Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the So-gongwon car park at Seorak-dong, follow the broad path west past Sinheungsa temple and up the Ssangcheon valley, with granite peaks on both sides. After Waseondae the path reaches Biseondae (비선대), where the stream runs over wide slabs and pools below the cliffs of Janggunbong. Turn up the path to Geumganggul: a narrow rocky trail climbs through the woods and then steel stairs lead up the face of Mireukbong to the cave, where a small shrine marks the place the monk Wonhyo is said to have meditated. Return the same way.
It is 7.8 km there and back with 285 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy, but the last 600 m to the cave is steep, on stairs.
The Geumganggul path can be entered only until 14:00; the valley path is closed from sunset until two hours before sunrise. The stairs need care, and crampons in winter. The path to Biseondae stays open in the fire-prevention periods.
Sokcho city buses 7 and 7-1 run to So-gongwon, where the car parks charge a fee.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Biseondae is a broad granite slab and pool on the Ssangcheon, below the cliffs of Janggunbong and Jeokbyeok
- Geumganggul is a natural cave halfway up Mireukbong where the monk Wonhyo is said to have meditated
- The first part of the path is a nature trail that wheelchairs can use
- The Biseondae path stays open in the fire-prevention periods, when Seoraksan's high trails close
Summits on the way
- Biseondae 320 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Seorak-dong So-gongwon car park. 38.17232, 128.49464
Directions to the start
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Places to stay nearby
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.