National park · South Korea
Songnisan National Park속리산국립공원
Enter Songnisan for a half‑day hike to Beopjusa Temple (entry fee ~₩3,000) or a full‑day trek to the summit (guide required, 6 km (3.7 mi), moderate) in spring or autumn; avoid July‑August heat and trail closures.Enter Songnisan for a half‑day hike to Beopjusa Temple (entry fee ~₩3,000) or a full‑day trek to the summit (guide required, 3.7 mi (6 km), moderate) in spring or autumn; avoid July‑August heat and trail closures.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
274 km² (106 sq mi)106 sq mi (274 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- South Korea ↗Check K-ETA and visa status on the official sites before you fly; the list of nationalities exempted from registering online changes year by year.
- South Korea ↗Google Maps gives poor walking and driving directions in Korea; use Naver Map or Kakao Map for routes.
- South Korea ↗Buy a T-money card (or use a phone-based transit pass) for subway and buses; it also pays at convenience stores and many taxis.
- North Chungcheong ↗Jungang line trains from Seoul's Cheongnyangni serve Jecheon and Danyang; the Chungbuk line links Jecheon, Chungju, Cheongju and Jochiwon.
- North Chungcheong ↗Trailheads, caves and lakeside sights sit off the rail lines; a rental car or taxi covers the last miles.
At a glance
- Country
- South Korea
- Area
- 274 km² (106 sq mi)106 sq mi (274 km²)
- Park covers about 274 km² of forested mountains and cultural sites (official figure).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Cheongju
Songnisan National Park, designated in 1970, protects layered‑cloud mountain scenery, historic Buddhist temples and diverse wildlife in the heart of South Korea.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
274 km² (106 sq mi)106 sq mi (274 km²) · national park since 1970
Park covers about 274 km² of forested mountains and cultural sites (official figure).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Cheongju.
Why go
- Forested mountains with layered clouds and historic temples.
- Wildlife spotting: otters, flying squirrels, mandarin ducks, small‑eared cat.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but clear; trails open.
- FebCold, fewer visitors.
- MarSpring blossoms, mild weather.
- AprIdeal hiking conditions.
- MayWarm, dry.
- JunHeat rises, occasional rain.
- JulHot, humid, possible trail closures.
- AugHot, humid, thunderstorms.
- SepCooler, less rain.
- OctAutumn colors, comfortable.
- NovCool, fewer crowds.
- DecCold, clear.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otters, flying squirrels, mandarin ducks, small‑eared catMar–Dec | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Beopjusa area | Temple complex, visitor centre, short trails. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Summit region | Highest peaks, longer ridge trails. | Guided or self‑guided; some sections may close seasonally. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate based on park centre and main attractions.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (general) | KRW 3,000–5,000 (≈ US$3–4) | person | Check at gate; covers basic trails. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided summit trek no permit
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without park authority permission.check
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; backcountry camping prohibited.
- Fires
- Open fires not allowed; use stoves only in permitted areas.
Where to stay
In the park
Beopjusa Temple
Temple stay rooms, basic amenities.
Near the park
Boeun town
Hotels and guesthouses within 15 km (9.3 mi) of the park gate.Hotels and guesthouses within 9.3 mi (15 km) of the park gate.
Safety
Heat and steep sections medium
Trail closures high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre area reachable by car with short, level paths.
- Summit trails steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated trails to protect fragile habitats.
- Support local businesses in Boeun and temple stays.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Songnisan National Park?
Entry is about ₩3,000–₩5,000 per person; purchase at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Songnisan National Park?
The Beopjusa Temple loop (easy) and the summit ridge to Cheongnyangsan (moderate, 4–5 h) are most popular.
When is the best time to visit Songnisan National Park?
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) offer mild weather and clear views.
Is camping allowed in the backcountry?
Only in designated campgrounds; wild camping is prohibited.
Do I need a guide for the summit hike?
Not mandatory, but a guide is recommended for safety and navigation.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Songnisan National Park
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