Seoraksan National Park closes summit trails on 15 November

Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho, South Korea, will close selected summit and high-ridge trails from 15 November 2026 as part of the autumn wildfire-prevention measures. The restriction affects the mountain itself, but it does not shut every route in the park.

Trail closure begins at Seoraksan on 15 November

The Seoraksan National Park Office announced the autumn access changes in a notice published on 30 October 2026. Nine listed trail sections will be closed from 15 November to 15 December 2026, while two Gombaeryeong sections have already been closed since 1 November.

The affected routes include the approaches from Osaek and Baekdam visitor centre to Daecheongbong, the park’s highest summit. Other listed sections include routes around Madeungnyeong, Hangyeryeong, Biseondae, Huiungak shelter, Yeongsiam, Oseam and Oknyeotang. The park’s 30 October notice is listed on the official Korea National Park Service page.

What the closure means for Seoraksan visitors

The measure is a route restriction rather than a park-wide closure. The official information says trails not included in the list remain open, allowing visits to lower areas such as Sogongwon, Biseondae, Ulsanbawi, Biryong Falls, Heullimgol and the Baekdamsa area, subject to current conditions.

This creates a clear change for travellers planning a summit walk. Daecheongbong is still the focus of the affected routes, while valley walks and several recognised viewpoints remain available. The distinction matters because a visit to Seoraksan during the restriction can continue, but a planned ascent from Osaek or Baekdam cannot follow its usual route.

Seoraksan National Park links Sokcho with Daecheongbong

The park extends across Sokcho and neighbouring areas in Gangwon Province. Its eastern sector, known as Outer Seorak, is the part most closely associated with Sokcho, while the wider protected area also includes Inner Seorak and South Seorak.

Seoraksan was designated South Korea’s fifth national park in 1970 and became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. Daecheongbong rises to 1,708 metres above sea level, and the mountain landscape includes steep ridges, rocky sections, valleys and waterfalls. These physical features explain why the closure changes the character of a visit: lower valley routes remain possible, but high-level trekking is removed from the programme. UNESCO’s Mount Sorak profile records the reserve’s 1982 nomination and Daecheongbong’s elevation.

Visiting Seoraksan National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Selected high trails close from 15 November to 15 December 2026, including the Osaek and Baekdam approaches to Daecheongbong.
• The closure does not cover the whole park: lower routes around Sogongwon, Biseondae, Ulsanbawi, Biryong Falls, Heullimgol and Baekdamsa remain available unless a newer restriction applies.
• Sokcho is the main reference town for the eastern sector, while the wider park also reaches Inje, Goseong and Yangyang.
• The terrain includes steep mountain paths, rocky ridges, valleys and high-altitude routes reaching 1,708 metres at Daecheongbong.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Seoraksan National Park

When does the Seoraksan trail closure take place?

Selected routes close from 15 November to 15 December 2026. Two Gombaeryeong sections closed earlier, on 1 November 2026.

What has changed at Seoraksan National Park?

Routes to Daecheongbong and several high ridges are restricted, while a number of lower trails remain available.

Where is Seoraksan National Park and how do you get there?

The park lies in north-eastern South Korea and its eastern sector is reached from Sokcho in Gangwon Province.