서 Seorak-san National park is one of South Korea’s famous parks. Located on the northeast coast of South Korea it is renowned for its high craggy mountains and beautiful seasonal displays of kaleidoscopic colours, its 400.000km2 territory is divided into three parts: Waeseorak 외설산 or Outer Seorak-san on the east coast, Naeseorak 내설악 or Inner Seorak-san on the western side of the Baekdu Daegan ridge, and Namseorak 남설악 or South Seorak-san, covering the park area in the south. It is an exceptionally stunning park with varying trails to offer. Perhaps its two main drawcards are the Daecheong-bong 1707m climb which hikers can vigourously achieve in a full day or overnight to capture the east sea sunrise or the 1N/2D traverse of the appropriately named dinosaur spine, an adventurous and spectacular traverse of a tricky pinnacled ridge offering outstanding scenery. It is attractive in any season, with fall providing some of Korea’s most amazing fall colours, and winter being regarded as a winter wonderland. An average standard of fitness is required for this mountain, but once again HikeKorea has done with people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. If you want to bucket list this impressive and broad peak then we can help you. You can either give it a crack in one full day, or try and overnight opton sleeping at Jungcheong-shelter, and get up next morning for the sunrise on Daecheong-bong. For any other type of hikes in Seorak-san please inquire.

TRAILS

1N/2D 20km Dinosaur Spine Traverse

This hike involves a traverse over the tricky yet stunning dinosaur spine also part of the Baekdu Daegan ridge. It can start at either end, but normally begins at Hangye –ryeong, hiking to the Jungcheong shelter or pushing through to the Huiungak shelter. If we stay at Jungcehong shelter then the next morning we can do a quick ascent to Daecheong-bong 1707m to get the sunrise, and then get to the dinosaur spine. The dinosaur spine is only 5km long but requires five hours of clambering and hiking. Although tricky it is completely safe. Once reaching Madeung-ryeong, we descend to the park entrance near Sinheung-sa temple. There are options to exit the spine both sides.

Prices 1N/2D: 1pax $1500 2pax $800ea, 3pax $650ea, 4pax $500ea. For larger groups please inquire. Cost includes shelter bookings, trail meals, a pick-up and drop-off near Seorak-san (Gangneung KTX station). It is very easy to get to this region from Seoul (2-3hours). The price does not include accommodation before or after the hike if required, but that can be arranged. Larger groups can be done on an arrangement. I have to travel overnight to get to Seoraksan region.

1D Daecheong-bong 1707m climb.

Prices: 1D 1pax $1000, 2pax 500ea$, 3pax $400ea, 4pax $350ea. This is a one-day hiking guide fee, with a pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle at Gangneung KTX station, Yangyang bus terminal or at your accommodation in Seorak-san. The cost does not include accommodation. Please bring your own trail foods and water for the day. Larger groups can be done on an arrangement.

Equipment: A 50L overnight daypack is required for the overnight traverse hike. For the day-hike a daypack big enough to carry water bottle, snacks, and clothing is all you need. You should bring a rain jacket/windbreaker, headlamp, boots, hat, sunglasses, sun cream, toiletries, and personal items. For the overnight traverse you will need to bring a sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Or I can supply on demand.