Why I Went to Seoraksan
I visited Seoraksan National Park in late October to experience Korea’s famous autumn foliage. It’s known as one of the best places in Korea for fall colours, and it’s just a 2.5–3 hour trip from Seoul.
This guide is based on my real trip and focuses on practical tips—what to pack, where to hike, what to eat, and how to get there.
1. Autumn Weather at Seoraksan
- Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October (peak foliage season)
- Temperature Range:
- Morning: 5–10°C
- Afternoon: 13–18°C
- Large day-night temperature swings
- Weather Conditions: Mostly clear skies, dry, and low rain chance. Early mornings may be foggy.
💡 Tip: Wear layers. Mornings are cold, but it warms up quickly by noon.
2. What to Pack Before Hiking Seoraksan
✅ Clothing
- Base layer + fleece + windbreaker or light down vest
- Hiking shoes or grippy sneakers
- Light gloves (useful in the early morning)
- Hat or neck warmer (for sun/wind protection)
✅ Essentials
- Water (at least 500ml)
- Light snacks (nuts, banana, energy bar)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Small first-aid items (band-aids, pain relief patches)
- Power bank for phone
- Trekking pole (very helpful for steep climbs like Ulsanbawi)
✅ Helpful Apps
- KakaoMap or Naver Map for trail routes and real-time bus info
- Korea National Park App for trail updates and alerts
⚠️ Avoid sandals, dress shoes, or short pants—trails are steep and rocky.
3. Hiking Routes
🔸 Ulsanbawi Trail
- Difficulty: Intermediate to hard
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours round trip
- Highlights: 800+ steps, incredible panoramic views
- My Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and the afternoon sun.
🔸 Biryong Falls Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: ~1.5 hours round trip
- Highlights: Peaceful forest path, beautiful waterfall
- Best For: Beginners, families, casual walkers
🔸 Sinheungsa Temple
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Highlights: Huge Bronze Buddha, quiet atmosphere
- Perfect As: A calm start or end to your hike
🔸 Gwongeumseong Cable Car
- Price: ~11,000 KRW
- Duration: 5 mins ride + time on the summit
- Highlights: Wide-angle views without hiking
- Recommended For: Non-hikers or those short on time
4. Food Near Seoraksan (My Picks)
🍲 Ondal Garden
- Dish: Mountain vegetable bibimbap & soybean stew
- Location: 5 minutes from the park entrance
- Review: Delicious and comforting—perfect after hiking.
🍲 Sokcho Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup)
- Dish: Spicy soup with potatoes, plus kimchi pancakes.
- Location: Sokcho city (~20 min by bus)
- Review: Warm, spicy, filling—great dinner option.
☕ Seorak Coffee
- Order: Americano & sweet potato cake
- Review: Chill spot with a view of the mountain—great for relaxing post-hike.
5. Transportation
From Seoul to Sokcho:
- Take a direct express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho (~2.5–3 hours)
From Sokcho to Seoraksan:
- From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, take local Bus #7 or 7-1 to Seorak-dong (approx. 30 minutes)
🧭 Travel Tip: Use KakaoMap for live bus times. Very accurate in this region.
6. Where I Stayed
🏨 Kensington Hotel Seorak
- Location: 5 minutes walk from the park
- Price: Mid to high
- My Review: Great mountain views, clean rooms, convenient for early hikes
Other Options:
- Guesthouses in Seorak-dong (budget-friendly)
- Hotels in Sokcho city (more restaurants and seaside views)
7. Who Should Visit Seoraksan in Autumn?
- Couples or families looking for a scenic fall day trip
- Solo travellers wanting a nature escape from Seoul
- Beginner hikers (Biryong Falls) or serious trekkers (Ulsanbawi, Dinosaur Ridge)
- Photographers and bloggers searching for fall landscapes