Nestled in the Gangwon Special Province of South Korea, Seoraksan is the third-highest mountain in South Korea, following Hallasan and Jirisan. It is beloved for its majestic grandeur and picturesque scenery. Designated as a national park on March 24, 1970, Seoraksan celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, having served as a crucial pillar of nature conservation for half a century. Recognized internationally with its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982, it continues to function as a treasure trove of diverse species and a vital hub for the natural ecosystem. More than just beautiful landscapes, Seoraksan is a living museum holding the history of our nature. Here, we are reminded of nature's magnificence and the preciousness of life it encompasses.
Seoraksan National Park is broadly divided into Naeseorak, Oeseorak, and Namsseorak, each boasting diverse trails with distinct charms. Oeseorak features the Cheonbul-dong Valley, where bizarre rocks and waterfalls merge, the impressive Ulsan Rock with its massive boulder, and Geumgangseong, easily accessible by cable car. The trail leading from Biryong Falls to the Torangseong Falls observatory, in particular, allows visitors to experience the true essence of Seoraksan with its refreshing waterfalls. Naeseorak is characterized by its scenic valleys like Suryeom-dong and Baengdam valleys, and it serves as the starting point for the trail to Daecheongbong Peak via Baengdam Temple. Daecheongbong, the highest peak of Seoraksan, can be reached via various routes, and the sunrise and sea of clouds viewed from the summit offer an unforgettable experience.
While Seoraksan is known for its rugged terrain, it also offers many easy trails suitable for beginner hikers and families. The path from Sogongwon in Oeseorak to Biseondae is a gently sloping walking trail, perfect for strolling along clear streams and lush forests. The Geumgangseong cable car provides comfortable access to the summit of Geumgangseong, offering panoramic views of Seoraksan's peaks, allowing everyone to enjoy its stunning scenery. Furthermore, the shuttle bus service to Baengdam Temple provides convenient access to Naeseorak's beautiful valleys. Through these diverse access methods, Seoraksan offers its embrace of nature to all visitors.
Over the past half-century, Seoraksan's ecosystem has undergone significant changes due to various factors, including its geopolitical importance, climate change, and increased human activity. Seoraksan is a biodiversity hotspot, home to approximately 1,500 species of animals, including endangered species like the Asiatic black bear and musk deer, and 1,100 species of plants. However, it faces threats such as habitat degradation due to concentrated visitor traffic, illegal traps, and vegetation changes caused by climate change. Particularly in high-altitude areas like Daecheongbong, ecosystem damage is severe, requiring urgent restoration efforts. Development pressures, such as the controversial installation of cable cars within national parks, create ongoing conflicts between conservation and utilization, posing new challenges to Seoraksan's ecosystem.
Efforts to protect Seoraksan National Park's precious ecosystem are actively underway. The National Park Service regularly conducts campaigns to collect illegal traps, protecting wildlife, and has successfully removed small weirs in damaged streams to promote the natural restoration of aquatic ecosystems. These restoration projects contribute to restoring the longitudinal continuity of aquatic ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, the National Park Service operates various programs such as visitor education, citizen universities, and volunteer activities to raise awareness of Seoraksan's value and seek ways for humans and nature to coexist through community cooperation. Furthermore, research on habitat connectivity between Seoraksan and Odaesan National Parks is being conducted to secure wildlife corridors.
Now, beyond the 50th anniversary of Seoraksan National Park's designation, we must continuously contemplate how to wisely use Seoraksan while preserving its natural treasures. Maintaining Seoraksan's ecological health amidst climate change and development pressures is our collective responsibility. Small actions by individual visitors, along with the efforts of the National Park Service, can collectively ensure that Seoraksan's beauty is passed on to future generations. From adhering to basic rules like using designated trails and carrying out trash, to showing interest and participating in nature conservation activities, loving Seoraksan is the beginning of its preservation. If you wish to experience Seoraksan's vibrant nature firsthand, check the latest trail information on the National Park Service website (https://www.knps.or.kr) and plan your visit. For more detailed information on the Seoraksan Biosphere Reserve, visit the UNESCO Korea website (https://www.unesco.or.kr). We ask for your continued interest and effort to ensure Seoraksan forever retains its green breath beside us.
Q1: When was Seoraksan National Park designated?
A1: Seoraksan was designated as a national park on March 24, 1970.
Q2: What are the main hiking trails in Seoraksan?
A2: Oeseorak includes trails to Ulsan Rock, Geumgangseong, Cheonbul-dong Valley, and the Biryong Falls-Torangseong Falls course. Naeseorak features Baengdam Valley, Suryeom-dong Valley, and 12 Seonnyeo탕. There are also various courses leading to Daecheongbong, the highest peak.
Q3: What are the main rare species protected in Seoraksan National Park?
A3: Seoraksan is home to various rare plants as well as endangered natural monuments like the mountain goat, Asiatic black bear, and musk deer.
Q4: Are there any precautions to take when visiting Seoraksan?
A4: Visitors must use designated trails within the national park and carry out all their trash. Some areas may be closed during fire prevention periods, so it is important to check the National Park Service website for trail information before visiting.
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