Seoraksan National Park
Jagged granite peaks and maple forest, Korea's most celebrated autumn colour
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 1 long day (10-12 hours) to Daecheongbong and back, or 2 days with a shelter stay
- Summit elevation
- 1708 m
Seoraksan's granite peaks, rising sharply along Korea's east coast, protect some of the country's most dramatic scenery and its richest biodiversity. The long climb to Daecheongbong, the third-highest peak in South Korea, passes through maple and oak forest that turns brilliant red and gold each September and October, with mountain shelters offering an overnight option for those who prefer to split the ascent.
Highlights
- Brilliant maple and oak foliage each autumn
- The Ulsanbawi granite ridge, reached via a steep staircase route
- Biryong Falls and the Cheonbuldong valley trail
- Daecheongbong summit, the third-highest peak in South Korea
Getting there
Take a KTX train or intercity bus from Seoul to Sokcho (about 2-2.5 hours), then a local bus to the Sogongwon entrance of Seoraksan National Park.
Safety tips
The trail to Daecheongbong is long and genuinely strenuous with real elevation gain, and weather on the exposed upper ridge changes quickly; start early, watch the trail-gate closing times, and treat the mountain seriously outside the maintained summer and autumn conditions.
What to bring
- Sturdy trekking boots for long trail days
- Layers for a wide temperature swing between valley and ridge
- Headlamp if timing a shelter stay around sunrise or sunset
- Cash or card for shelter fees and trailside food stalls