Seoraksan National Park Korea Postcard

Seoraksan National Park, nestled in the northeast corner of South Korea’s Gangwon Province, is a dramatic tapestry of jagged granite peaks, verdant valleys, and crystalline streams. In spring and summer, emerald foliage blankets the slopes, while autumn ignites the park in fiery reds and golds, transforming trails like Ulsanbawi Ridge and Biryong Falls into living canvases of color. Towering over it all is Daecheongbong Peak—at 1,708 meters the third-highest point in Korea—whose weathered rock faces and wind-sculpted pines frame panoramic vistas of distant mountain ranges. Along the lower reaches, the Sinheungsa Buddhist Temple offers a peaceful counterpoint to the rugged terrain: its centuries-old pagodas and the towering bronze Buddha statue invite contemplation beside mist-shrouded pavilions. Beyond its striking scenery, Seoraksan is a sanctuary for biodiversity and outdoor adventure. The park’s network of well-marked trails leads hikers through ancient spruce and oak forests, past hidden Buddhist hermitages and over suspension bridges spanning rushing mountain streams. Cable cars whisk visitors to the mid-mountain observation deck at Gwongeumseong Fortress, where sweeping views reward even the most casual guest. Wildlife thrives here, too—Korean goral graze on rocky outcrops, and Asiatic black bears forage in the understory, while delicate wildflowers and rare orchids sip moisture from fog-filled hollows. Whether you seek the physical challenge of a summit ascent, the tranquility of temple bells at dawn, or simply the sensory feast of seasonal change, Seoraksan National Park embodies the timeless allure of Korea’s high country.