We’re heading to Seoraksan National Park — one of the most beautiful in Korea (in my humble opinion, the most beautiful), and a UNESCO site. Here, jagged peaks rise straight into the clouds, while dense forests hide streams and quiet temples. If you want to feel what Korean mountains are really about, Seoraksan is the place — the closest you can get to the legendary Daecheongbong peak without the grueling climb.
Instead of a long, exhausting ascent, we’ll take gentler but equally magical trails: along a mountain stream to Biseonde or the Shaking Rock. It feels like a fairy tale — water rushing at your feet, and along the way dozens of little stone towers, each holding someone’s wish. Ours will stay here too.
After lunch, it’s time for the sea. Hajodae: a lookout perched on the cliffs above the ocean, with a trail that runs right along the edge. We’ll end the day on a quiet Yangyang beach — barefoot in the cold surf, sipping tea on the sand, and snapping a group photo to keep the memory.
# What you’ll experience
- Seoraksan National Park — a UNESCO site and Korea’s crown jewel
- Gentle trails: a mountain stream, Biseonde, and the Shaking Rock
- We’ll build a little stone wish tower (and yes, wishes here do come true)
- Hajodae: an ocean observatory and a walk along the cliffs
- Yangyang: a quiet beach, barefoot in the surf, tea on the sand
- Optional: a cable car ride with sweeping views of the jagged peaks
- Small group (max. 4 people), relaxed vibe, real conversations
- And all logistics are on me — you just have to show up
### 🕖 7:15 — Meeting at Jamsilnaru Station or ITX to Chuncheon
We’ve got two options to start the day. The first — I pick everyone up at 7:15 at Jamsilnaru and we drive straight to the park via the express highway. The second — and my favorite — is taking the ITX train to Chuncheon from Cheongryanri station (I’ll buy and send the tickets, they’re included in the price). It’s just an hour on a comfortable train, and from there we skip the highway and take country roads instead: morning mist drifting over the river, endless rice fields stretching to the horizon. That road to Seoraksan is an adventure in itself, much better than sitting in traffic on the highway.
### 🕙 10:30 — Seoraksan National Park
Of course, in a perfect world we’d head straight up to Ulsanbawi. But in this summer heat, we’ll save the heavy climbs for golden autumn. Today’s plan is a lighter version: a walk along the mountain stream. The water is icy and crystal clear, and its constant rush feels like it washes all the city noise out of your head.
One trail takes us to Biseonde, a huge rock ledge hanging over a gorge. On clear days it mirrors perfectly in the water below, like looking into glass. For centuries, poets and painters came here for inspiration.
Another option is the Shaking Rock — a massive boulder balanced on a tiny base. It looks like one small push would send it rolling down the mountain, but it’s stood there for hundreds of years, stubbornly unmoved.
On the way, we’ll stop at Sinheungsa Temple. The air here smells of incense and pine resin, and right under the open sky rises a giant bronze Buddha gazing at the mountains. They say wishes made here are especially powerful, so we’ll build a small stone tower among the hundreds already standing and leave ours behind. It’s also the perfect spot to pause for a quick snack — tea and gimbap with a mountain view.
And for those craving a little more thrill — there’s always the option to take the cable car. From above, the jagged peaks of Seoraksan stretch into the clouds, and the valleys below disappear into endless green. A sight that stays with you long after.
### 🕐 13:30 (approx.) - Lunch (included)
We’ll have a choice. We can stay in the park and try mountain dishes — steaming bowls of kalguksu, warm handmade tofu, simple and traditional comfort food. Or we can head down to Sokcho and give in to more ocean flavors: spicy cold mulhoe (raw seafood soup) or whatever else calls your name. We can also visit the fish market for the freshest seafood.
### 🕝 14:30 — Hajodae Observatory & the Sea
We’ll climb up to the observatory perched right above the ocean. The wind here whips your hair in every direction, and the waves roar below your feet. From this point, the coastline stretches out endlessly to the horizon. Then we’ll take a short walk along the cliffside trail right next to the observatory — it feels like the ocean is breathing directly beneath you.
Afterwards — a quiet beach
We’ll stop at one of Yangyang’s hidden beaches. Kick off your shoes, step barefoot into the cold surf — maybe even dive all the way in if you’re feeling bold. Warm sand, salty breeze, complete reset. We’ll sit for a while and share another cup of tea right there on the shore.
### 🕓 16:30 — Drive back to Seoul
After mountains and sea, we’ll get back in the car and take the expressway home. The ride is quick, but never boring: everyone gets a chance to play their own track, so the playlist ends up wonderfully mixed — from Korean rock to jazz or whatever else the group feels like. There’s always a special magic when music and the sunset outside the window fall into the same rhythm.
By around 7:30 PM I’ll drop everyone off at Jamsilnaru Station. You’re back in Seoul — same city, but inside it feels different: lighter, like you’ve just been away on a whole mini-vacation.
What's included:
- ITX ticket (Cheongnyangni–Chuncheon), if we go by train — or gas & tolls if we decide to drive straight
- Parking fees
- Entrance to Seoraksan National Park
- Lunch
- My guiding, local tips, photos, and full support in English
