Mount Seorak - National Parks of Korea (1)
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
The stone steps were endless. Climbing them brought back memories of happiness, sadness and regret. When it became even hard to think, blue sky shone through the thick forest. Cold, clear air signals arriving at the peak.
Mount Seorak, or Seoraksan National Park, is known for its stunning peaks, beautiful valleys and fantastic rocks and stones. The highest peak on Mount Seorak, Daecheong Peak, is 1,708-meters, the third highest in Korea. The national park is located near Sokcho, Yangyang and Inje in Gangwon Province.
Mount Seorak can be divided into three parts: Outer Seorak in the East near the East Sea, Inner Seorak in the West and South Seorak.
Outer Seorak has steep slopes and is renowned for its waterfalls. Cable cars are in place from Sogongwon to Gwongeumseong allowing people to enjoy the superb view of the mountain with ease.
Inner Seorak has many eye-catching falls such as 88-meter tall Daeseong Falls, the highest falls in Korea. Baekdamsa Temple, famous for being the dwelling place of prominent poet Han Yong-un, is also situated on the Inner Seorak.
South Seorak is famous for its Osaek mineral water, a kind of medicinal water that tastes like carbonated water. It also has the shortest climbing route to Daecheong Peak, which takes approximately four hours, so most climbers start their mountain climb here.
At the end of every January, Seorak Snow Festival in Sokcho draws many tourists to the enchanting view of the snow-crowned Mount Seorak.
Mount Seorak is open to the public from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the summer and 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the winter. The hours can change due to weather conditions or climber's mountaineering equipment. Online reservation is needed for using shelters.
For detailed information, visit seorak.knps.or.kr/eng (in English) or call (033) 636-7700.
