Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan is the most beautiful and beloved mountain park in South Korea, a dramatic wilderness of jagged granite peaks, deep forested valleys, clear streams, waterfalls and ancient temples in the northeast, near the east coast. Ranging from gentle valley walks and a cable car to strenuous ridge hikes, it is spectacular in every season but most famous for the blaze of fiery reds and golds that sweeps its slopes each autumn, drawing crowds of hikers.

What's there

• The granite peaks - the jagged summits and ridges.
• The autumn colour - the fiery foliage sweeping the slopes.
• Sinheungsa temple - the ancient temple and its great bronze Buddha.
• The cable car and waterfalls - the easy cable car and the valley falls.

When to go

Autumn, roughly October, for the spectacular foliage that makes it famous, though this is also the busiest time; spring blossom and summer green are lovely too. Winter brings snow and serious cold. The autumn colour peak draws huge crowds, so go on a weekday.

Good to know

In the peak autumn foliage season it is extremely crowded, especially at weekends, with long queues for the cable car and busy trails; a weekday and early start help. The higher hikes are long and strenuous, though valley walks and the cable car offer easier options. It is a few hours from Seoul, best with an overnight.

Nearby

The coastal town of Sokcho and the east-coast beaches are nearby.

Key facts