Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jennad]

Hey all,

I've been dying to hike Seoraksan since I arrived here 5 months ago, but wanted to wait till it wasn't disgustingly humid out. Every book/site I've read says the best time to hike (despite the crowds) is in the fall.

But does anyone know WHEN specifically? It would be a shame to end up there after all of the leaves have already fallen. I'm from Arizona and clueless when it comes to seasonal changes.

If we went this weekend, would we see a lot of colorful leaves? And if we waited till the first week of November, would the trees be bare? Anyone know? I'd like to see some colorful leaves for the first time in my life, damm*t!

Thanks!

[jamesd]

Now is the best time. I am told that leaves will be hanging on until November.

[T-J]

If you're in Seoul and want to join us on a Bukhansan hike PM me and I'll get you the details.

For seoraksan any time between now and the first week of november should be good...

Happy trails...

[UknowsI]

I hiked Bukhansan 1-2 weeks ago and the weather was perfect. It will get pretty hot in the sun but a bit chilly in the shade. I went on a Saturday, and only the last part of our 11 km track was crowded, the rest was fine, but I've heard Sundays can be considerably worse.

[Enigma]

Here's a link to the Korean Tourist Board's predicted dates for the peak colours for the different national parks in Korea:

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1391042

Looks like the peak for Seoraksan is October 20. But be aware, that the trails will be like conveyor belts of people, especially on the weekends. I went 2 years ago at this time of year, and because of all the Korean tour groups you can end up getting sandwiched in the middle of very long lines of hikers.
It's a very beautiful park, but just be aware of what to expect.

[Lazio]

[jennad]

Ahhh thank you so much! This is just what I was looking for! Yeah, I've heard the trails are super busy, so I'm prepared....I think. Are there any trails somewhat off the beaten path that would be less crowded but not too remote?

[Enigma]

The centre of the park will be a zoo, so I did a few hikes there on the Friday (Ulsan Bawi and Biryong Falls, both nice hikes), and then on the Saturday I did the northern section of this trail:

http://english.knps.or.kr/Experience/ParkContent.aspx?SEQUEN=11&ParkDiv=14&HikDiv02=01&MenuNum=1&Submenu=Npp&Third=HikingCourses&Fourth=01

I took a bus from Sokcho Bus Station to near the trailhead at the north end at Namkuri. I think there were only about 6 buses a day, and they went north up the coast first before coming back inland so it took a while to get there. You could also take one of the more frequent buses to Baekdam (I think 5 or 6 kilometres to the east) and then walk to the trailhead.
The trail was quite nice, but it's narrow so when you inevitably encounter one of the many tour groups, you can get stuck amongst them.

The trail going in from Baekdam is also supposed to be nice, but I haven't done it.