Seoraksan National Park day trip from Seoul

Highlights

• Experience the magic of Seoraksan National Park!
• We visit Gwongeumseong Fortress by cable car
• See the beautiful Shinheung Temple
• Eat raw fish in Daepo Port
• English-speaking tour-guide
• Hotel transportation and entrance fees included
• Suitable for families

All about the trip

Join us for a full day of adventuring in the Seoraksan National Park!

We will take a cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress and also visit Shinheung Temple and Daepo Port. Be advised, this tour is not miles and miles of intensive hiking, but instead a fun day-out for all the family!

The Seoraksan National Park is a huge national park in South Korea. It listed by UNESCO as a tentative World Heritage site. The government designated the area as a nature reserve in 1965.

Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak (‘Seol’ meaning ‘snow’ and ‘Ak’ meaning ‘big mountain’) because the snow would not melt for a long time, always keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. The park's total area is 398 KM sq. (153.75 sq. Miles). The park is spread across four cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang.

In November 1965, the Seorak Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as a park preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.

The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak.

North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams.

Part of the tour involves taking a cable car up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress. The cable car takes about 5mins to get to the top but once there you will need to walk another 15-20mins to get to the peak to enjoy an exceptional view. There is also a small cafe located at the top cable car building which is perfect for a light lunch.

Gwongeumseong Fortress is the site of a castle ruins called Mt. Seoraksan, and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dol Mountain of Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918 - 1392), King Gojong (1213 - 1259 reign). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim built the castle to avoid war.

Next we will see the Shinheung Temple. Shinheungsa is a short 10min walk away from the entrance to Sogongwon. Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called Hyangseongsa, built by Jajangyulsa (590~658), who traveled to famous mountains all over the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s 6th year of reign. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since then.

After the temple we will visit Daepo Port. Located on the southern most point of Sokcho are the many raw fish restaurants and dried fish shops of Daepo Port. This bustling port has become one of the most popular tourist spots for those in search of the freshest raw fish restaurants.

At Daepo Port it is said that the Seorak Mountains and the East Sea are gifts from nature. The port is filled with raw fish restaurants and a live fish market containing eel, flatfish, flounder, yellowtail, and plethora of other high-end seafood.

Furthermore, the abundance of local dishes that can be found lining the streets includes ojingeo sundae and Gamja Songpyeon. For raw fish lovers that are in the Sokcho area, Daepo Port is the place to be.

This is a long, action-packed day so pack and dress accordingly. Be prepared to be left speechless at the beauty of Seoraksan National Park, it's simply unforgettable!

What is included in the price

• English-speaking tour-guide
• Hotel transportation
• Cable car and entrance fees

What is not included in the price

• Additional refreshments or extra snacks
• Funds for souvenirs

Instructions

Please bring ID and your booking reservation

This activity is organised by VIP Travel, Mapodaero 109, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, 04146, South Korea, +82 2 739 3501, vip@vviptravel.com.