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Best trails in Odaesan National Park

Best trails in Odaesan National Park

4.5(207 reviews)

·

South Korea
: 
#12 of 22 national parks

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Odaesan, known as the 11th national park encompasses the biggest natural forest in Korea. Biodiversity here is large, visitors can expect to see a multitude of flora and fauna. This area is known for Yew tree forests, royal azaleas, and Geumgang Chorong (Hanabusaya). Visitors should keep an eye out for colorful woodpeckers, turtledoves, and boars. There are also a variety of fish and insect species inhabiting this park.

Additonally, Odaesan is centered by Birobong Peak (the tallest peak in the park) and is surrounded by dirt monutains with flat slopes. Odaesan has much to offer for locals, visitors, and children.

Top sights

Birobong
Birobong
Peak
용안수
용안수
Spring
금강사 샘물
금강사 샘물
Spring
Guryong waterfall
Guryong waterfall
Waterfall
Dongpigol Camping Site
Dongpigol Camping Site
Campsite
noinbong
noinbong
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Odaesan Birobong

    4.6(34)
    ·Hard
    ·4.2 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Odaesan Birobong (오대산 비로봉) Nestled in a national park full of temples and history, Birobong (비로봉) is one of the main mountain peaks with extravagant and scenic views. This is the shortest route to Birobong in Odaesan Mountain, with many wooden stairs and stone paths. The path from Sangwonsa (상원사) parking lot to Birobong is mostly stairs. At Sajaam Temple (사자암), set on the slope of a mountain, you can feel a serene atmosphere.

  2. #2 - Seonjaegil Trail

    4.5(42)
    ·Moderate
    ·6 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The name Seonjaegil translates to Fairy's Footpath. The path follows the valley stream up to Dongpibong Temple, running mostly parallel to the stream. Hikers walk through a dense, cool forest of native beech and Korean pine trees. The main reward for the walk is the continuous beauty of the stream and the serenity of the temples. The trail is stunning when the many maple trees along the water turn brilliant shades of red and gold.

  3. #3 - Birobong - Sangwangbong

    4.4(40)
    ·Hard
    ·7.3 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This trail ascends through dense forests before transitioning into a unique, exposed high-alpine zone. The upper slopes are renowned for their vast fields of silver grass, which dominate the terrain, offering stunning open vistas. The mountain is also celebrated for its abundant royal azaleas, which cover the ridges in striking pink and purple blooms in late spring. The entire area is a protected habitat for rare species, including the Siberian flying squirrel and mountain goats.

  4. #4 - Sogeumgang Valley - Guryong Falls

    4.7(28)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.7 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This trail is a famous valley walk through Sogeumgang Valley. The name "Sogeumgang" means "Little Geumgangsan (Diamond Mountain)," referring to the mountain's resemblance to the majestic peaks of North Korea's Mount Geumgang. The route is wide, well-maintained paths and wooden boardwalks that follow the valley stream. The trail is characterized by sheer granite cliffs, uniquely shaped rock formations, and numerous waterfalls and clear pools. Hikers pass by major scenic spots such as...

  5. #5 - Noinbong Peak - Jingogae Rest Area

    4.4(15)
    ·Moderate
    ·5 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Noinbong Peak - Jingogae Rest Area (노인봉 - 진고개 휴게소) This is the shortest route to Odaesan National Park's Noinbong Peak (노인봉). It starts at Jingogae Rest Area (진고개 휴게소). There is a large parking area, and the last restroom available on this trail is near the parking lot. There are many wooden stairs on this course. A short walk from the entrance is the Jingogae High Flat Summit (진고개 고위평탄면), after which the trail turns into a dense forest and a long wooden staircase. As you climb the...

  6. #6 - Sogeumgan Valley - Noinbong Peak

    4.6(11)
    ·Hard
    ·8.6 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    Sogeumgan Valley - Noinbong Peak (소금강계곡 - 노인봉) Sogeumgang Valley is known for its gorgeous views and landscapes. As the valley is named small Geumgang Mountain, it is known and registered as one of Korea's scenic spots. This trail starts at Jingogae Visitor Center (진고개 탐방로) and ends at the Sogeumgang Valley (소금강계곡), making it a great trail to cool off at the valley after a long hike. After a flat palm mat section at the beginning of Jingogae, you'll come to a stone and wooden deck...

  7. #7 - Woljeongsa - Seopdali Bridge

    4.1(9)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Woljeongsa - Seopdali (월정사 - 섶다리) Odaesan is a mountain straddling Gangneung and Pyeongchang in Gangwondo Province and was designated a national park in 1975. Woljeongsa Temple (월정사) is located within Odaesan Mountain and is famous for its Octagonal Nine Story Stone Pagoda (팔각구층석탑). Woljeongsa Temple also offers temple stays, so if you're interested, check out the temple's website. This hike is part of the popular Seonjaegil Trail (선재길), which starts at Woljeongsa Temple and goes to...

  8. #8 - Unduryeong Rest Area - Gyebangsan

    4.2(10)
    ·Hard
    ·5.5 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Unduryeong Rest Area - Gyebangsan (운두령 - 계방산) Located in Gangwon Province, Gyebangsan (계방산) is beautiful during winter and is popular with hikers for its snow. This mountain is designated as an ecological reserve and has rare plants and animals. The trail starts from the Unduryeong Rest Area (운두령 휴게소). Along the way, there is a rest area with views in all directions and an observation deck. There are especially many stone and wooden stairs from the rest area to the summit. From the...

  9. #9 - Odaesan Woljeongsa Needle Fir Forest

    4.2(6)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.7 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Odaesan Woljeongsa Needle Fir Forest (오대산 월정사 전나무숲길) This fir forest path is a forest trail from Iljumun Gate (일주문) at Woljeongsa Temple (월정사) to Geumganggyo Bridge (금강교), where you can enjoy the scent of phytoncides and walk on dirt paths. Woljeongsa is known to be the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This temple is also home to critical cultural treasures such as the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda and Seated Stone Bodhisattva. The path is also famous as a filming...

  10. #10 - Sangwonsa Temple - Odaesan - Dongdaesan Loop

    5.0(4)
    ·Hard
    ·12.9 mi
    ·Est. 9–10 hr
    Sangwonsa Temple - Odaesan - Dongdaesan Loop (상원사 - 오대산 - 동대산) This hiking trail takes you to several peaks of Odaesan Mountain, including the summit, Birobong (비로봉), and also Dongdaesan, offering breathtaking views. You can start at either Sangwonsa Temple (상원사) or Dongpigol (동피골) parking lot, both of which have restrooms at the trailhead. Sangwonsa Temple is a beautiful and tranquil thousand-year-old temple at the foot of Odaesan Mountain, known for its beautiful fall foliage. It is also...
Showing results 1–10 of 11
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Odaesan National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Odaesan National Park is Odaesan Birobong, which has a 4.6 star rating from 34 reviews. This trail is 4.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,273 ft.

What is the longest trail in Odaesan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Odaesan National Park is Sangwonsa Temple - Odaesan - Dongdaesan Loop. This trail is estimated to be 12.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Odaesan National Park?

There are 11 trails in Odaesan National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 207 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Odaesan National Park?

Sangwonsa Temple - Odaesan - Dongdaesan Loop has the most elevation gain with 4,940 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Birobong - Sangwangbong, which has 2,673 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Odaesan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Odaesan National Park which is Seonjaegil Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 42 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Odaesan National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Odaesan National Park, including Sogeumgang Valley - Guryong Falls and Sogeumgan Valley - Noinbong Peak.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Odaesan National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Odaesan National Park, including Odaesan Birobong, Birobong - Sangwangbong, Noinbong Peak - Jingogae Rest Area, Sogeumgan Valley - Noinbong Peak, and Unduryeong Rest Area - Gyebangsan.

Are there any trails with springs in Odaesan National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Odaesan National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with weather shelters in Odaesan National Park, including Noinbong Peak - Jingogae Rest Area and Sogeumgan Valley - Noinbong Peak.