Seoraksan, renowned as South Korea’s most picturesque national park, offers the Towangseong Waterfall Observatory hike right from its main entrance. The trail meanders through a forest and follows a stream up a valley, making it a perfect choice for a warm day. It also pairs well with other popular attractions in the park, such as the cable car or the Ulsanbawi hike.
This moderately difficult trail spans 2.8 km one way (5.6 km round trip). It includes 2 km of easy, flat forest paths, 0.4 km of typical rocky course and stair hiking beside a picturesque watercourse, and a challenging 0.4 km of steep climbing.
The difficulty of this hike is a LIE!
Yes, the first 2.4 km is easy (green) and medium (orange). BUT, the last 400 meters is in fact advanced. There is even a Korean sign that warns you that the last 410 meters is extremely steep with 900 steps that can be slippery in rainy conditions. The sign also estimates it will take you 20 minutes to go up the 410 meters. My Garmin estimated it as having a 37% grade and I have hiked it in 15 minutes solo and 24 mins with a partner.
Its also worth noting that you are not guaranteed to see the Towangseong waterfall if there has been a long period of no rain. However, the other waterfalls remain flowing. In June 2024, I hiked this course for the second time, and there was no water to be seen from Towangseong. It’s also quite some distance away, which means weather can also interfere with your view. So I would recommend checking the weather and searching ‘토왕성폭포’ on Instagram recent images to check the waterfall’s condition. In the case of no water, I would recommend you still do part of the course, but turn around at Biryongpokpo waterfall.
Korean fact: Pokpo/폭포 means waterfall in Korean. When the park service translates it, they don’t write Biryong Waterfall but instead just say Biryongpokpo.
The Course
The hike begins with a 2 km stretch that crosses the river and follows its path before entering the forest. The water here mostly flows beneath and around rocks, creating the impression of a rocky riverbed rather than a traditional waterway.
Once on the forest path, you’ll find many resting spots, a couple of bathrooms, and a tranquil atmosphere. The trail is completely shaded and well-kept, with the continuous sound of birds chirping. Many birds, including woodpeckers, inhabit this area, and we saw and heard them tapping just a few meters from the trail.
After 2 km of walking along the river and through the forest, the path’s gradient increases, transitioning from a leisurely stroll to a more challenging hike. This part of the trail is particularly enjoyable as it closely follows the water, passing by numerous pools and smaller waterfalls. The most striking sections are the bridge above Yeokdampokpo (육담폭포) and the area around Biryongpokpo. Both of these waterfalls are marked on the map.
As I stated previously, Biryongpokpo is a good turn off point if you aren’t interested in doing a very very intense 20-30 minutes of stair climbing. However, if you are up for it, you take the turn and start trekking up the stairs. The course is quite beautiful, as you can see through the trees even in summer.
Reaching the observatory was a tough challenge both times I attempted it. However, the first time, with clear skies and flowing water, it felt rewarding. The second time, with no water and cloudy weather, it was less fulfilling.
Since it’s an out-and-back trail, you can better appreciate the views from the stair section on the way down, making the descent much more enjoyable overall.
Fun Fact – You can also see part of the Towangseong waterfall from the cable car area. But you need to know where to go! It’s not obvious. Check out my cable car guide to see where you can see this view!
If you enjoy hiking in South Korea—especially Seoraksan National Park—I’d love for you to check out my Etsy shop, JiriDesign, 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.
Lodging: Staying in Sokcho near Seoraksan!
Foreigner-Friendly Lodging Near Seoraksan National Park
Since Seoraksan has so much to offer and a fair distance from Seoul, it’s not ideal to explore this park as a day trip. Ideally two nights is the ideal stay length, especially if you plan on waking up early to take on Dinosaur Ridge. If you’re planning a visit, there are two main areas worth staying in:
- Within walking distance of the park, for early trail access and ease of being able to relax after the hike.
- Near the water in Sokcho, ideally close to the Express Bus Terminal for convenience.
Staying near the terminal or the park minimizes travel stress while still offering beautiful views and a smoother arrival and departure process.
Near Seoraksan National Park (Walkable Distance)
- Kensington Hotel Seorak – Closest hotel to the park entrance, comfortable Western-style rooms, great views.
Budget-Friendly Options (About 1.5 km from Park Entrance)
These three are next to each other in a small cluster with a CU convenience store and a couple of restaurants. More dining options are just a 5-minute walk away.
- The Red House – Excellent reviews. Offers both dorm beds and private rooms.
- HK Resort – Rooms include a small kitchenette, separate bedroom, and a family sitting area.
- Bandal Bookl & Stay – Unique stay with twin rooms, a cozy lobby with communal seating, and in-house meal options.
On the Water in Sokcho (Near the Express Bus Terminal)
- Lotte Resort Sokcho – A nice hotel on a private peninsula. Multiple pools, beach access, and ocean views.
- Sokcho Moreve Pension – Rooms with private jacuzzi tubs (Rare Find!) and ocean views.
Budget-Friendly Options (Near the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal)
Hotel The Blue Terra – Western-style hotel near the beach with ocean views. Affordable and conveniently located.
Urbanstay Sokcho Beach AB – Great reviews, ocean views, and walkable from the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. Modern and budget-friendly.
Sokcho Dderak Pension – Classic Korean pension with BBQ facilities and outdoor seating. Near the water and within walking distance of the bus terminal.
Happy Trekking!
-Aurora
