Seoraksan National Park is beloved by both Koreans and expats for its exceptional beauty and the wide range of difficult—but deeply rewarding—hiking trails. The park is open year-round, though some sections close seasonally during fire prevention periods in late fall and spring. One of those sections is the legendary Dinosaur Ridge, so if you’re planning to tackle it, you’ll need to aim for a hike between late spring and mid-fall.

Dinosaur Ridge is a 4.9 km stretch of dramatic ridgeline, known for its jagged peaks and stunning panoramic views. Many hikers combine this ridge with a summit of Seoraksan’s highest peak, Daecheongbong. However, another popular option is the loop (or lollipop-style) route that skips the summit. This alternative takes you up the north trail to the ridge and descends through the scenic Chungbulcheong Valley—both of which are shown in the map below.

I’ve hiked the Dinosaur Ridge section seven times, including twice via the loop trail which is the focus of this article.

Basic Information

• Distance: 18.2 km
• Timing: 7-10 hours
• Route Type: Loop / Lollipop Trail
• Recommended Direction: Counterclockwise
• Start / End Points: Main Entrance → Dinosaur Ridge → Cheonbuldong Valley → Main Entrance

Dinosaur Ridge is not for inexperienced hikers nor is it for people who aren’t confident about their hiking ability. There are numerous hikes in the national park which are also rewarding, without the 8+ hour commitment.

If you enjoy hiking in South Korea—especially Seoraksan National Park—I’d love for you to check out my Etsy shop, where I sell Seoraksan-themed souvenirs. The official souvenirs available at the park tend to be a bit underwhelming, which inspired me to create my own line of designs. I sell them on Etsy with only about a 5% profit margin, keeping them as affordable as possible while offering unique and meaningful designs that fellow hikers and nature lovers might enjoy.

Both times I hiked this trail, I started from the main entrance right when the park opened—around 3:30 a.m. That might sound ridiculously early, but trust me, it’s necessary. The ridge is very exposed to the sun, and since this course takes several hours to complete, starting early means you’ll stay cooler, catch the sunrise closer to the ridge, and be back in time for dinner.

And don’t worry about missing anything in the dark. This trail is a lollipop loop, so the flat section at the beginning—featuring the massive Buddha and temple complex—will be there for you to enjoy in full daylight on the way back.

If you’re hiking on a Friday or Saturday night, especially in the fall, you’re almost guaranteed to have company at that early hour. I’ve never been the only one starting before dawn for any Seoraksan hike I’ve done, and I’ve done 10+.

After about an hour—or 2.3 km—of flat hiking, including a bathroom break and a few pack readjustments, you’ll reach Biseondae Rock (비선대), which marks the end of the out-and-back section. Here, the loop begins. You can either go left up through Cheonbuldong Valley or right toward the steeper ascent. I strongly recommend going right and tackling the loop counterclockwise. That section is brutally steep with large stone steps, and descending it is murder on the knees—even with trekking poles. Having done countless Seoraksan hikes, I still wince at the thought of coming down that way.

Another reason to go counterclockwise: sunrise. Taking the steeper route first gives you a much better shot at reaching a higher elevation in time to catch the morning light. If you go left up the valley instead, it’s unlikely you’ll gain enough height before sunrise unless you’re trail running.

Course Section Review: It was hell

I’ve done this particular hike twice. The first time, back in 2018, it was the hardest hike I’d ever tackled. The second time, with better fitness, it wasn’t nearly as challenging.

Here’s what I wrote after that first attempt:

“I can’t sugarcoat it—there were parts of the trail around hour two that I completely hated. Being alone, I had to dig deep and channel all my inner strength just to keep going. On top of that, my first try at nighttime photography was a total fail—I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.”
— Aurora, circa 2018

For first-time hikers tackling this course—or any longer hike with significant elevation gain—I recommend packing light (not counting water). So, maybe skip bringing your DSLR with a tripod and extra lenses unless you’re experienced and certain you’ll use them. Speaking of water, you can purchase some at the two shelters I’ve marked in light blue on the map above. The trail is partly shaded by the time you reach these points, but the section where you’ll really need to hydrate is during the exposed ridge climb. On sunny days, even though I suggest packing light, bring more water than you think you’ll need—better safe than sorry!

Views during the steep climb section weren’t numerous, blocked by too many trees. So in 2018, asthe sunrise approached, I found myself a comfortable rock and waited at this viewpoint.

When I completed this course again in 2024, I was in much better shape and managed to go beyond Madeungryeong Samegeori [마등령삼거리], the three-way intersection where you want to turn left. I reached this point before sunrise, which allowed me to capture stunning sunrise photos from the ridgeline.

I found this loop hike feels like three distinct hikes in one. After the first hour of mostly flat walking, the second section is pure challenge—almost hellish—until you reach the 미등령삼거리 (Mideungryeong Samgeori) turnoff. From there, you enter a rugged stretch of cliffs (Dino like I would say) with sheer drops all around. The late fall views are especially dramatic, as most trees have shed their leaves, leaving a stark landscape of browns, rocky cliffs, and a few evergreens.

Once you reach the ridgeline, the elevation constantly rises and falls, with a particularly intense climb at Cheonhwadae [청화대]. This expert-level section never gets easy—the inclines are steep and frequent, and the descents are equally steep and precarious. My best advice? Pace yourself and be ready—there’s almost always another peak waiting just around the corner.

As I continued along the trail, I grew to appreciate just how different this course is compared to other mountains in Korea. Koreans are passionate hikers, so many trails are carefully maintained with well-designed paths and plenty of safety features. But the ridge felt wilder and more natural—less polished. Instead of metal railings or ropes, there were just simple signs in Korean and English warning of steep drop-offs.

Having hiked all the major mountains in Korea and quite a few lesser-known ones, this trail has stuck with me. Not because the steep drops scared me or because it was the toughest hike I’ve done, but because I felt like no photo could truly capture the raw intensity and beauty of the experience.

Once you reach the end of Dinosaur Ridge, you’ll come to a fork—one path leads right to the peak, and the other heads down into the valley. I recommend taking the right turn for about 200 meters to Huiungak Shelter [희운각대피소]. There, you’ll find bathrooms, picnic tables, shaded spots, and indoor eating areas. You can also buy water and some snacks. If you’re interested, it’s possible to reserve an overnight stay at this shelter—I cover how to do that in a separate guide.

After a short break at the shelter, you’ll double back and start descending the valley. The first 600 meters are pretty steep, but then the trail eases into gentle dirt paths, stairs, and boardwalks. The section leading up to Yangpok Shelter is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part—offering dramatic valley views and stunning waterfalls. I was lucky to hike this route during peak fall foliage, so the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds made it feel like a real treat.

When you reach Biseondae again, it’s like experiencing that first 2.3 km stretch all over—but this time in daylight. While this section of the trail is easy and lovely, don’t be surprised if you’re just ready for it to be over. Even with great hiking shoes, tired and hurting feet are totally normal after such a day.

On the bright side, there are plenty of restaurants right by the park entrance serving food and makgeolli until 5 pm. Take a well-deserved break and enjoy—you earned it!

Lodging Near Seoraksan National Park

If you’re heading to Seoraksan National Park, I highly recommend staying overnight—ideally two nights. I’ve traveled to Sokcho a dozen times, and trust me, trying to cram everything into a day trip from Seoul just doesn’t cut it, especially if you’re planning an early hike. After a long day on the trails, you’ll want to eat, shower, and sleep—not sit on a bus for hours.

I’ve stayed both near the park entrance and in Sokcho by the beach, depending on my plans. When I’m focused on hiking, I prefer to stay close to the park to get an early start and avoid extra transit. But if I’m taking it easy or coming in by bus, staying near the water in Sokcho makes for a great mix of coastal views and convenience.

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Where to Stay Near the Park (Walkable to Trails)

• Kensington Hotel Seorak – Closest to the park, comfy Western-style rooms with great views.
• The Red House (I’ve stayed here) – Great location with dorms and private rooms.
• HK Resort – Family-style rooms with a small kitchenette.
• Bandal Bookl & Stay – Cozy, with a communal lounge and optional in-house meals.

These are clustered about 1.5 km from the park entrance, with a CU store and restaurants nearby.

Where to Stay in Sokcho (Near the Express Bus Terminal):

• Lotte Resort Sokcho – On a private peninsula with pools, ocean views, and beach access.
• Hotel The Blue Terra – Ocean views and great location, budget-friendly.
• Urbanstay Sokcho Beach AB – Modern, affordable, walkable from the terminal.
• Sokcho Dderak Pension (I’ve stayed here) – Traditional pension with BBQ areas. Super chill, close to the beach, and great after a long hike.
• Blue Door Hostel Guest House (I’ve stayed here) – Cheap spot with dorm rooms and close to the water

If you’re hiking-focused, stay near the park. For more downtime and sea views, a waterfront spot in Sokcho near the terminal is perfect. Either way, it’s one of Korea’s best nature escapes—I kept going back for a reason.

Happy Trekking

-Aurora