sobaeksan national park

Buddha's statue at the National Museum of South Korea. Many statues were made during the Shilla period, the time when Buddhism was flourishing in the country.

sobaeksan national park

Sobaeksan National Park (Hangeul: 소백산국립공원, Hanja: 小白山國立公園) is a beautiful mountain park located in Chungcheong and Gyeongsang northern provinces, South Korea.

The park is named after Sobaeksan Mountain which is over 1,400 meters high above sea level.

This national and natural treasure was designated as the 18th national park of Korea in 1987. This vibrant park is home to over 3,000 plant and animal species.

Among the many natural features, the park is famous for its diverse wildflower species; royal azaleas, and yew trees which made their home on the northwest slope and located between Yeonhwabong and Birobong peaks.

more attractions & features

The popular hiking course includes the cool stream areas flowing from Nakdonggang River to Jukgyaecheon River.

Coming down from Birobong Peak along Jukgyaecheon River, you will find Seokryun Mine area and Choamsa Temple.

Seokcheonpokpo Falls and Seonghyeolsa Temple can also be found as you proceed further during your hike.

The refreshing rivers in the valleys are home to various fishes including trout.

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory can be found as you hike an extended and flat trail to the southwest of Birobong Peaks which leads to Yeonghwabong Peak.

Huibangsa Temple and Birosa Temple are also two magnificent mountain temples first established during the Silla Kingdom.

These two Silla Kingdom temples are located to the east of Yeonghwa Peak.

Huibang Pokpo Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. It is located closeby Huibangsa Temple area.

useful notices

Usually, if the season and the weather are favorable, you can expect that the park is accessible for hiking and other leisurely and healthy activities.

However, if the weather condition is quite challenging, such as heavy snow or rain and other emergency situations, the park could be closed from the public.

Also, some periods accessing the park or parts of the park are restricted. Such cases include the fire-prevention, natural scenery maintenance, environmental protection, and other related reasons.

You can check out some announcements through their website: hiking.kworks.co.kr

Sobaeksan Park’s Facilities

You can find various facilities available either for free or paid within the park’s vicinity. Here they are…

Parking Areas
The parking areas available include:
Huibang Parking Lot 1, Huibang Parking Lot 2, Huibang Parking Lot 3, Choam Parking Lot, Buseok Parking Lot, Juknyeong Parking Lot

Most of these parking spaces are not for free. The rates totally depend on the vehicle size and season you are visiting the area.

Public Service Information
If you need more information regarding the area necessary for your travel plans, you can find it through the available information centers near the park.

Eouigok Information Center, Juknyeong Information Center, Cheondong Information Center, Huibang Information Center

Camping Facilities
Yes, it is good news for travelers who wish to camp out, spend more time with nature for rejuvenation and other healing processes.

There are camping grounds for those who bring their vehicles and for those with their tents. Here are the areas...

Samga Auto-campsite
Namcheon Campsite

Now, let me offer some suggestions on how to travel to Sobaeksan National Park via available public transports.

Getting to Sobaeksan National Park

Many roads lead to Sobaeksan Park. Yes, the transportation system is South Korea is very efficient. Some major transport are...

Bus & Taxi (Dong Seoul Terminal to Guinsa) - 4 hour-trip
Take an express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and then get off at Guinsa.

From Guinsa, take a Taxi to the entrance area of Sobaeksan Park, which could take around an hour.

Approximate Travel Expenses: 76-96,000 Won

By Train (Cheongnyangni Station - Punggi Station - Sobaeksan Park) - 4 hour-trip
Take any subway for Cheongnyangni Station then transfer for Punggi Station. Cheongnyangni and Punggi travel could take around 2 hours.

Then take a Taxi from Punggi Station to the park which could take around 20 minutes (15-20,000 Won)

Approximate Travel Expenses: 24-35,000 Won

You may check your travel details here: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Seoul/Sobaeksan-National-Park

Express Intercity Bus
You can also get a bus Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yeongju Bus Terminal. Get off at Yeongju Bus Terminal, then take Bus No. 26 to Samga-ri Bus Stop.

Also, from Yeongju Bus Terminal, you can take a Taxi to the park which could take around 20 minutes.

I hope those transports are helpful. Please, don’t forget to double-check the information above to ensure that your plans flow smoothly.

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NOTE: I will be updating this article with my personal travel experience in the near future. Beautiful photos, some stories, and exciting details will be added to this page.

So, please keep in touch!

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Thanks again for visiting this page. I hope you have an amazing journey.