My tips - The natural parks of South Korea
Suggested by Alessandra
- Korea is a country with many natural parks that offer incredible landscapes during the foliage season. Seoraksan, Odaesan and Jirisan are just 3 of the many others. The first two parks are located to the north, while the third is in the south.
- The Korean mountains are mainly rocky especially in the north. The trails are not long but very steep , so you will find stairs along the way to the top.
- Jirisan is the second highest mountain in Korea after Hallansan on Jeju Island.
- The Jirisan peak is about 1900m high. However, the hike is challenging due to its steepness. It takes about 5 hours to go up and 4 to go down (south gate). Leave early in the morning and enjoy the scenery. Another option is to take 2-3 days off, leave from other places and sleep in shelters.
- If you want to visit something else not far from Jirisan, go to Jeonju and enjoy hanok village and local bibimbap. Better to rent a car.
- You can combine mountain and sea if you go to Seoraksan, sleep in Sokcho by the sea, then go to Odeasan mountain and stay in Gangneung. Better to rent a car.
- Visit the Korean National Parks website for information. In case of strong wind or bad weather the parks are closed.



