Seoraksan is the highest mountain in the Taebaek mountain range (태백산맥) in the Gangwon province in eastern South Korea. It is located in a national park near the city of Sokcho. After the Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and Jirisan in the south, Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea. The Daechongbong Peak (대청봉) of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 metres (5,603 feet). The Taebaek mountain chain is often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula.

The national park attracts many national and international tourists all year round, but the main season for Seoraksan national park is autumn. The autumn colours in the area are considered amongst the most beautiful in Korea. The red and yellow forest is interrupted by rocks and small mountain streams flow amidst this. During the rainy season in summer—especially after a typhoon—these streams can swell.

Perhaps the most visited part of the mountain is the main entrance valley to the National Park, a fifteen minute drive from Sokcho city. The valley runs west to east with a paved road leading up to the park's entrance gate. This valley contains many beautiful sites and is well worth a day visit.

The Yukdam waterfall and the Biryeong waterfall (비룡폭포) are located on the left side of the valley, about a forty minute walk from the main car park. Ulsanbawi (울산바위) is a rock formation in the Seoraksan national park. The shape of Ulsanbawi is unique in the area. To reach the rocks you need to follow a hiking path and climb over 800 steps (it's actually 888 steps according to locals). On the way there, there are two temples and a spherical rock (Heundeulbawi, 흔들바위) which is located on top of a larger rock. This rock is about 5 metres (16 feet) high and can be moved with some effort. Thousands of people have already tried to push down Heundeulbawi, but nobody gets further than waggling the rock.

According to the legend Ulsanbawi comes from the city of Ulsan in the south east of Korea. As Kumgangsan (금강산) was built, Ulsanbawi walked to the north as the representative of the city. Unfortunately Ulsanbawi arrived too late and there was no more room. Ulsanbawi was ashamed and slowly trudged back to the south. One evening the rock went to sleep in the Seorak area. Ulsanbawi felt it was so beautiful around there that it decided to stay for good.

At the end of the main valley is Biseondae, a rock platform in a stream. Above the stream is a difficult to reach cave, which offers clear views of the surrounding rock formations.

A bit farther from the entrance is the Valley of a Thousand Buddhas (천불동계곡), the primary valley of Seorak Mountain, also sometimes referred to as Seorak Valley. The valley was so named because the rock formations that line its sides resemble a line-up of Buddha statues.

• Seoraksan National Park Entrance

• Mount Gwonggeumseong in Seoraksan National Park

• Bronze Buddha of Sinheungsa (Buddhist Temple) near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park.

• Sinheungsa (Buddhist Temple) in Seoraksan National Park

• Ulsanbawi (peak) in Seoraksan National Park

• Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfalls in Seoraksan National Park.

• Seoraksan National Park

• Trying to shake Heundeulbawi (Rocking Rock) at Kyejo-am in Seoraksan National Park

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Korea’s Hawaii. Paradise. Honeymooner’s Island. These are all names I’ve heard Jeju referred to by my friends in the Seoul Metro area. All allude to how beautiful Jeju is, but none do the island the justice it deserves. For among the hundreds of reasons why Jeju should be counted among theNew 7 Wonders of the World, two are especially beautiful and should be put on one’s not-miss list during a trip to this magical island. I speak of Cheonjiyeon and Cheonjeyeon Falls. Both are located near the southern city of Seogwipo, and for the nature lover, take up half a day when embracing their beauty.

Cheonjiyeon Falls

Cheonjiyeon translates to “God’s Pond” and derives its name from a legend that seven fairies who served the King of Heaven descended to this water source on cloud stairs, then bathed in its clear waters. The enormous U-shaped grotto, 1km from the parking lot, is home to more than 400 individual species of plants and animals. In fact, the diversified biosphere is one of the most unique on all of the island.

The falls create a roaring cascade 22m high, 12m wide, and then plunge 20m into the pool below. The park’s walking path takes one right to the pond and in full view of the falls. If you love nature, water, and stunning views, this is the place to be. Be sure to bring your tripod to capture all the glory.

Cheonjiyeon Falls Information:

Address: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo-si cheonji-dong 666-1
Phone: Korea Travel Phone +82-64-1330 (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese); For more info +82-64-733-1528 (Korean)
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264588
Hours: November through February-time of sunrise- 10:30a.m.; March through October- time of sunrise- 11:p.m.
Admission Fees:

Individual: Age 24 and Over: 2,000 won/ Age 24-15: 1,000 won/ Age 7-14: 1,000 won/Age 6 and Under: free
Group (30 or more persons): Age 24 and Over: 1,400 won/ Age 24-15: 500 won/ Age 7-14: 600 won
Local Transportation:
1. By bus: From Jeju Compound Intercity Bus Terminal (Tel. 064-753-1153), take the bus heading to the 516 Western Highway (runs from 6a.m. to 9:40p.m./12 minute interval/one hour ride) or the bus heading to the Western Industrial Highway (runs from 6:16a.m. to 9:30p.m./12 minute interval/one hour ride). → Get off at Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal. → Walk 5 minute toward Mt. Hallasan, past Jeju Bank, and take a bus heading to Cheonji (No.  at the bus station in front of Seogwipo Drugstore. → Get off at the last station (5 minute ride).

2. Bus & Taxi: From Jeju Compound Intercity Bus Terminal (Tel. 064-753-1153), take the bus heading to the 516 Western Highway (runs from 6a.m. to 9:40p.m./12 minute interval/one hour ride) or the bus heading to the Western Industrial Highway (runs from 6:16a.m. to 9:30p.m./12 minute interval/one hour ride). → Get off at Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal. → Take a taxi (3-4 minute ride)

Cheonjeyeon Falls

A few kilometers to the east is Cheonjeyeon falls and while the name leads one to believe there is only one thing to see… there are actually three separate falls. The first is also a large grotto with a massive cascade of water plunging deep into “The Pond of God.” During the winter months, this first waterfall may be nothing more than a mere trickle, but that doesn’t diminish the area’s beauty, but rather enhances it.

Walking to the second and third falls takes one into the surrounding wooded areas and allows visitors to embrace nature. Sauntering along the wooden path, you can see several stream, flowers, and if you’re lucky, a few animals just as curious about you, as you are about them. Photographic opportunities abound along the path and at the waterfalls. In addition, a few pavilions have been constructed, ideal for picnic lunches.

Near the end of the park, a large suspension bridge spans Cheonjiyeon allowing visitors a spectacular view of all three falls. It joins with an enormous pavilion, making for the perfect place to rest and take in nature’s masterpiece.

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Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as "Palace of Shining Happiness."
Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the walled palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior to destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are reconstructed.

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