One of the best places to enjoy autumn in South Korea is its national parks, including the magnificent Seoraksan National Park. It is one of the best places to hike in Seoul, no matter the season! A hiking trip to the majestic Mount Seorak during the autumn will be like a cherry on the top! But, that’s not the only way to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Seoraksan National Park in autumn.
Mount Seorak is not only Korea’s third-highest mountain, but it’s also the most beautiful one! And when the weather changes in fall, the gorgeous and brilliant colored autumn leaves add to its beauty!
Seoraksan National Park
There are two areas in the Seoraksan National Park – NaeSeorak (Inner Seorak) and OeSeorak (Outer Seorak). The outer area is more crowded, and it lies close to the sea. The slopes are steeper, and the wildlife and plants are lesser in the region.
Inner Seoraksan has fewer steep peaks, and less number of people venture into the region. In terms of flora and fauna, the region is more diverse, with over 2000 animal species, including black bears. If you have a lot of time, then you can explore one side of the park in 2-3 days!
Best Spots for Autumn Photography in Seoraksan National Park
There are so many colors to capture in the picturesque beauty of the Seoraksan National Park, especially in the fall season. Just whip out your camera and take the best shot for your ‘gram! Here are some iconic places in the park where you can capture the ‘oh so perfect’ shot!
Sinheungsa Temple (OeSeorak)
It is the 7th-century Zen Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the world. You can observe the traditional architecture and wall paintings from ancient times. You will even find the local monks practicing tea ceremonies in the temple. The temple is quite close to the park entrance, so there’s no chance that you will miss out.
There’s a magnificent Buddha statue that sits 14-meters high on a lotus pedestal. The statue is the symbol of hope that every Korean has for the reunification of North and South Korea.
Ulsanbawi Rock (NaeSeorak)
Just as the name suggests, it is a huge granite rock formation that spans around 4 kilometers. From its summit, you can see the picturesque scenery of Mt. Seorak and the neighboring areas like Dalma Peak and the East Sea.
Daeseung Waterfall (NaeSeorak)
The spot is famous for being the favorite spot of King Gyeong-Sun, the last king of the Silla Dynasty. It is undoubtedly unrivaled in its natural splendor as it towers over 80 meters!
Other Things to Do in Seoraksan National Park
Seorak Cable Car
One way to explore the park is on foot, but if you’re on a tight schedule, then you can hop onto the Seoraksan Cable Car. It is just 3 minutes away from the entrance of the park.
The cable car ride will allow you to catch fascinating sights of amazing rock formations of the Gwongeumseong Fortress, Sogongwon and Jeohangnyeong areas, and Ulsanbawi Rock. After you reach the top, you can take a half-hour hike to the Gwongeumseong Fortress.
Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center
You can learn all about the history of the Mt. Seorak park and the culture from the exhibitions in the Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center. There are books, films, and even games so that you can get hyped about the trek ahead!
Grab Some Local Food
Around the visitor center, there are many local restaurants with non-English names. You’ll be able to identify them by their bright red and green signage. They offer local Korean cuisine, including Korean pancakes and soju in the green ones. If you pick the red one, you can enjoy rice dishes and omelets with a side helping of beans and kimchi.
Are you ready to enjoy the beauty of Seoraksan National Park in the autumn season? Plan your trip to South Korea to fall in love with the amazing sights and views!
Check out some other recommendations from KoreaTravelPost:
- South Korea Travel Guide – When is The Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea?
- Korea Autumn Bucket List – Best Things to Do in South Korea During Fall
- 5 Best National Parks in South Korea
- 5 Places to Explore Around Seoul During the Fall
