Osaek Mineral Springs

Osaek sits on the southern side of Seoraksan where the road climbs to the Hangyeryeong pass, and its springs come out of the rock naturally carbonated and heavy with iron - the water fizzes slightly, tastes strongly metallic and rusty, and stains the stone around the outlets orange. People have been drinking it for centuries for digestion, and there are cups at the source; the taste divides visitors sharply. Separately, hot springs in the same valley feed a cluster of spa hotels. The springs sit at the trailhead for two good walks: the Jujeongol valley, a gorge of pools, granite slabs and waterfalls including Yongso and Seongguksa, which is a straightforward couple of hours; and the much harder direct route up to Daecheongbong, Seoraksan's 1,708-metre summit, which starts here and is the shortest but steepest way to the top.

What you actually see

• The carbonated springs - fizzing iron water at the source.
• The orange staining - mineral deposits round the outlets.
• Jujeongol valley - the gorge walk of pools and falls.
• The Daecheongbong trail - the steep summit route from here.

When to go

May to June and October. Autumn colour in Jujeongol is excellent and busy. The summit route needs an early start and is closed in bad winter conditions.

Honest expectations

The water tastes strongly of iron and is not to everyone's liking. Health claims for it are traditional, not medical. The Daecheongbong route is a serious climb, not a stroll from the car park.

Nearby

The Hangyeryeong pass and inner Seorak are above; Yangyang and the coast are east.