Mountains
Mt.Seoraksan National Park
Mt. Seoraksan is one of the most impressive tourist spots for foreign visitors, and is the place that Koreans love the most. This mountain stands tall on the pinnacle, Daechungbong, the highest point of the Taebaek mountain range which is the backbone of the Korean peninsula. Mt. Seoraksan is divided into two sides by Mysiryeong and Hangaeryeong: the eastern part is called Weiseorak, and the western part is called Naeseorak, meaning inner Seorak. Most of the fantastic cliffs and great waterfalls are concentrated on the Weiseorak, and the splendid natural terrain of the Naeseorak touches people's hearts in a special way, with its dynamic and breathtaking beauty and colors all year round. A variety of walking trails, and precious cultural legacies are hidden in the Valleys of Mt. Seoraksan, and it is the only habitat declared by UNESCO in Korea.
- homepage :
Daecheongbong Peak
Daecheongbong is 1,708 meter high pinnacle of Mt. Seoraksan, and it is the diverging point of Weiseorak and Naeseorak. Nearly 50 different species of plant live on the high mountain. A group of such rare species as edelweiss, Geumgangchorong, violet, anemone, Nunhyang trees, Jjimbbang trees, creeping pines living near Daecheong, Jungcheong, and Socheong. Daecheong is a direct contrast to the vigorous looking dinosaur-like ridgeline located be-tween the ponderous looking Seobukjuneung and Hwachaeneung.
Daecheong is the main pinnacle of the grandeur and splendor of Mt. Taebaeksan. It can cater to many different levels of climbing depending on the Course and the time of year. It was once called Cheongbongdeung. The prominent scholar Nosan thought that it was also called "Bonghwangdae Bongjeong," "Cheongbongdeung" because he believed it was a term derived from Gwangmyeong, meaning "bright future." It was also called '"Cheongbong" in the history book "Donggukmyeongsangi," because of its greenish color.
Gwongeumseong Fortress
Located 860m above sea level, Gwongeumseong Fortress is found near the south entrance of Sinheungsa Temple, which is located on the peak that reaches the heavens. The fortress is named after two generals - Kwon and Kim - who were said to have erected the wall in a day to block the Mongolian invasion (1253) during the Goryeo Dynasty. The view from Mt. Seoraksan, as seen from the Gwongeumseong Fortress is regarded to be the very best.
※ Gwongeumseong Cable Car: Tourists can ogle at the tingling view of the huge and magnificent Mt. Seoraksan National Park 670 meters below. The 14 minute round-trip will show you a dramatic panorama of the grandeur of nature that you will never forget. (Departing at Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon (small park))
Shinheungsa Temple
A Monk named Jajangyulsa founded this temple by the order of a king during Silla Kingdom. It has a 9-story stone temple with Buddha's bones preserved in it. The original name of the temple was "Hyangseongsa." This temple was burned down many times, however it was rebuilt by 3 monks after receiving the same message in their dreams. The sitting bronze Buddha statute, which is 14.6m tall (as high as a modern 6 story apartment building) at the main entrance of the temple is the largest one in the world and
took 11 years to build. Sixteen disciples of Buddha are inscribed on the statute, wishing for the unification of our country with donated relics such as 3 Jinsinsari (Buddha's bones), Darani-gyeong (sutra), and iron cloth from the government of Myanmar.
Heundeulbawi Rock
Heundeulbawi is one of the main features of Mt. Seoraksan. What makes this small and round rock so famous is that it only moves the distance that people push it, meaning it only rocks 15~30cm back and forth regardless of how hard it is pushed.
Ulsanbawi Rock
Ulsanbawi is 873m above sea level. It is a round mountain surrounded by jagged cliffs. The circumference of the mountain is approximately 4km, and it is made up of six different mountain tops. Due to its unique appearance, it has become the symbol of Mt. Seoraksan and the landmark of Gangwon-do. The dynamic look of the rock mountain in different seasons and under different weather conditions quite resembles the Uluru Rocks in Australia (Ayers Rock).
Biseondae
As you follow up the mountain stream for about 300m from Waseondae, you will reach Biseondae. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It was named Biseondae because of a waterfall shaped like a cape and the legendary "Makgo" angel ascended from here. In the spring all sorts of flowers and fragrances fill up the mountain Valleys. In the summer, green shades and fragrant plants spark refreshing scents around the woods. Moreover, 5 distinctive colored leaves in autumn cover up the entire Biseondae. In the winter, sno- wy flowers decorate the whole Valley, no wonder people acclaim it to be the best scenery.
The snowy, flower-like scenery in the winter is so beautiful to look at, and it is the representative tourist spot of Mt. Seoraksan comparable to Manpokdong in Geumgangsan.
Jujeongol Valley
Situated in the southern Mt. Seoraksan Osaek region, Jujeongol is where the old yeopjeon coins were made during the Joseon Dynasty. As one might expect of a Valley in which the national currency is produced, Jujeongol lies deep between high mountain ridges where the glorious tints of the autumn foliage are said by many to be the most beautiful in all Mt. Seoraksan. The path leading to Osaek Mineral Springs is the most popular hiking Course in the park.
* Osaek Mineral Water : The water was named “Osaek (5 colors)” because it has 5 different flavors. With intensive iron and carbonic acid, it is hard to drink at first. But, it is famous for its medical effect and lots of people from all over the country come and visit Mt. Seoraksan to drink from the water.
Nearby Attractions
- location: Naengcheon-ri, Geojin-eup, Goseong-gun
- reference: Culture & Tourism Department of Goseong County Office: 033-680-3352
Geonbong Temple which is located at the bottom of the southern Mt. Geumgang had been built in the 7th year of king Beopheung of Shilla Dynasty, in 520. During its flourishing times, with its 3,813 rooms and branch temples such as Shinheung and Naksan Temples etc. it was one of the great four temples in Korea. However, the Korean War destroyed everything except Burimun. Despite of the misfortune, it is getting its prosperity by setting the ground and restoring some parts to the original state. Lying in the civilian passage restriction line, this temple had not allowed the passages, but has permitted people to pass by since the summer of 1992. It is preserved as a treasure No.51 of Gangwon and being continued the reconstruction.
Naksan Temple
- location: 55, jeonjin-ri, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun
- reference: 033-672-2447
- homepage :
The temple which is thought to be able to cure a person's pain by the fact that the Goddess of Mercy just exists there as the sunrise gives everyone a bright light was built at Mt. Obong by monk Uisang who had gone for study to Tang, and learned the Avatamska's from Jieom. Most buildings you can see now were reconstructed after the Korean War. Unfortunately, in April, 2005, due to a big forest fire, a National Treasure, No. 479, Naksansa Dongjong and some palaces like Wontongbojeon were destroyed. Recently, they are pushed on the restoration.
Tongiljeonmangdae - The Unification Observatory
- location: Myeongho-ri, Hyunnae-myeon, Goseong-gun
- reference: Culture & Tourism Department of Goseong County Office: 033-680-3545
It was built at the northernmost of East Coast on February 9, in 1984. It may help us to go through the tragic division of Korea , and think over the displaced people's sorrow by looking at Mt. Geumgang and Haegeumgang. Over one million people visit here every year.
- Jeonjin-shipja-cheoltap (Jeonjin crossed steel tower): The lighting event for Christmas in December
- Tongil-giwon-beomjong (a bell for the unification of Korea ): height 1.87m, diameter 1.25m, weight 1,875 lb, the range of tolling 4km the lighting event of Gwangmyeong Lamp on Buddha's birthday
- Statue of the Virgin Mary: built by the Roman Catholic Church in 1986 size: 13.6 pyung, height: 10.5m
- Tongil-giwon-mireukbulsang (Statue of Maitreya for the unification of Korea ): built by Shinheung temple, height: 13.6m
- 351 goji-jeontoo-jeonjeokbi (the 351-meter hill monument for a vestige of a battle): it commemorates the recovery of lost territory in the Korean war.
Osaek yaksu
- location: Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun
- reference: branch office of Seoraksan National Park Office: 033-672-2883
- Culture & Tourism Department of Yangyang County Office : 033-670-2251
- Seo-myeon Office of Yangyang: 033-670-2602
It was given the name 'Osaek' because of its five tastes. It is a famous spring with Sambang spring at Hamgyeong-do. Going through a large rock, it spurts up 1500- liter water a day. The water tastes like soda. It has the highest curative qualities in a gastro enteric disorder, indigestion, circulation of the blood, anemia, neuralgia, and recovery from illness. Due to the carbonated spring of Greenyard Hotel, its welling amount is affected according to seasons, but it still has its fame as the medicinal water.
Transportation
| Section | Departure Time/Distance | Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlines | Seoul - YangYang | 11:45(1times) | 50min |
| Train | Cheongyangni - Gangneung busan - Gangneung |
08:00 ~ 23:30 (7times) 09:10 ~ 17:46 22:25 ~ 07:07 (train for weekend) |
7hr 8hr 40min 8hr 40min |
| Express and suburban bus | Seoul - Sokcho east Seoul - Sokcho Sangbong - Sokcho |
06:30 ~ 20:30 (30miniute intervals) 06:25 ~ 23:00 (1hr intervals) 06:25 ~ 18:30 (9times) |
4hr 10min 4hr 4~5hr |
| Automobiles | Seoul- Hongcheon - Sokcho Seoul- Gangneung - Sokcho |
222km 301km |
3hr 3hr 30min |
Accommodation
Here are Seorakdong campground(401buildings), and five-star hotels inside Seorak National Park. There is also one youth hostel, and one condominium with 96 buildings accommodating about 25,500 people.
