The Magnificence of the Outdoors: Hiking Trails Across Seoraksan, Gangwon, South Korea

If you want a real challenge, hit up the endless trail systems of Seoraksan National Park. Located in the province of Gangwon near the coastal city of Sokcho, lies the third largest mountain in comparison to Hallasan on Jeju island and Jirisan in the province of South Gyeongsang.
It is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges with jagged peaks stretching into the sky which overlook an endless ocean. The feeling of completing this advanced hike is one of sheer exhilaration due to its 12+ hour strenuous course, making all your effort to get to the top worth it. It is highly recommended not to underestimate this mountain, be prepared, take it easy and enjoy the mountain crevices and scenic valleys around every corner.
The Daechongbong Peak (대청봉) of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 meters and it really means it! The area on and around the mountain is designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and you can tell by its 'dinosaur' ridges, endless dipping valleys and many different eco-systems.
This was the third and last time I hiked Seoraksan and I'm so glad I brought my camera equipment to make a memory of it. That being said there are many different courses to take. I took the outer (Oe-Seorak) trail system following the markers below:
1. Seorakdong information center
2. Sinheungsa Temple
3. Bisondae
4. Gwimyeonam
5. Yeongpok Shelter
6. Daechongbong
Along this hike you will follow a river system that is breathtaking as you traverse the valley and look above at towering jagged cliffs. The roaring sound of the river and numerous waterfalls dissipate as you climb higher and higher leaving you in a quiet and tranquil forest setting.
If you ever get the chance make it a two day or longer trek depending on your abilities due to this Seoraksan's National Park's breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

Пікірлер: 49

  • @user-gi9pp1jk4d
    @user-gi9pp1jk4d6 ай бұрын

    this is very superb view

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    3 ай бұрын

    It was fantastic and also a lovely hike, though my knees were killing me at the end!😅

  • @user-tc8uv2gg2e
    @user-tc8uv2gg2e8 күн бұрын

    Wow~! Great ~!! You are the real mountaineer!! Good luck and enjoy another Korean mountains ~haha~

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    5 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Hopefully someday ill make it back.

  • @total9090
    @total909015 күн бұрын

    I love the calming vibes. Great video!

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    5 күн бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed!

  • @thot7589
    @thot7589 Жыл бұрын

    the ajumma feeding you 😂 i had that experience too when I hiked Bukhansan last year, the Korean elderly can be nice like that sometimes ❤

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    I love it when they feed you! They can be so nice and accommodating when your hiking. They definitely take care of eachother, thats why I love hiking in korea, its the comradery that gets me. Glad you had a similar experience!

  • @user-bc1yb5xi3h
    @user-bc1yb5xi3h Жыл бұрын

    당신을 지켜봐왔고 격려합니다. goodman~!

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the encouragement!!

  • @LivingMonstrosityUK
    @LivingMonstrosityUK5 ай бұрын

    Beautiful video! I spent a few days in Sokcho and did a few hikes around Seoraksan in October, the scenery with the leaves changing was amazing ❤

  • @CaballerodeLemuria

    @CaballerodeLemuria

    4 ай бұрын

    That must have been quite an experience.

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    3 ай бұрын

    Oh boy! That sounds amazing. I only got to see the tail end of autumn there but if I ever get the chance again ill come a few weeks beforehand to see what all the talk is about. 😢

  • @jamcloudberry9390
    @jamcloudberry9390Ай бұрын

    Fantastic shots and footage! This is pushing me to finally get Seoraksan off my bucketlist lol

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    5 күн бұрын

    Go for it! You will definitely wont regret it. Though my legs tell a different story.

  • @BeritaSemeru123
    @BeritaSemeru123 Жыл бұрын

    Pemandangan yg sangat inda dan bagus sekali salam persahabatan kawan semoga sukses selalu

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Ini adalah tempat yang indah untuk pergi hiking dan saya akan sangat merekomendasikannya! Terima kasih telah menonton.

  • @CaballerodeLemuria
    @CaballerodeLemuria4 ай бұрын

    😃😃😃😃Thanks for the pictures. That's sublime

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    3 ай бұрын

    You are welcome!! It was a great hike to do, glad I got it done before the winter came!

  • @Aventador83
    @Aventador832 жыл бұрын

    Insane...the way you made your video is very nice. May we know what kind of camera you use ? Thanks to wrote the trail you chose in the description, it is really helpfull.

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment 👍 yes, the camera I used was a Panasonic Lumix G80/85 that has 4k capabilities. The camera is designated with different model numbers in different countries. But its one of those!! Cheaper then most 4k cameras at the time, back in 2017. So if you could find one now used or new I would think its reasonably priced. I also used a DJI Mavic Pro drone that is probably one of my favorite things in the world! Many trails to hike on Seoraksan so choose carefully. 😁

  • @francismiryo4075

    @francismiryo4075

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thelastofthegeojites Perfect, thanks for the advices and informations. I hope you will have time to continue your videos in the following weeks. Have a great day !

  • @JUANORQUIO
    @JUANORQUIO Жыл бұрын

    W❤️W! Awesome! Cheers for more exciting and breathtaking hiking adventures! 🥂❤️✨

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Juan for the encouragement!

  • @RootCanalPro
    @RootCanalPro2 жыл бұрын

    Cool❤

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @hikesome
    @hikesome2 жыл бұрын

    That's a beautiful video of your adventure! The intro shots are incredible just as the whole scenery. That's exactly the content I am looking for and like to create myself. Nice to see what the trails of Korea have to offer. I am definitely following you for more. Best wishes & Happy trails, Mario

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awe thanks Mario! Im glad you found something to your taste and liking. To be honest it has taken a lot of trial and error to get these videos up to par with what I was looking for so I really appreciate your comment and thanks for the follow, it means alot. I'll definitely check out what you have! If you ever get a chance to hike South Korea, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Its 70% mountains and trails!

  • @unisong7105
    @unisong7105 Жыл бұрын

    amazing

  • @kychoi5590
    @kychoi55902 жыл бұрын

    설악산은 어느 코스든 사계절 진짜 다 멋있어요~ 기회가되면 한번씩 가보세요~ 저도 1년에 한두번씩 설악산을 찾을정도로 제가 우리나라에서 가장 좋아하고 멋지다고 생각하는 산이에요

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    2 жыл бұрын

    Agreed! Beautiful all year round! I have done it in winter, fall and summer. I think that's enough haha. But I would love to do it all over again.

  • @pnzqrc
    @pnzqrc Жыл бұрын

    This is sooo good! This video reminds me "Kraig Adams" who trekking and taking video of nature! Thanks for amazing video :)

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank You! So funny you should say that, it must have been in the ether around the same time for many to start making hiking videos of themselves. Kraig Adams is inspirational in that sense with his calm and collective sense of editing and I definitely coincide with the way he makes his videos. Just want everyone to relax and have a peaceful hike, even when they can't access it.

  • @Mr_Busted
    @Mr_Busted Жыл бұрын

    Oh my 🎉

  • @emilychapman7407
    @emilychapman7407 Жыл бұрын

    Hi! Is running shoes ok for hiking in Seoraksan? I plan to hike Seoraksan this November but not the most advanced trail, just the beginner one. I wonder if wearing running shoes is enough so I don't have to bring two shoes. Thanks! Great video anyway. Loving the autumn scenery so much!

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi! In my personal opinion I wore trail running shoes that had thick tread on them, so that was very helpful. I think you might have difficulty with it if your tread is not adequate enough for the terrain. The terrain can be jagged and rocky with loose gravel, basically running the gamut when it comes to hiking in Seoraksan. Its best to be prepared for it fully especially when coming down the mountain, that would be my concern. Hope that helps.

  • @mrmarzo
    @mrmarzo Жыл бұрын

    Mind blowing beautiful. Amazing job putting this video together.

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks @mrmarzo! It was a grueling day but definitely paid off in the end with the footage I got. And the people hiking were so nice an helpful as well!

  • @mrmarzo

    @mrmarzo

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thelastofthegeojites Which mountains are a must for avid hikers and backpackers? It seems Hallasan, Jirisan, Seoraksan and Bukhansan are the main ones. Would you say that's about right? I'm sure I'm missing some. Btw, I can't believe you don't have thousands of followers. The quality you put into your videos are top notch. Hopefully youtube's algorithms pick up your channel soon.

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mrmarzo I would say that is a loaded question! 80% of the landscape in South Korea is mountainous. But that being said, Hallasan, Seoraksan and Jirisan are the ones I would check off the list as they are the 3 largest mountains. Hallasan can be quite lush, has only two trails, a beautiful valley, and is/was a dorment volcano. It's also heavily taken care of off and on season. Seoraksan is immense with too many trails to take and is somewhere where you can get lost in nature. It also was the most grueling for me, it follows a river depending on the trail you take and just never ends. Jirisan is also full of trails and quite arduous hike/climb. I would also recommend Wolchulsan, because it has these very large mountain peaks that look like sharp teeth, plus its a mountain that juts up in the middle of nowhere and is surrounded by flat land which is quite unique. Ill give it a good think and see if I can make a list of must-see mountains that I've actually climbed. Yeah, could be user error on the KZread algorithm, perhaps I'm doing something wrong in terms of tagging the videos, titling them or my overall post rate. Not sure but I definitely like to post but not unless its quality work, so thanks for noticing that. Makes me want to work harder at it and post more! Thanks again!

  • @mrmarzo

    @mrmarzo

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thelastofthegeojites Thank you for all the valuable insights. Looking forward to your future videos.

  • @themermaiddiaryph
    @themermaiddiaryph3 ай бұрын

    So beautiful! Makes me want to try on my korea trip this september. Is this the intermediate hike? Or the advanced?

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    5 күн бұрын

    Yes! Its gorgeous all year round in my opinion. I would say its intermediate but the length is what really tests you especially if you are doing it round-trip in a day. Just remember to be prepared and bring plenty of food and water accompanied with the proper footwear and clothing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It does not disappoint!

  • @themermaiddiaryph

    @themermaiddiaryph

    2 күн бұрын

    @@thelastofthegeojites thank you so much for the response. Can’t wait for my trip!

  • @pusatravels7945
    @pusatravels79457 ай бұрын

    Hi! May I know if u need to ask permission to fly a drone there?

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi, sorry for the late reply. As far as I know as long as you are out of the way of other people and flying responsibly you can get away with it. I think the Korean government and Koreans in general are a bit more relaxed about it but that being said its always good to see, due to seoraksan being one of the major national parks, if it is indeed legal to do so. I was able to find a quiet place away from people whenever I did it so best to wait till the coast is clear. 😅

  • @cascadian4250

    @cascadian4250

    3 ай бұрын

    @@thelastofthegeojites I did some digging, and no. You're not allowed to fly drones without special permits. Granted, I didn't find much info when I searched in English. So maybe you just didn't see it. But in general, regardless of the legal status, you should refrain from flying drones in national parks of all places. Drones are loud and typically audible from far beyond where you can see them. That recognizable high-pitch whine ruins the peace of nature like no other sound can. Seoraksan is one of the most popular national parks in Korea and it's pretty impossible to be sufficiently far from a trail. So yea, you definitely broke the local regulation and frustrated the shit out of some people. Please be a responsible traveler. When in doubt, just assume that you're not allowed to fly drones in national parks, wilderness areas, and other similar settings.

  • @thelastofthegeojites

    @thelastofthegeojites

    2 ай бұрын

    @@cascadian4250 Thank you for providing clarity on the current regulations regarding drone permits in South Korean national parks. As a foreigner, navigating the correct procedures without the necessary channels or documents can be challenging. If you could share the appropriate information, it would be greatly appreciated. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused fellow travelers and for neglecting our responsibilities. The regulations during the period when the footage was captured, from 2016 to 2019, were notably less stringent, if not entirely absent. Drones were a burgeoning technology during that time, lacking the scrutiny they receive today. Having extensively traveled and experienced drone technology in South Korea, I can assure you that respecting nature and its inhabitants has always been a top priority. Thank you once again for your input, and I will ensure to guide others towards the proper approach in the future, whether in English or not. To provide further context, as of the last update in January 2022, the regulations regarding drone usage in South Korea are as follows: 1. **Registration**: All drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) before operation. 2. **Flight Restrictions**: Drones are prohibited from flying within 5 kilometers of airports and heliports, as well as in restricted military zones and certain urban areas. They must maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from people, vehicles, vessels, and buildings, and should not be flown higher than 150 meters above ground level. 3. **No-fly Zones**: Certain areas, such as national parks, government buildings, and cultural heritage sites, are designated as no-fly zones for drones. 4. **Permissions**: Special permissions may be required for commercial drone operations or for flying drones at night. 5. **Remote ID Requirement**: Drones must be equipped with a remote identification system approved by the Korean government to ensure accountability and safety. These regulations are subject to change, so it's essential to check the latest updates from official sources such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) or the Korea Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) before flying a drone in South Korea.