Bongjeongam Hermitage (Inje) (봉정암(인제))

7.7 Km 36133 2024-02-28

1700 Baekdam-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

Bongjeongam Hermitage, situated at the highest point of Seoraksan Mountain, stands at 1,244 meters above sea level. Due to its elevation, one can witness snow-covered landscapes well into late May. The temple is 10.6 kilometers from the entrance of Baekdamsa Temple and requires 4-5 hours of steep climbing to reach. The view from Bongjeongam Hermitage is breathtaking, but the view of Seoraksan Mountain from the Shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha's Sarira is equally unmissable.

Inje Hwangtae Village (인제 황태마을)

7.9 Km 24124 2024-03-15

307 Jinburyeong-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-462-4805

Inje’s winter landscape is at its most picturesque at the Dried Pollack Deokjang, the area’s premier seasonal attraction, within Inje Hwangtae Village. Deokjang refers to the traditional racks used for air-drying fish. Here, pollack undergoes a natural freeze-drying process, alternating between the sharp cold and the mild winter sunlight, resulting in a chewy texture that is much loved. This process, coupled with the breathtaking view of the racks laden with fish against the snowy backdrop, is indeed one of winter’s unique offerings. As visitors explore the Deokjang, they can learn about the 33 meticulous steps that transform pollack from fresh catch to the dried delicacy that graces dining tables. Adjacent to the Deokjang, Maebawi is known for its "iron way," a rock climbing path ideal for beginners. However, in winter, it transforms into a challenging ice climbing site suited for experienced climbers.

Yongdae National Recreational Forest (국립 용대자연휴양림)

8.0 Km 15827 2020-03-27

7, Yeonhwadong-gil, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-462-5031

Yongdae National Recreational Forest features rivers that flow from Maebongsan Mountain (alt. 1,271 m) and Cheoljeongbong Mountain (alt. 1,172 m). The forest consists of deciduous trees such as oak, linden, and birch, as well as pine trees. Not only does the forest boast a beautiful landscape all-year-round, but also serves as a habitat for wild animals of various species, including rabbits, deer, squirrels, raccoons, and even lenoks, which are designated as endangered species.

Seoraksan Ulsanbawi Rock (설악산 울산바위)

8.5 Km 50892 2024-02-28

1091 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3382

Ulsanbawi is a rock formation in Seoraksan Mountain that consists of six massive peaks, each reaching 900 meters above sea level. The name "Ulsanbawi" is derived from the shape of the peaks, which spread out like a fence, and it is located at the center of Seoraksan Mountain. This rock is celebrated for its unique shape, the scenic beauty surrounding it, and its hiking trails. It takes about three hours to reach the top of Ulsanbawi from Sogongwon Park.

Osaengnyeong (Hangyeryeong) Pass (오색령(한계령))

9.1 Km 9864 2021-04-12

Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2883

This 1,004 m-high pass connects Seo-myeon of Yangyang-gun and Buk-myeon and Girin-myeon of Inje-gun, at the border between Naeseorak and Namseorak. The people of Yangyang know the pass as Osaengnyeong, while in Inje it is known as Hangyeryeong. Yi Jung-hwan, a late Joseon period scholar and the author of the geographical text Taengniji (On Selecting a Village), counted Osaengnyeong Pass as the first and the foremost of the six famous passes in Gangwon-do. Indeed, Osaengnyeong Pass was the route through which essential supplies were transported from Yangyang (in Yeongdong) to Inje (in Yeongseo region), and the rough pass taken by the people of Yangyang on the way to Seoul. Its presence in the folklore of the region can be seen in the popular song Hangyeryeong, which speaks to the difficulties of those who had to climb the pass. Hangyeryeong Road was opened in 1981, and today’s National Road No. 44 is famous for being a driving course through the beauty of Seoraksan Mountain. This is also the starting point of the shortest route to Daecheongbong Peak, the highest peak in Seoraksan Mountain, and the trail to the summit of Jeombongsan Mountain.

Ulsanbawi Rock Milky Way Photo Spot on Old Misiryeong Trail (미시령옛길 울산바위 은하수)

9.4 Km 1 2024-03-18

5110 Donghae-daero, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Misiryeong Pass, historically a pathway connecting Inje to Sokcho, also serves as an observation point for viewing Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan Mountain. More recently, it has gained popularity as a photo spot for capturing the Milky Way. As a result, on clear nights, the parking lot is often filled with eager photographers.

Seoraksan Heullimgol Valley (설악산 흘림골)

9.4 Km 4277 2024-02-16

San1-71, Osaek-ri, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Yangyang’s Heullimgol Valley, named for its cloud-like, foggy appearance due to the surrounding high mountains and deep valleys, offers a spectacular view and serves as the gateway to Deungseondae. This spot provides an expansive view of the southern side of Seoraksan Mountain. Notable sites near Heullimgol Valley include Yeosimpokpo Falls, Deungseondae, Deungseonpokpo Falls, Geumgangmun Gate, and Jujeongol Valley. Access to Heullimgol Valley is strictly limited to 5,000 visitors per day, with entry based on time reservations. Therefore, visitors must make a reservation through the Korea National Park Service's reservation system before visiting.

Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan Mountain) (신흥사(설악산))

9.8 Km 74983 2024-03-12

1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7044

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple located in Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho. It belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded as Hyangseongsa Temple by the monk Jajang in the Shilla dynasty (A.D. 652). Within the temple grounds, cultural heritage sites such as Geungnakbojeon Hall, a wooden structure from the mid-Joseon period, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Hyangseongsa Temple Site. The temple offers a templestay program where visitors can experience temple life firsthand. Participants can engage in various activities such as Buddhist ceremonies, Buddhist prayer, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern and rosary making.

Cheonbuldong Valley (천불동계곡)

10.2 Km 29791 2021-04-09

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

As one of the Ten Sights of Seoraksan Mountain, the Cheonbuldong Valley is also called Seorakgol Valley, being a representative valley of the mountain. Along the valley covering about 7 km from Biseondae Rock to Daecheongbong Peak, visitors can enjoy the splendid scenery of various attractions including Waseondae Rock, Munjudam Pool, Ihodam Pool, Gwimyeonam Rock, Oryeon Falls, and Cheondang Falls. It has all magnificent views of Seoraksan Mountain. The Cheonbuldong Valley is also regarded as one of Korea’s top 3 valleys along with Chilseon Valley of Jirisan Mountain and Tamna Valley of Hallasan Mountain. It offers beautiful seasonal views every year, and among them, the autumnal foliage is considered the best scenery of the valley. Its colorfully-tinged autumnal leaves are in harmony with rocks in fantastic shapes, attracting many hikers in autumn.

Geumganggul Cave (금강굴)

10.2 Km 28146 2019-11-27

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Hollowed into the rocks of Seoraksan Mountain, about 600 meters above sea level, you will find Geumganggul Cave. This 23 square meters cave was once used as a place of worship, and contains a stone sitting Buddha and some earthenware. The route up the cave is quite steep, and visitors must walk across a few bridges and up concrete stairways. However, you will be rewarded with a captivating view of Cheonbuldong Valley.

The hiking trail from Seorakdong to Geumganggul Cave, which also passes by Biseondae, is 3.6 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Bongjeongam Hermitage (Inje) (봉정암(인제)) - Area information - Korea travel information