Ulsanbawi Rock
Ulsanbawi Rock
4.5
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4.5
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AFAK25
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia4,461 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We stayed at Delpino Sono Moon that faces the Ulsanbawi Rocks.
It was winter, and snowstorms were abound. So no hikes allowed during this period. Nonetheless, the view from the hotel was already breathtaking. The lines of trees along the slopes remind me of bristles on the back of a wild boar.
It was winter, and snowstorms were abound. So no hikes allowed during this period. Nonetheless, the view from the hotel was already breathtaking. The lines of trees along the slopes remind me of bristles on the back of a wild boar.
Written 22 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d_kester
East Amherst, NY80 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Just want to comment on difficulty. I am a 65 year old man, in decent, but not great, shape. The walk was strenuous, especially the last 0.6 km. Uphill on either steps or a rock path. By the time I reached the top, I was quite pooped. But glad I did it. For someone younger in good shape it shoud not be that hard. For someone older or in poor shape, it will be a challenge. Also, I did it in April, so it wasn't very hot.
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Written 5 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,512 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
Ulsanbawi Rock is a unique rock formation composed of six granite peaks. One needs to be of general fitness to do this round trip hike of 4 hours. The initial trail is relatively easy, walking along the forest on big gravel rocks, boardwalk and stairs. After about an hour, I arrived at the famous Heundeulbawi Rock and had a 15 mins break for snacks and drinks.
From Heundeulbawi Rock to Ulsanbawi Rock, the slope gets relatively steep. The majority of the trek is made up of steps, and the steeper stone sections come with ropes while the steel steps come with handrails. I needed to my arms to pull myself up from this point onwards. I finally arrive at Ulsanbawi Rock after hiking 1 hour 45 mins from the base. To reach the summit, I had to queue for about 15 mins along the narrow stretch, just to take photos of the flag and the rock indicating 836m.
At the summit, one is rewarded with spectacular view of Seorak Mountain. There were many local hikers resting in the open space to have their meals as well as enjoying the view. The weather was perfect, clear blue sky with some clouds adding texture to the background. I spent 45 mins at the summit before my descent. Overall, it was an enjoyable hike, though tiring.
From Heundeulbawi Rock to Ulsanbawi Rock, the slope gets relatively steep. The majority of the trek is made up of steps, and the steeper stone sections come with ropes while the steel steps come with handrails. I needed to my arms to pull myself up from this point onwards. I finally arrive at Ulsanbawi Rock after hiking 1 hour 45 mins from the base. To reach the summit, I had to queue for about 15 mins along the narrow stretch, just to take photos of the flag and the rock indicating 836m.
At the summit, one is rewarded with spectacular view of Seorak Mountain. There were many local hikers resting in the open space to have their meals as well as enjoying the view. The weather was perfect, clear blue sky with some clouds adding texture to the background. I spent 45 mins at the summit before my descent. Overall, it was an enjoyable hike, though tiring.
Written 11 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pchu
Brisbane, Australia313 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
It was down pouring in Sokcho the night before we planned to go to Seoraksan NP. In the morning the rain stopped, the sky started to clear up but was still cloudy and hazy. We decided still taking the 35 mins bus ride (bus 7 or 7.1) to Seoraksan to do other treks (plenty 2-4 hours treks to choose from) on that day, then go back the next day for Ulsanbawi. Admission fee to the NP is only 3,500 won, well worth to pay twice.
This turned out to be a wise decision because the next day we were rewarded with awesome views all the way up and at the top. We had read enough "warnings" beforehand but found that the Ulsanbawi trek is not particularly difficult, it just has endless rocky stone steps and a long series of steel steps. The steps aren't really high and quite a lot of flat wooden steps were placed between stone steps to make it easier to walk and balance.
My advice is to keep a constant pace and just think of one step at a time, don't worry about how much more to hike. Anyway you will stop a lot on the way to soak in the great scenery. On a clear day the view is getting better and better when you go higher and higher.
The majority of the trek is made up of steps, and the steeper stone sections come with ropes on both sides while all steel steps come with hand rails, thus, walking poles aren't essential. Hiking boots with good cushioning would be helpful but running shoes would do the job.
The top offers 360 degree of wonderful views of the surrounding mountains; valleys, flat lands, and interesting outcrops. Near the top and the top is extremely windy, a wind breaker would be helpful. Watch out and don't let the crazy wind blow away your caps / hat, phone or camera. Fortunately there are plenty of hand rails to hold onto.
One last important advice - go as early as possible. Ulsanbawi is every popular and the top is quite narrow. No fun to bump into so many other trekkers. We started around 8.30am, stopped by the balancing rock (not that interesting), the small grotto (worth a short visit), the viewing platform (fantastic), then reached the top before 11am. There were only a handful of people there so we pretty much had all the wonderful views ourselves. Go even earlier if you can.
This turned out to be a wise decision because the next day we were rewarded with awesome views all the way up and at the top. We had read enough "warnings" beforehand but found that the Ulsanbawi trek is not particularly difficult, it just has endless rocky stone steps and a long series of steel steps. The steps aren't really high and quite a lot of flat wooden steps were placed between stone steps to make it easier to walk and balance.
My advice is to keep a constant pace and just think of one step at a time, don't worry about how much more to hike. Anyway you will stop a lot on the way to soak in the great scenery. On a clear day the view is getting better and better when you go higher and higher.
The majority of the trek is made up of steps, and the steeper stone sections come with ropes on both sides while all steel steps come with hand rails, thus, walking poles aren't essential. Hiking boots with good cushioning would be helpful but running shoes would do the job.
The top offers 360 degree of wonderful views of the surrounding mountains; valleys, flat lands, and interesting outcrops. Near the top and the top is extremely windy, a wind breaker would be helpful. Watch out and don't let the crazy wind blow away your caps / hat, phone or camera. Fortunately there are plenty of hand rails to hold onto.
One last important advice - go as early as possible. Ulsanbawi is every popular and the top is quite narrow. No fun to bump into so many other trekkers. We started around 8.30am, stopped by the balancing rock (not that interesting), the small grotto (worth a short visit), the viewing platform (fantastic), then reached the top before 11am. There were only a handful of people there so we pretty much had all the wonderful views ourselves. Go even earlier if you can.
Written 22 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brie park
Seongnam, South Korea162 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
I went in November and I thought it would be really cold, but the weather on the mountain was so nice I had to take off my hoodie and wear my tank top to hike! The hike up to Ulsanbawi takes around 2-4 hours depending on how fit you are; it took me around 3 because we went slow. The mountain looked beautiful even with its leafless trees & I would love to go back to hike here again. Please be advised though: the hike is rather strenuous and you need to be at a relatively fit level to be able to hike to the top!
Written 18 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HPol P
Toronto, Canada212 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Do need some stair master time as it's an uphill walk, light hiking gear recommended but we saw some sneakers and tshirts. Climb is a 3,5 km walk through man made steel stairs and carefully placed rocks. Plenty of rest stops to make room for faster travellers, stay to the right! Views along the way tease but finally the peak is worth the effort with 360 views of the surrounding peaks and Sokcho, ocean side. For less effort but higher cost cable car on the other side of the valley is a lesser experience.
Written 3 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stodds73
Toronto, Canada145 contributions
So many steps! Made sure you wear good shoes and clothes, and make sure to bring water. If you take your time I think also anyone can do it.
At the top you are rewarded with some fantastic views. If you can try to go on a clear day.
At the top you are rewarded with some fantastic views. If you can try to go on a clear day.
Written 14 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blueberrydee
Bangkok, Thailand67 contributions
I set off this hiking trail in mid-March expecting it to be a little more doable in less snow but boy, most of the higher elevation trails are closed due to forest fire precaution(which I am wondering there would be any in this kind of weather). However, the most popular less difficult trails are still open to public such as the Ulsanbawi, to which I took today. It was mostly covered in snow, so any snow hiking gears are necessary, be it the slippery resistance, hiking stick, warm clothing.
The overall trail is not so difficult until the last 0.8km especially when all the stairs up to the top were snow slippery. When you come up to the peak spot, there was a heavy mist, so there you go, the only thing I saw in the vincinity was a Korean flag.
I recommend packing something to eat on the way and a full bottle of water.
The overall trail is not so difficult until the last 0.8km especially when all the stairs up to the top were snow slippery. When you come up to the peak spot, there was a heavy mist, so there you go, the only thing I saw in the vincinity was a Korean flag.
I recommend packing something to eat on the way and a full bottle of water.
Written 14 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobalTraRip
104 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
A good day hike for the beginner or advanced trekker. Beautiful scenery and plenty of photo opportunities along the way
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freedom25159436221
8 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
The path is okay, it starts easily and gets more exhausting when approaching the peak. As a sportive person it is absolutely feasible, it took us 1.5h to reach the peak. The view was stunning! I would recommend to start as early as possible. We began at 8 am and there were only few people, when we hiked down after a looong break the path was very crowded!!
After that we climbed up to Geumganggul cave, the path is more difficult but less exhausting and the view was even more beautiful than ulsanbawi and less crowded.
So do ulsanbawi early to avoid the crowds and continue with Geumganggul, if you want to seize the day :)
After that we climbed up to Geumganggul cave, the path is more difficult but less exhausting and the view was even more beautiful than ulsanbawi and less crowded.
So do ulsanbawi early to avoid the crowds and continue with Geumganggul, if you want to seize the day :)
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi.. We are planning to climb Ulsanbawi on October. Guide is necessary or we just have to follow any map? Thank You
Written 27 September 2019
Hello! I'm going to South Korea next week and planning a visit to Seoraksan. With me is my grandmother who is 84 yrs old. Will be doing the cable car together but I want to go to Ulsanbawi rock as well. My question is, is there a place she can rest along the trail to Ulsanbawi while waiting for me or somewhere near she can hang out ideally with nearby comfort room? She doesnt want to stay at the hotel, she'd rather try to walk and just rest if she's tired. Thank you very much in advance!
Written 12 October 2017
Hi there,
There are a lot of restaurants/cafés at the base of the mountain. This is also a nice place for walking around at ground level.
I wouldn't want to advise your grandmother to hike up. It is very steep and during the way there are no real comfortable waiting areas.
Have a good time.
Written 16 October 2017
On the official map, estimated time from the Sinheung Temple (which is near the park entrance) to the top is 2 hours. (4 hours round trip).
I took 3 hours. The way to the shaky rock is relatively flat and easy. From there to the top is just steep ascent. But there are stairs all the way to the top. So it's just like going up the staircase in a building.
Coming down is fast. Give yourself 5 hours round trip.
If you go up in the afternoon, it is less crowded at the top. (You may even have the whole place to yourself!) But you may risk trekking back in the dark if you are slow. Bring a torch light
Written 30 June 2016
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