Less convenient to get to, the inner part of Seoraksan is much more tranquil and quiet, but not any less beautiful.
Baekdam Valley -- The valley got its name thanks to a legend about Baekdamsa (Baekdam Temple). The temple was moved to this valley sometime in the 1300s, after it was plagued by mysterious fires in its old location. But the fires continued until one night, a monk dreamed that an elder monk tossed water from the mountain above. The name was changed to Baekam (100 Pools) -- fitting since there are dozens of pools in the area -- and the fires stopped. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed during the Korean War and has never been fully rebuilt.
A river runs through the valley in an S-shape, from the Naegappyeong Village to the front of Baekdam Mountain Villa. You can walk up from the ticket booth to Baekdamsa, located in the middle of the valley, or take a shuttle bus halfway up. About a 10-minute walk from the temple is the Baekdam Mountain Villa. If you continue up, you'll see the Geumgyo, the first bridge on the right side. After crossing the third bridge (the Gang-gyo), you'll see Eunseon-do. From the fourth road, the rest of the paths are sand.
Baekundong Valley -- The valley is located between Deoktaesan and Seongaksan, between the Seven Brothers Stones and the Yongdam Falls, starting from Gwuiddegicheong Peak. On either side, there are sheer cliffs, which are popular with mountain climbers but can be enjoyed by all visitors. The largest waterfall in the valley is Baekun Falls, from which you can get a great view of the mountainous scenery.
Daeseung Falls -- This was the main recreational area for the last Shilla emperor, King Gyeong-Sun. The path to the falls starts on a steep, rocky climb from the left of Jangsudae ticket booth. Go past Sajung Falls and continue up the metal ladder until you reach an observation area, where you can see the falls. Walk along on the right walkway to Daseung-ryong for about 5 minutes, and you'll meet a narrow path leading right up to the waterfall.
Gaya-dong Valley -- Located deep in the heart of Seoraksan, Gaya-dong is a relatively small valley, but has its quiet charms. The trail that leads to the valley starts behind the Suryeomdong shelter. Walk up for 30 minutes and you'll come upon Ose Falls. In front of it are the high cliffs, called the Cheonwang Gates, the entryway to Gaya-dong. Shortly past the "gates" is Cheonwang Falls, and then Waryongyeon. Above Waryongyeon is Neoreok Rock. If you walk farther up there is a crossway. The old path to Ose-am is on the left and the path to Bongjeong-am (sometimes called Tapgol) is on the right. Stop to enjoy the scenery at Mangyeongdae on the way to Ose-am. If you keep going up, you'll reach Muneomi Ridge. There the path splits into two again -- one leads to Bongyrong Ridgeline and the other to Cheonbuldong Valley. If you want to climb to Daecheong Peak, walk past the Huiungak shelter in the Socheong Peak toward Jungcheong Peak. About 2km (1 1/4 miles) down from Daecheong Peak is Bongjeong-am, which is supposed to be one of the best retreats for Buddhists in the country. The most famous structure in the hermitage is a five-story stone pagoda that's over 1,300 years old. Gaya-dong has convenient paths, still unadulterated by any signs or metal steps.
Hangyeryeong -- One of the three ridges that make up Seoraksan (the other two are Misiryeong and Jinburyeong). If you go down the Hangyeryeong path, you will reach the Osaek District, named such since "o" in Korean means five. Everything in this area is supposed to come in fives. The natural carbonated spring water is said to have five flavors; the original stone pagoda that stands in the Seongguksa temple site is said to have rocks of five colors. There is even a mythical flower that is said to have bloomed in five different colors.
Hwangtaedeok Jang (Alaskan Pollack Market) -- In the winter (from the end of Dec to Mar), rows of hwangtae (Alaskan pollack) are left out to dry in the winter breeze. Alaskan pollack (also know as wall-eye pollack) is a meaty white fish and a member of the cod family. It's also something of a staple of the diet around here. Not only is it fun to see row after row of fish laid out to dry, but the scenery in the Inje Yondae-li area is even more gorgeous under a blanket of white snow.
Jangsudae -- The least popular part of the park, the area is named after the traditional house built here by Korean soldiers, which they called Jangsudae. Surrounded by the Jangsudae cliffs, the house marks the starting point for the trail that leads to Daeseung Falls and the 12 Seonnyetang.
Misiryeong Valley -- The Misiryeong Valley extends into Seoraksan past Dojeok Pokpo (Thief Waterfall) toward Inje. The waterfall is named after a local legend about a thief who lurked in the valley, robbing unsuspecting travelers, and then drowning them in the waterfall. A little grim, but despite this area's penchant for dark stories, this unfettered forest is peaceful and cool, even in the summer. The path to the waterfall is a bit steep, but a rope is provided to guide you down.
Naerincheon (Naerin River) -- The only cheon (small river) in the country that flows north, it crosses Hongcheon and Inje. Naerincheon Gyegok (valley) starts near Odaesan Valley and Hapgang-gyo (bridge) and continues for about 57km (35 miles). Usually, when people say Naerincheon, they mean the downstream area of Naerincheon. The upper stream of Naerincheon is again divided into Misan Valley and Moraeso Valley. Few people go there because it is difficult to reach. On the upper stream of Bangtaecheon, which joins together with Naerincheon, is Jindong Valley, and to the north of Naerincheon is Jumbongsan, Bangtaesan, Bangdong Springs, and Bangtaesan Recreational Forest. Hwangso and Seori resorts are in the midsection of Naerincheon, and Piasi Valley downstream. The Piasi River runs between Hyeon-li and Soyang-ho (lake).
Seonnyetang Tangsugol (Valley of the 12 Angels' Bath) -- The Valley of the Twelve Angels' Bath is a valley in Yondae-li where a waterfall connects to a pool. Legend has it that 12 angels came down to bathe here (hence the name), but there are only eight pools. Due to natural erosion, there are steep holes and pools in the valley creating the water baths. Unfortunately, some of the scenery has been ruined by the iron bridges that go over the bathing pools, but the bridges do make for easy access.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
