SEORAKSAN PARK
A wonderful memory to look back on, it has been 20 years since my trip to South Korea in 2005 (now 2025), the landmarks saw remain some of South Korea's most iconic treasures.
Seoraksan National Park actually located about 2.5 to 3 hours northeast of the city in Sokcho, Gangwon-do. It is often visited as a day trip or weekend getaway from Seoul because of its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Key Highlights that I Might Remember
If you visited in 2005, you likely encountered these famous sights:
- The Great Unification Buddha (Tongil Daebul): A massive 14.6-meter gilt-bronze statue at the entrance of Sinheungsa Temple. It was built as a symbol of hope for the reunification of North and South Korea.
- Sinheungsa Temple: One of the oldest Zen temples in the world, dating back to the 7th century. Its colorful architecture against the backdrop of the jagged granite peaks is unforgettable.
- The Bear Statue: Y the bronze Asiatic Black Bear statue near the entrance! The bear is the official symbol of the park and a favorite spot for commemorative "proof" photos.
- Gwongeumseong Fortress: Many visitors take the cable car up to this stone fortress site to get a panoramic view of the "Dinosaur Ridge" and the East Sea in the distance.
| Season | Experience |
| Autumn | The park’s most famous season, where the mountains turn vibrant shades of red and orange. |
| Winter | Striking white snow against the dark granite rocks (though it gets very cold!). |
| Spring/Summer | Lush green forests and the sound of the Biryong (Flying Dragon) waterfalls. |
There are two Hanok Village in Seoul, I'm not sure which village I visited at that time. So I'm displaying both Hanok Villages for reference.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: A real residential neighborhood that was home to the nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. It is famous for its narrow, winding alleys and hundreds of traditional "Modern Hanoks" built in the 1920s-30s. In September 2005, the Bukchon Hanok Hall (Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum) opened here to showcase traditional Korean embroidery.
- Namsangol Hanok Village: Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain, this is a recreated village where five traditional houses from different social classes were relocated and restored in 1998. You might remember the Seoul Millennium Time Capsule, which was buried nearby to mark Seoul’s 600th anniversary.
Google AI Search
Based on the photo you provided and the history of Seoul in 2005, you most likely visited Namsangol Hanok Village.
The image shows a large, open courtyard with several distinct, well-spaced traditional houses. In 2005, Bukchon (the other major village) was a lived-in residential neighborhood with narrow, crowded alleys. Namsangol, however, was specifically designed as a "museum-style" village where five authentic hanoks were relocated into a spacious park-like setting.
2005 vs. 2025: What has changed?
If you returned today, you would find the landmarks still standing, but the "experience" around them has evolved significantly.
| Feature | Your 2005 Visit | Returning in 2025 |
| Admission Fees | You likely paid a small entry fee for both Seoraksan and the Hanok Village. | Entry is now FREE for both. Only the Seoraksan Cable Car and parking require payment now. |
| Seoraksan Access | The trails were rugged, and information was mostly in Korean. | Trails now feature "Barrier-Free" sections (paved/wooden decks) and high-tech rental centers for gear. |
| Hanok Activities | You mostly looked at the architecture. | It's now a "Living Museum" where you can join tea ceremonies, archery, and traditional paper-making (Hanji) daily. |
| Crowds | Mostly local hikers and quiet student groups. | A global tourism hub; you'll see hundreds of visitors wearing rented Hanboks for photos. |
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, K.L
31/12/2025: 6.15 p.m
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