Most Korean people have had at least one chance to visit Seoraksan, and it has remained for a long time as a very popular place to visit.
500km-long Taebaeksanmaek(mountain range) extends to the southern end of the country, passing Hwangryongsan and Dadaepo, and Nakdonggang(river) district. Seoraksan National Park is situated at the far northern end of the range. Seoraksan's deep valleys and water falls provide breathtaking scenery, and attract more than 3 million people per year, 13% of 30 million total tourists including foreigners who visit the national parks in Korea . Designated as National Park in March 1970, it has been changed in area three times and expanded to 398.539 km2.
In mid-autumn, the top of the mountain is covered with snow, and it remains this state until the following summer. There are about 28 peaks, including the highest peak Daecheong-bong, Hwachaebong, Hangyeryeong and Madeungnyeong all clustered together, making a magnificent scenery.
Seoraksan can be divided into three parts: Oe(Outer) Seorak, Nae(Inner) Seorak, and South Seorak . Nae(Inner) Seorak is known for its beautiful valleys, while Oe(Outer) Seorak is renowned for its rocks. As Oe(Outer) Seorak is situated on the coast, you can look the east sea from the top of Gwongeumseong and Ulsanbawi(rock). Seoaksan , Korea's most spectacular mountain national park, displays a variety of scenery according to the season.
Seoarksan is filled with beautiful azaleas and royal azaleas, and there is a flower festival in spring. Spring may be the best time to visit. However, others say that
the most impressive scenery is the sea of clouds spreading over the many peaks of Seoraksan during summer.
The highest peak, Daecheongbong (1,708m), in the summer, is an island mountain peak, piercing through the sea of clouds, which spread throughout the valleys of Seoraksan.
When the full moon rises on an autumn night, fantastic cliffs may look like dancing fairies. It seems like another world when white snow covers the cliffs and trees in winter. Seoraksan National Park is located near Sokcho city, Yangyang, and Inje county. Daecheongbong Peak sits in the center. As mentioned, Seorak National Park comprises three distinct areas: Nea(Inner) Seorak in Inje; South Seorak in Hangyeryeong~Osaek Spa. and Oe(Outer) Seorak which lies in the east area.
The best-known valley in Outer Seorak is Cheonbuldong valley, and at the entrance, there is Biseondae(castle) where legend has it that a man appreciated the beauty of the area, and ascended to the heavens.
The huge Janggunbong is located on the right of Biseondae and there is a famous cave, Geumganggul, on the way. Geumganggul is only 600m above sea level but it is not easy to climb. Inside the cave lies a fountain, which may satisfy the visitors's
thirst.
If you pass through the Sogongwon(small park) and cross the Sesimgyo bridge, there is a dense forest and sinheungsa( Temple ) which was built in Silla Dynasty(652). And you go up to the north from sinheungsa, you can see the Ulsan rock where most people have taken picture in front of.
Gogaenmaru is situated on the border of Nae(Inner) Seorak and Oe(Outer) Seorak. From Gogaenmaru, the east is called Osaengnyeong, and the west is called Hangyeryeong ridge. This area is similar to Cheonbuldong in Oe(Outer) Seorak, and along every step, visitors continue to be full of admiration of the beauty of the eroded rocks.
The rocks compliment the picturesque scenery together with the tender green colors of spring, and the colorful maples in autumn. People visit Oe(Outer) Seorak to see Sinheungsa( Temple ), and Nae(Inner) Seorak to see Baekdamsa ( Temple ).
"Love is gone, gone is my love. / Tearing himself away from me, he has gone along the little path that stretches amidst the splendor of a green hill, into an autumn-tinted forest. / Our last oath, shining and enduring like a gold-mosaiched flower, has turned to cold ashes, blown away in the breath of wind."
This is the beginning of a well-known poem, "Lover's Silence."
It was written by Han Yongun, a prominent poet and monk, who decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood and wrote his poem in Baekdamsa.
On the way back from walking, many visitors like to sit on a rock to have a rest, relax in the fresh breeze, or enjoy potato Buchim (flat cake) with Meoru(wild vine) wine alcohol produced locally. Its
tasty cannot compare with any kind of expensive food in fancy restaurant. There are more than 1,400 species of animals, including antelope, musk deer, and otter, as well as 1,200 species of fauna, such as Edelweiss, to be found in Seorak. Naksansa temple, Tongiljeonmangdae (unificition observation tower) for North korea , Gyeongpodae reservoir and the Alps ski resort are adjacent to Seoraksan National Park.
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