonam → Yangpok Shelter
▲ Suryeomdong (3hrs, 11.2km): Baekdamsa Temple Hiking Support Center → Baekdamsa Temple → Yeongsiam → Suryeomdong Shelter
▲ Namgyori (6hrs 30min, 11.3km): Namgyori → Boksungatang → Daeseungnyeong → Jangsudae
▲ Daecheongbong Peak (Osaek) (4hrs, 5km): Osaek → Nam (South) Seorak Hiking Support Center → Seorak Falls → Daecheongbong Peak
▲ Daecheongbong Peak (Hangyeryeong) (12 hrs, 19.3 km / overnight): Hangyeryeong Hiking Support Center → Daecheongbong Peak →Heeungak → Biseondae → Sogongwon
▲ Daecheongbong Peak (Seorakdong) (10 hrs 40 min , 16 km / overnight): Sogongwon → Biseondae – Heeungak → Daecheongbong Peak → Seorak Falls → Osaek
▲ Gongnyong ridge (14 hours 40 min, 19.1km/ overnight): Sogongwon → Biseondae → Madeungnyeong Peak → Heeungak → Daecheongbong Peak → Osaek
▲ Heullimgol Valley (2 hrs 50 min, 3.3 km): Heullimgol Jikimteo → Deungseondae → Yongso Hiking Support Center
▲ Daecheongbong Peak (Baekdam) (12hrs 50 min, 23.9 km / overnight): Baekdamsa Temple → Bongjeongam → Daecheongbong Peak → Heeungak → Biseondae → Sogongwon
▲ Gwongeumseong Fortress Course (30 min / 1.5 km): Sogongwon → Cable Car → Gwongeumseong Fortress
Admission Fees
[Sogongwon Park]
-Adults 3,500 won
-Middle to high school students (ages 14-19) 1,000 won
-Elementary school students (ages 8-13) 500 won
Cable Car Admission Fees
Round trip: Adults 10,000 won / Children 6,000 won
* Adults: age of 14 and older (middle school students and up)
* Children: ages of 3-13 / Children under 36 months old can enter free
* Note: in order to use the cable car, visitors must pay admission to Seoraksan National Park as the property is located inside the park.
