Trails, Difficulty Levels, Costs, Seasonal Tips & What Most Travelers Get Wrong
If you’re visiting Sokcho, hiking in Seoraksan National Park is not optional — it’s essential.
Seoraksan is considered one of the most beautiful mountain parks in South Korea. However, many travelers underestimate it. Some arrive too late, choose the wrong trail, or come unprepared for steep climbs.
This complete guide will help you avoid those mistakes and choose the right hiking route based on your fitness level and travel style.
Quick Overview of Seoraksan
- Location: 30 minutes from Sokcho city center
- Entrance Fee: Free (as of recent policy)
- Cable Car Fee: ~15,000 KRW round trip
- Best Season: October (autumn foliage)
- Average Visit Time: 3–6 hours
Seoraksan is famous for its granite peaks, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and fall foliage.
Choosing the Right Trail (Very Important)
Many visitors make the mistake of thinking Seoraksan is just a cable car ride. It is not.
Below are the most popular routes:
1️⃣ Ulsanbawi Rock Trail (Most Iconic & Challenging)
- Round-trip time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Steps: Over 800 metal stairs near summit
This is the most famous hiking course in the park. The final section involves steep metal stairs, which can be physically demanding.
Best for:
✔ Active travelers
✔ Those who want dramatic summit views
Avoid if:
✖ Knee issues
✖ Limited time
Arrive before 8:30 AM to avoid congestion on the stair section.
2️⃣ Biryong Falls Trail (Beginner Friendly)
- Round-trip time: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Mostly flat terrain
This trail leads to scenic waterfalls and is suitable for families.
Best for:
✔ Casual hikers
✔ Families with older children
3️⃣ Gwongeumseong Fortress (Cable Car Route)
Reachable via cable car in about 5 minutes.
Gwongeumseong Fortress
- Minimal hiking required
- Short walk to viewing platform
- Stunning panoramic views
Downside:
On weekends, waiting time can exceed 1 hour.
Pro Tip:
If the cable car line exceeds 40 minutes, consider hiking Ulsanbawi instead.
Cable Car vs Hiking – Which Is Better?
| Option | Effort | View Quality | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Car | Easy | Very Good | Tourist-style |
| Ulsanbawi Hike | Hard | Excellent | Immersive |
| Waterfall Trail | Easy | Good | Relaxed |
If physically able, hiking provides a far more rewarding experience.
Seasonal Strategy Guide
🍁 Autumn (October – Peak Season)
- Best foliage in Korea
- Extremely crowded on weekends
- Parking fills before 9 AM
Arrive by 7:30 AM if possible.
🌸 Spring (April–May)
- Cool temperatures
- Less crowded
- Ideal hiking weather
Highly recommended.
🌊 Summer (July–August)
- Humid and hot
- Bring extra water
- Afternoon rain showers possible
Start early to avoid heat exhaustion.
❄ Winter (December–February)
- Snow-covered peaks
- Trails may close
- Ice on stairs (Ulsanbawi especially dangerous)
Microspikes recommended in winter.
What to Bring (Many Tourists Forget This)
✔ At least 1 liter of water per person
✔ Hiking shoes (not flat sneakers)
✔ Small towel (summer humidity)
✔ Cash for parking or small shops
✔ Light windbreaker (weather changes quickly)
Even though it’s a national park, Seoraksan is not a casual city walk.
Estimated Hiking Budget
| Item | Cost (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Transportation from Sokcho | 2,000–5,000 |
| Cable Car (optional) | 15,000 |
| Snacks/Drinks | 5,000–10,000 |
| Parking (if driving) | 2,000–5,000 |
Total budget: 10,000–30,000 KRW depending on choices.
Common Mistakes Visitors Make
❌ Arriving at noon on weekends
→ Overcrowded trails
❌ Wearing casual fashion sneakers
→ Slippery on steep sections
❌ Underestimating stair climb to Ulsanbawi
→ Physical exhaustion halfway
❌ Visiting only for the cable car
→ Missing the true beauty of the park
Is Seoraksan Difficult?
It depends on your route.
Beginner-friendly waterfall trails are manageable for most people.
Ulsanbawi requires moderate fitness.
The park offers options for nearly all ability levels, but preparation is key.
Final Thoughts
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in South Korea.
The key difference between an average visit and a memorable one is planning:
- Arrive early
- Choose the right trail
- Wear proper shoes
- Adjust for season
Do that, and Seoraksan will likely become the highlight of your Korea trip.
