Mount Seorak Autumn Colours Hike, 6 days

Seoraksan is the third highest and most beautiful mountain in South Korea and attract many visitors all year round. Including its main peak, Daecheongbong, Seoraksan National Park has a total of 30 imposing peaks and countless hiking trails. Be in awe with its scenery that includes cliffs, waterfalls and lots of natural beauty.

Seoraksan Mountain, located in the northeast of Korea, is one of the most famous destinations that stretches across four counties in the province of Gangwon. The national park has an astonishing rocky landscape, with jagged peaks rising out of pine forests. It displays various forms and colours that nature can offer during the four seasons with Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit the park, with mild weather for hiking. The park is particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves begin to change.

Total walking/hiking distance achieved will be around 30 KM with total duration of 15 to 18 hours (estimate) and highest elevation attained at 1,708 metres.

This hike can also be done in other months from April to September.

This hiking trip involves walking and hiking up to 8 to 12 hours a day, or less depending on your pace. The hikes should not be underestimated as it can be challenging if you have not been hiking regularly despite having the required hiking skill. To have the best hiking experience, it is important that hikers require a good level of fitness and good health. Hikers must be willing and able to walk over rocky terrain with some steep ascents and descents. You need to carry a daypack of around 3 – 5 KG and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.

Trip Duration: 6 days

Interested in this trip? Itinerary can be customised according to your needs. < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialists will get in touch with you.

Itinerary

Key Highlights
~ visit Incheon Open Port, Chinatown and Singi Market;

~ visit Arte Museum, Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition;

~ stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road coastal trail;

~ discover Gangneung Coffee Street;

~ visit the oldest Seon temple in the world, Sinheungsa Temple;

~ hike to Heundeulbawi Rock and Ulsanbawi Rock;

~ stop at Yeonggeumjeong;

~ hike to the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park, Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 metres above sea level;

~ walk the stunning nature sanctuary Wondaeri Birch Forest;

Day 01 Arrive Incheon

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival into Incheon International Airport, there will be a designated group transfer.

Enroute, visit Incheon Open Port Old Town – walk the streets of Incheon Open Port Old Town, reflecting a “bustling” time in Incheon during the late 19th Century. Opened in 1883 as the country’s first port, the area reflects the country’s history and culture from 130 years ago when foreigners arrived to the country. From Korea’s early days of modernisation with the arrival of international traders, and till today, many of its buildings’ architecture retain influences from both the East and West. Modern architecture stands alongside unique Japanese style historical buildings that were used to house trading companies, financial institutions, hotels and even the former Japanese consulate.

Stop by Incheon Chinatown for a short stroll through the colourful streets. The area harbours many of the flavors of China, preserving the traditional culture of the first-generation Chinese in South Korea. Certain parts of the streets are regularly used as filming location for Korean dramas.

See the shades of autumn colours as we take a scenic stroll around Majang Lake, admiring the lovely scenery. Walk across the suspended pedestrian bridge, said to be able to carry up to 1,200 people.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Incheon

Day 02 Incheon – Sokcho

Transfer to the province of Gangwon.

Visit Arte Museum – Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition. The digital media artworks, created around the theme of eternal nature, provide a perfect immersive experience with its impactful visuals, sensuous sound and elegant fragrance.

Take a stroll along Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road (weather permitting). This 2.86 KM coastal trail is the only coastal peninsula area in Korea that tectonic changes of 23 million years ago can be observed. Relax and enjoy the stunning charm of sheer rock cliffs and the view of the cool blue sea.

Whether you are a coffee lover or not, a visit to Gangneung Coffee Street is a must. Cafes lined along the coastline of Anmok Beach. Each café has its own unique décor and character, all café windows offer scenery of the sea. Be sure to spend some time to walk around the beach for some worthy picture session.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Sokcho

Note: an alternative walking experience to another attraction may be offered if Jeongdong Simgok Sea Fan Road is closed due to bad weather.

Day 03 Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan is known as one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains and listed as Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The national park is famous for its views, crystal clear mountain streams, vibrant flora and fauna. It also boasts some of the most enchanting hiking trails in the country.

Sinheungsa Temple is believed to be the oldest Seon temple in the world and is now a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is home to many cultural heritages including the Geungnakbojeon Hall, the three-storey Stone Pagoda and a giant Buddha statue.

Start the day to Heundeulbawi Rock with a gentle hike. It is a large rock that rests on top of a larger stone platform and it rocks back and forth when pushed. Naturally, hikers will make a stop here for a photo.

The trail gets steeper as we hike towards Ulsanbawi Rock – shaped with 6 peaks. Standing at 873 metres above sea level, it is the most well-known attraction at Seoraksan Mountain. From here, see the gorgeous scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir.

As we make our way to return to Sokcho city, make a stop at Yeonggeumjeong – a flat rock area located near the sea. The name is derived as the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). Walk above the rock via a bridge to the end with a traditional Korean pavilion overlooking great views of the East Sea and the Sokcho Lighthouse nearby.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Sokcho

Hiking Distance: 7.2 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 4 – 5 hour approx.

Accumulation Elevation: +561 M / -561 M est.

Day 04 Seoraksan National Park

Transfer to Osaek, the southernmost part of Seoraksan National Park to embark our hike to the highest peak within the park. The Daecheongbong Peak, stands at 1,708 metres above sea level is also the third highest peak in Korea. The trail to the summit with wooden and stone steps ascends continuously through the forest. Hike past Seorak Falls which serves a halfway mark before you reach Daecheongbong Peak. Enjoy the views and savour your lunch at the summit.

Descend via Yangpok Shelter. As you descend and past impressive rock formations, the route gets intertwined with countless terrain rock steps and numerous purposed built walkways but you will be distracted with amazing views in sight. Peaks rose impressively below, sometimes with clouds filled the valleys like steam and engulfed the peaks like cotton candy.

Once again, you will see the Giant Buddha statue at the foot where the Seorakdong Information Centre is located nearby.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Sokcho

Hiking Distance: 17 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 10 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation: +1,274 M / -1,525 M est.

Day 05 Sokcho – Seoul

A relaxed start this morning for our journey to Seoul.

Take a walk through Wondaeri Birch Forest – a stunning nature sanctuary lushed with over 690,000 birch trees and scenic walking trails. Immerse in the tranquility with the tall white bark tree trunks raising towards the contrasting blue sky as we explore the forest in 3 hours.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Note: an alternative recovery walk experience to another attraction may be offered if majority of the hikers in the group are not in their good form for Wondaeri Birch Forest.

Day 06 Depart Seoul

Depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/flight back home. Or simply rest and relax until official check out time, 12 PM and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 5 nights accommodation;

~ arrival group airport transfer at designated timing;

~ 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners;

~ hiking/sightseeing, associated transfer and necessary entrance fees;

~ service of an English-Speaking Driver-Guide and/or English Speaking Hiking Guide and Korean Speaking Driver;

~ service of a Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Seoul, South Korea;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ K-ETA application, if required;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for Korean working team;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of the total tour value is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ All visitors are now required to sign up for Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before your departure. An application fee will be levied at the time of application. Apply HERE.

~ Please only book your air ticket to South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Korea
Hiking Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus, Grade 3 – Intermediate
Season	10 – October, 11 – November

Mount Seorak Autumn Colours Hike, 6 days