[Seoraksan National Park: Yukdam, Biryong, and Towangseong Falls Observatory Course]

Among the countless wonders of Seoraksan National Park, the Yukdam, Biryong, and Towangseong Falls Observatory trekking course is a signature route that perfectly combines the elegant beauty of cascading waterfalls with magnificent rocky peaks.

Here is a comprehensive guide to this course, covering public transportation from Seoul, the historical origins and features of each waterfall, and five top local restaurants in Sokcho to recharge after your hike.

1. Public Transportation from Seoul to Seoraksan (Seoragdong Information Center)

Taking an Express/Intercity bus is the most convenient way to reach Seoraksan Sogongwon (Seoragdong Information Center). An alternative option is transferring via KTX.

① Express/Intercity Bus (Most Recommended)

• Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) or Dongseoul Terminal

• Travel: Take a bus bound for Sokcho Express Bus Terminal or Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (approx. 2 hrs 10 mins – 2 hrs 30 mins).

• Local Bus Transfer:

  • At the bus stop near Sokcho Express/Intercity Terminal, take City Bus No. 7 or 7-1.

  • Get off at the terminal stop, "Seoraksan Native Botanical Garden / Seoraksan Sogongwon" (approx. 35–40 mins).

  • Tip: City buses run frequently every 15–20 minutes, making access extremely easy.

② KTX Gangneung Line (Train + Bus Connection)

• Departure: Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station

• Travel: Take the KTX ~ Get off at Gangneung Station (approx. 2 hrs).

• Transfer: Take an intercity bus bound for Sokcho near Gangneung Station ~ Get off at Sokcho Terminal ~ Transfer to City Bus No. 7 or 7-1 to Seoraksan Sogongwon (total approx. 3 hrs 30 mins).

2. Course Overview & Difficulty

Starting from Seoraksan Sogongwon to Towangseong Falls Observatory, this course begins with a gentle stream trail and finishes with a steep climb up wooden stairs.

• Course Route: Seoraksan Sogongwon ~ Biryonggyo Bridge ~ Yukdam Falls ~ Biryong Falls ~ Towangseong Falls Observatory (Round trip)

• Total Distance: Approx. 5.6 km round trip

• Duration: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins – 3 hrs round trip (including breaks and photo time)

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Sogongwon to Biryong Falls: Flat dirt trail and wooden boardwalks (Difficulty: Easy / Hiking level)

  • Biryong Falls to Towangseong Falls Observatory: A steep wooden staircase section with about 900 steps (Difficulty: Moderate-High / Requires good physical stamina)

3. Key Features and Origins of the Waterfalls

The highlight of this trail is experiencing three distinct, breathtaking waterfalls in succession as you ascend along the valley: Yukdam Falls ~ Biryong Falls ~ Towangseong Falls.

① Yukdam Falls: Curved Beauty Formed by 6 Ponds

• Features & Scenery: Located about 40 minutes along the valley trail from Sogongwon, this is the first waterfall to welcome hikers. The stream flows along rock faces, creating six deep rock pools (Dam), which inspired the name "Yukdam" (Six Ponds).

• Origins & Highlights: A curvy stream flows through steep rock canyons, spanned by a suspension bridge (Yukdamgyo) right in front of the falls. Standing on the suspension bridge provides a thrilling view of the rushing water and deep rock pools below.

② Biryong Falls: Majestic Like a Dragon Soaring to the Sky

• Features & Scenery: A 10 to 15-minute walk along the wooden boardwalk from Yukdam Falls brings you to Biryong Falls, cascading 16 meters down between deep, narrow canyons with a roaring sound.

• Origins: According to legend, a dragon lived in the deep pool below the waterfall. During a severe drought, villagers offered a young maiden in a ritual, whereupon the dragon soared into the sky with a twist of its body and brought rain. Thus, it was named "Biryong" (Flying Dragon). Historically, it was a famous site for rainmaking rituals.

③ Towangseong Falls: Scenic Site No. 96, A Mysterious 320m 3-Tier Waterfall

• Features & Scenery: Climbing the steep 900-step wooden staircase from Biryong Falls for about 30 minutes brings you to Towangseong Falls Observatory. From the lookout, the massive waterfall plunging down from the middle of the rocky cliffs across the valley is a breathtaking sight.

• Origins & Significance: It is Korea's largest 3-tier waterfall, measuring 320 meters in total length (Upper: 150m, Middle: 80m, Lower: 90m). The name "Towangseong" is said to come from the water falling over rock cliffs that surround the area like an earthen fortress (Toseong), or from the belief that its energy resembles a fortress where the Earth element (To) flourishes in the Five Elements theory.

• Visiting Tip: After being restricted to the public for 45 years, the observatory finally opened in 2015. Since the waterfall is tucked high among rocky peaks, its water flow can be thin on dry days. Visiting right after rain or during seasons with abundant water ensures a view of its full, grand majesty.

4. Post-Hike Energy Boost! 5 Top Restaurants in Sokcho & Seoraksan

 *Note: Restaurant addresses and business hours are subject to change, so please check online search engines or call directly before visiting.

After descending, recharge your body with local Sokcho specialties such as dried pollack (Hwangtae), soft tofu, squid sundae, or cold raw fish soup (Mulhoe). Here are 5 verified spots located near the entrance of Seoraksan (Haksapyeong Soft Tofu Village) and downtown Sokcho.

1) Kim Jeong-ok Grandmother Soft Tofu (Haksapyeong Soft Tofu Village)

• Location: 195 Wonamhaksapyeong-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (On the way from Seoraksan Sogongwon to downtown)

• Main Menu: Chodang Soft Tofu & Grilled Dried Pollack Set, Spicy Soft Tofu Stew, Dried Pollack Soup

• Features: Specializes in rich, savory handmade soft tofu curdled with 100% East Sea water. An ideal choice for a warm, gentle meal after a hike.

2) Barampkkot Haenyeo Maeul (Sokcho Main Branch)

• Location: 3269 Misiryeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

• Main Menu: Abalone & Gondre Stone Pot Rice, Abalone Mulhoe, Sea Urchin Bibimbap

• Features: A Korean restaurant utilizing fresh seafood harvested directly by female divers (Haenyeo). Popular dishes include stone pot rice mixed with rich abalone entrail sauce and refreshing, sweet-and-sour abalone cold raw fish soup.

3) 88 Saengseongui

• Location: 71 Jungangbudu-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (Near Sokcho Central Market & Cheongchoho Lake)

• Main Menu: Assorted Charcoal-Grilled Fish Set (Mackerel, Pacific Saury, Toothfish, Squid, Red Rockfish, etc.)

• Features: A classic local eatery where a variety of fresh fish is grilled directly over charcoal right at your table. The crispy skin and juicy fish pairs perfectly with a fresh bowl of rice.

4) Bongpo Meogurigip

• Location: 223 Yeongranghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (Along the Yeongrang-dong coastal road)

• Main Menu: Assorted Mulhoe (Cold Raw Fish Soup), Sea Urchin & Mussel Soup, Squid Sundae

• Features: A famous restaurant where you can enjoy Sokcho's iconic cold raw fish soup with an ocean view. Generous portions of seafood served in a tangy, chilled broth instantly quench your post-hike thirst and fatigue.

5) Jeombongsan Sanchae

• Location: 439 Gwangwang-ro, Nohak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

• Main Menu: Jeombongsan Wild Vegetable Set Menu, Medicinal Wild Vegetable Bibimbap

• Features: Specializes in medicinal cuisine using seasonal wild vegetables and fermented enzymes harvested from Mount Seorak and Mount Jeombong. Healthy side dishes and savory soybean paste stew bring vitality back to tired hikers.

Hiking Tips Summary

• Footwear & Attire: While most of the trail is gentle, the staircase section to Towangseong Falls Observatory is steep. Wearing sturdy trekking or hiking shoes with good grip is highly recommended.

• Operating Hours: Entry times vary by season (usually entry is restricted after 3:00–4:00 PM in summer), so it is best to start early in the morning when relying on public transportation.

Official Links

• Seoraksan National Park Official Website: https://www.knps.or.kr/seorak