Depart from Seoul | Classic One-Day Tour of Seoraksan Mountain and Naksansa Temple in Gangwon-do

Seoraksan (Korean: 설악산) is one of the mountain peaks in eastern South Korea, located in Gangwon‑do, adjacent to Sokcho‑si. It is a well‑known tourist attraction with a large number of visitors.

The peak belongs to the Taebaek Mountain Range, with its main peak, Daecheongbong, reaching an elevation of 1,708 metres above sea level. Seoraksan was designated as Natural Monument Protection Zone (기념물보호구) No. 117 in 1965, and Seoraksan National Park was established there.

South Korea's Seoraksan (also known as Seoraksan) is the highest peak of the Taebaek Mountain Range in the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is located within South Korea, with an elevation of 1,708 metres. Its main peak is Daecheongbong. The mountain is covered with snow for 5‑6 months a year. It is a concentrated habitat of forests and alpine plants, attracting many hikers. It is an extension of Geumgangsan, earning it the nickname "Southern Geumgang".

Naksansa Temple was founded by Master Uisang in the 11th year of King Munmu's reign during the Silla Dynasty (671 AD). It is a tourist attraction in Yangyang, Gangwon Special Self‑Governing Province, and holds great historical value. Along with Ganghwa Bomunsa Temple and Namhae Boriam Hermitage, it is listed as one of Korea's three major sacred sites dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Gwaneum). Naksansa, boasting boundless views of the East Sea, is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong (eight famous scenic spots in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Special Self‑Governing Province), and countless ancient texts and poems have praised its beauty throughout history.

Despite undergoing several reconstructions and restorations, Naksansa Temple has well preserved a number of cultural heritage items. These include the 16‑metre‑tall Haemae Gwaneum (Sea Water Gwaneum) statue, Uisangdae Pavilion—a sunrise viewpoint on the eastern coast perched on a seaside cliff—Hongryeonam Hermitage overlooking the vast ocean, the Seven‑Storey Stone Pagoda of Naksansa Temple in Yangyang (Treasure), which was built during the Joseon Dynasty but follows the Goryeo style, and the Haemae Gwaneum Air Reliquary Stupa and Stele of Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, along with reliquary ornaments (Treasures), where the true sarira of the Buddha were discovered. Sadly, a severe forest fire in 2005 destroyed the bronze bell, which had been designated as a Treasure, and more than 20 shrine halls.

Itinerary reference:

07:20 AM Depart from Hongik University Station, Exit 4

08:00 AM Depart from Namsan Yejang Public Car Park (approx. 5‑minute walk from Myeongdong Station, Exit 1)

08:10 AM Depart from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit 10

11:00 AM Arrive at Seoraksan, Gangwon‑do

02:30 PM  Depart for Naksansa Temple

02:50 PM Arrive at Naksansa Temple

04:20 PM  Return to Seoul

07:00 PM  Arrive at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station

07:10 PM  Arrive at Lotte Department Store, Myeongdong

07:50 PM  Arrive at Hongik University Station