Where Can You Get the Best View of Ulsanbawi Rock?
Want to see Ulsanbawi Rock from a whole new angle?
While most people hike Ulsanbawi directly from Seoraksan National Park, there’s an even better way to take in its epic scenery.
Head to Hwaamsa Temple in Gangwon Province and follow a relatively easy hiking trail for a breathtaking view of this massive rock formation from a completely different perspective.
What Is Geumgangsan in Goseong?
Wait, isn’t Geumgangsan in North Korea?
Most travelers know Geumgangsan (Diamond Mountain) as one of North Korea’s most iconic and legendary mountain ranges.
But here’s the fascinating twist: the mountain range actually begins at Sinseonbong in Goseong, South Korea, before stretching northward across the border.
According to Korean tradition, Geumgangsan is said to be made up of 12,000 majestic peaks. Sinseonbong, located at the southern end in Goseong, is traditionally regarded as the very first of those legendary 12,000 peaks.
In other words, Geumgangsan isn’t just a mountain tucked away in North Korea. Its southernmost beginning is rooted right here in South Korea’s Goseong region.
Where Is Sokcho and How Do You Get There?
There are two convenient bus options from Seoul to Sokcho.
1. Dong Seoul Bus Terminal
Located near Gangbyeon Station (Subway Line 2), Dong Seoul Bus Terminal offers buses to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal.
This is a convenient option if you are staying in eastern or northeastern Seoul.
2. Seoul Express Bus Terminal
Located near Express Bus Terminal Station (Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9), Seoul Express Bus Terminal operates direct express buses to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, which is close to Sokcho Beach. The journey takes about 2½ hours, depending on traffic.
| From Seoul | Arrives in Sokcho | Best for |
| Dong Seoul Bus Terminal | Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal | Downtown, Central Market |
| Seoul Express Bus Terminal | Sokcho Express Bus Terminal | Sokcho Beach |
🚌 Check Seoul–Sokcho bus schedules and book your ticket
How to Get to Hwaamsa Temple
Sokcho’s two bus terminals are only about a 10-minute drive apart, so picking one over the other won’t make much difference to your plans.
For our trip, we took a bus from Seoul to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal to start our hike.
On the way back, we took a bus from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal to Gangnam, as buses run every 20 minutes, giving us plenty of flexibility with our schedule.
Option 1: Bus + Walking
A 1 to 2-minute walk from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll find the bus stop for Bus No. 3-1, which goes to Sono Felice Delpino Resort.
Take City Bus No. 3-1 from Sokcho Intercity Bus Termina and get off at ‘Del Pino’, the final stop on the route.From Del Pino, Hwaamsa Temple is about 3.3 km away. The walk is mostly uphill and takes approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on your pace.
This option is inexpensive, but be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, as Bus No. 3-1 does not run frequently.
Option 2: Taxi (Recommended)
Destination: Geumgangsan Hwaamsa Temple
Address: 100 Hwaamsa-gil, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 고성군 토성면 화암사길 100)
Buses don’t run very often in rural areas, so taking a taxi is a great way to save time, even if it costs a bit more.
From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, the taxi ride takes approximately 20–30 minutes and costs around KRW 18,000–25,000, depending on traffic and the exact route.
You can also take a taxi from **Sokcho Express Bus Terminal**, although the Intercity Bus Terminal is generally the more convenient starting point for Hwaamsa.
At Geumgangsan Hwaamsa Temple
If you want to get as close to the temple as possible, ask your taxi driver to drop you off in front of Suamjeon (수암전),
a small snack shop located just past Parking Lots 1 and 2.
There is a restroom located at Parking Lot 1.
If you’d like to save on the taxi fare, you can get off at Parking Lot 1 instead. From there,
it’s about a 15-minute uphill walk to the start of the Sinseondae Peak hiking trail.
Starting the Hike Toward Suwibawi Rock
Across from Suamjeon(수암전), a small snack shop, you’ll find the entrance to the hiking trail leading toward Ulsanbawi Rock.
To start the hike, simply follow the sign pointing to Subawi (수바위) Rock.
The trail is relatively short, but the uphill sections continue as you make your way toward Sinseondae.
Along the way, you’ll pass Subawi Rock, Turtle Rock and Sirutteokbawi Rock, with occasional views opening up through the trees.
From Subawi Rock, it takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour to reach Sinseondae (Seongindae), the main viewpoint of the hike.
The round trip takes about two hours. Since the trail can be slippery in places, especially on the rocky sections, I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a bottle of water before you set off.
Ulsanbawi Rock from Sinseondae in Geumgangsan
The Sinseondae (Seongindae) trail is closed during certain periods of the year.
Spring: February 1 – May 15
Fall: November 1 – December 15
If you plan your trip outside these closure periods, it takes about an hour of hiking to reach Sinseondae,
where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Ulsanbawi Rock.
Watch the Video First
Ulsanbawi Rock
With six dramatic peaks rising in the distance and wide mountain ridges stretching below, their folds resembling the pleats of a traditional Korean hanbok skirt, the view was absolutely breathtaking.
I’m pretty sure I took about a million photos before finally leaving!
The view is just as impressive in the other direction, with SONO Seorak Resort, downtown Sokcho,
and even the distant sea all spread out below.
If you’re planning a trip to Sokcho, hiking up to Ulsanbawi Rock from Seoraksan Sogongwon is a popular choice,
especially among international visitors.
But if you’d like to see Ulsanbawi Rock from a completely different perspective, consider this hike to Sinseondae instead.
🚌 Check Seoul–Sokcho bus schedules and book your ticket
For the return trip to Sokcho, you can call a local taxi or ask the staff at Suamjeon, the small snack shop near the trail entrance,
to help arrange one for you.
[…] One more thing — if you want to see the full Ulsanbawi rock formation from a different angle, you can also visit Geumgangsan Hwaamsa Temple in Goseong.I wrote more about this spot here if you’re curious.👉️ See the full view of Ulsanbawi […]