Seorak-san National Park (Sokcho) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As Korea's most popular national park, Seorak-san gets a tremendous
number of visitors, especially during weekends and holidays. The annual migration of people to
see the leaves turn color every autumn brings traffic in the surrounding areas to a standstill.
If at all posible, avoid the crowds and visit during the week. Seorak-san's craggy peaks are often
shrouded in mist, creating a "see of clouds" effect seen in many pictures of the area.
The park also contains many waterfalls, pine and hardwood trees, and several famous temples,
including Sinheung-sa.
After being designated as natural monument #171 in November 1965, Seorak-san
became the 5th national park in March 1970. Because of its variety of plants and animals, it was selected
as a conservation area (the only one in Korea) by UNESCO in 1982. Since then, the movement to protect
Seorak-san has gained momentum. Seorak-san can be
divided into three parts: Outer Seorak, Inner-Seorak,
and South Seorak.
Seorak-san two types of trails: walking paths for easy journeys that are
accessible to all types of people and mountain trails for more strenuous treks by serious hikers.
For walking paths, Bisondae, Biryong Waterfall,
and Rocking Rock are popular destinations. You can go to Gwongeum-seong by cable car, but it has become
so popular that visitors sometimes have to wait 2-3 hours for the ride. The paths to
Biryong Waterfall and
Bisondae were set up as nature trails, and an
increasing number of visitors choose these paths to learn about ecosystems directly from nature.
The trail to Daecheongbong, Seorak-san's highest peak, is also very popular.
Hikers must come equipped with proper gear and make a reservation in advance to use park facilities. They
also need to be in good physical condition. Although the course is difficult, visitors who want to see the
spectacular beauty of Seorak-san should take this trail. The bizarre rock
formations of Cheonbuldong valley, cascading waterfalls, and rare plants and animals make unforgettable
memories.
Biryong Waterfall flows in a single stream without interuption for 150 feet.
People say it looks like a dragon is ascending to heaven through the waterfall, whether seen close-up or
from afar. Biryong means 'flying dragon' and it is one of the scenic masterpieces of Outer-Seorak.
A short, relatively level path leads to the waterfall from the main valley. The path is lined with many
benches where visitors can stop for a rest, and several vendors sells drinks and snacks along the way.
Because of its easy and short trail that almost anyone cna handle, Biryong
Waterfall is one of the park's most popular sites.
Another easily accessed trailleads to Bisondae. This area is quite beautiful,
especially after a heavy rain, as water winds through the rocks. According to legend, a fairy named Mago
visited this place (thus its name which means 'flying fairy place'). During spring, the smell of mountain
blossoms fills the canyon; in summer, freshness of greenery is felt everywhere. The autumn trees are covered
with brightly-colored leaves, an during winter, a deep snow frequently covers the area, creating very
picturesque scenery. It represents one of the 'Eight Scenic Masterpieces of Seorak.'Hours: Mountain access control for the forest fire prevention: Admission: [Sinheung-sa area (Unit:won)]
[Baekdam Area (Unit:won)]
[Osaek, Jangsudae, Hangyeryeong areas]
Directions: Yangyang -> National Road #7 -> Naksan -> Mulchi three-way junction) -> turn left -> parking lot at Seorak-san entrance 
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