2-Day Mt. Seorak Private Tour from Seoul: Naksansa, Nami Island & Ulsanbawi Hiking
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can manage 3–4 hour hikes with short steep sections and stairs; basic cardiovascular fitness required.
Overview
A compact two-day private tour from Seoul that pairs Seoraksan’s granite spires with coastal temples and an island escape. Hike Ulsanbawi or stroll the sea-facing pavilions of Naksansa, with knowledgeable local guides and all logistics handled.
2-Day Mt. Seorak Private Tour from Seoul: Naksansa, Nami Island & Ulsanbawi Hiking
Select participants and date
The minivan eases out of Seoul before dawn and the city’s edge gives way to windshield bars of pine and granite. By midmorning you’re in Sokcho, the town that acts like an antechamber to Seoraksan National Park—fishermen pull nets at a working harbor, gulls argue overhead, and the mountains rise like broken teeth against the East Sea. The first day folds together museum exhibits, a lighthouse lunch of grilled fish, and the full-scale bronze Buddha at Sinheungsa, whose gilt outline looks warier and more human up close than photos suggest.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early to beat the crowds
Morning light makes the granite face of Ulsanbawi pop and gives you cooler hiking temperatures; cable-car lines and Nami ferries get busiest after mid-morning.
Expect steep stone steps
Ulsanbawi’s trail includes uneven granite stairs and narrow exposed sections—use trekking poles if you have knee issues.
Layer for coastal and mountain conditions
Temperatures can swing between the East Sea breezes at Naksansa and the sheltered forest of Seorak—bring wind-resistant outerwear.
Carry Korean cash/cards for market stops
Sokcho’s seafood market and some smaller vendors on Nami take cards sporadically—keep small bills for grilled fish and snacks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sika deer occasionally in lower Seorak ridges
- Songbirds and woodpeckers in the park forests
History
Sinheungsa and Naksansa have ancient roots—Sinheungsa was rebuilt in 1648 and Naksansa’s origins trace back over a thousand years, though modern structures reflect restoration after fires.
Conservation
Seoraksan is protected as a national park; visitors are asked to stay on trails, avoid open flames, and support local efforts to restore areas affected by past fires.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Sokcho
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support matter on granite steps and uneven trails like Ulsanbawi.
Layered jacket (windproof)
Protects against chilly mountaintop winds and damp coastal breezes at Naksansa.
all specific
Water bottle (1.5–2L)
Keeps you hydrated on exposed climbs and during summer heat.
summer specific
Compact rain shell
Afternoon showers are common in summer—quick protection keeps you dry.
summer specific