Biryong Falls in Seoraksan: A Short Forest and Valley Walk

Reading time: About 8 minutes

Biryong Falls in Seoraksan combines a short waterfall hike with a tranquil forest entrance and a rocky valley route. Korea National Park Service (KNPS) lists 2.4 km and about one hour one way from Sogongwon to the falls; the steeper climb to Towangseong Falls Observatory is optional.

Biryong Falls is a waterfall in Seoraksan (설악산) — a Korean national park — reached through woodland and a rocky valley.

I visited on August 17, 2026, under cloudy skies, with the trees still green. I noticed many international visitors that day. The distance to the waterfall felt pleasantly short, and the scenery along the valley made the walk worthwhile well before the final view.

What stayed with me most was the entrance path: tall trunks, leafy branches and a bend through the trees. This guide follows that route to the falls, with a clear stopping point before the optional, steeper extension.

For help choosing between this walk and Ulsanbawi (울산바위) — the rock formation — see our Seoraksan trail comparison.

Table of Contents

1. How long is the Biryong Falls trail?
2. The quiet forest path at the entrance
3. Following the valley to Yukdam Falls and the bridge
4. At Biryong Falls: stop here or take the steeper extension?
5. What should you know before visiting?
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Leave time for the trees as well as the falls

Cultural Quick Facts

Attribute	Value
Korean Name (한글)	Biryongpokpo (비룡폭포) — Biryong Falls
Origin Period	N/A
Region	Sokcho (속초) — city; Gangwon (강원) — province; South Korea
Key Associated Foods	N/A
When Celebrated / Practiced	Walking visits, subject to trail access hours and weather restrictions
UNESCO / Cultural Status	Natural waterfall within Seoraksan National Park

How long is the Biryong Falls trail?

KNPS lists Biryong Falls at 2.4 km and about one hour one way from the park entrance at Sogongwon. Sogongwon (소공원) — the park entrance area — is the starting point for those figures.

The route passes Yukdam Pokpo (육담폭포) — Yukdam Falls — before reaching Biryong. These are walking estimates, so leave additional time for photographs and rests.

Section	One-way distance / time	KNPS difficulty
Sogongwon → Yukdam Falls	2.0 km / 40 minutes	Easy
Yukdam → Biryong Falls	Additional 0.4 km / 20 minutes	Moderate
Biryong → Towangseong Falls Observatory	Additional 0.4 km / 30 minutes	Moderate; steep stairs

If you turn back at Biryong Falls, the planning estimate is 4.8 km and roughly two hours of walking round trip. Continuing to the observatory brings the one-way distance to 2.8 km, or a planning estimate of 5.6 km and roughly three hours round trip. These estimates double the official one-way figures and exclude time spent stopping.

The signs need a little interpretation. One trail marker says Biryong Falls is 2.3 km away; another says 1.7 km. They show the distance remaining from each sign, so use the starting point as well as the number when comparing them with the official route total.

The quiet forest path at the entrance

The opening woodland was my favorite part of the approach. Tall trunks frame the path, and the green canopy gives the scene an enclosed, unhurried feel. The path curves out of sight between the trees.

There is a noticeable change between the more open approach and these wooded stretches. You see broad areas of rock and sky near the valley, then closer layers of trunks and leaves along the path. That changing view is a reason to give the beginning some attention, even when the waterfall is your destination.

The trees gave the path a peaceful feel, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have it to yourself.

Look down as well as up: there are stones and uneven patches underfoot. KNPS says strollers and wheelchairs can use approximately the first 1.2 km of the trail. That does not mean the entire trail to the falls is accessible.

Following the valley to Yukdam Falls and the bridge

Along the valley, the scenery becomes more open and rocky. Broad slabs and scattered boulders sit around the water, with wooded slopes above them. On my visit, clouds softened the mountain outlines beyond the streambed; the contrast between that wide view and the enclosed forest was especially striking.

At Yukdam Falls, cascades run beneath a suspension bridge, with a viewing deck and stairs along the gorge wall. The bridge, flowing water and rock faces make this a rewarding place to pause along the route.

From this point, pay attention to the changing footing. The official route diagram rates the section from Yukdam to Biryong as moderate, unlike the easier opening section. A short distance can still include steps and a climb.

Take photos from the trail and designated viewing areas. KNPS warns about rockfall and the risks of leaving decks or other safety structures to enter the valley. The pools and rocks make compelling scenery from the route itself.

At Biryong Falls: stop here or take the steeper extension?

Turn back at Biryong Falls for the short walk through forest and valley. Continue to Towangseong Falls Observatory only if you want another viewpoint and are comfortable with steep stairs; KNPS estimates about 30 minutes one way for the additional 0.4 km.

The gorge on the way to Biryong

Along the approach to Biryong, stairs and a suspension bridge frame the rock walls. The walk here is as much about the shape of the gorge as the view ahead.

The bridge looks small against the high cliffs, with trees reaching over the rock walls. Those details made the gorge scenery as rewarding to me as the destination.

The falls and the optional viewpoint

Biryong Falls drops into a green pool between rock walls. VisitKorea lists its height as 16 meters and describes the traditional image behind its name: a dragon rising into the sky.

By the time you reach Biryong, you have passed through the wooded approach, followed the valley and seen both waterfalls. There is no need to make the extra climb simply because the next sign shows a small distance.

Towangseong Pokpo Jeonmangdae (토왕성폭포전망대) — Towangseong Falls Observatory — is another 0.4 km beyond Biryong. KNPS estimates about 30 minutes one way for this steep stair section.

Treat that as a separate choice based on your energy and the day’s conditions. The trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Towangseong Falls, rather than to the base of the waterfall.

What should you know before visiting?

Getting there: Take a 7 or 7-1 bus bound for Seoraksan Sogongwon. KNPS lists estimated bus rides of 20 minutes from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and 30 minutes from the intercity terminal. Allow for waiting and traffic, and check the destination: not every 7-1 service listed by the city ends at the park.

Access and weather: The KNPS notice effective July 11, 2026 restricts the Sogongwon–Towangseong Falls Observatory route from after sunset until two hours before the following sunrise. Weather alerts and local conditions can bring additional closures. Check the park’s current notice before setting out.

Costs and other activities: As checked on October 14, 2026, VisitKorea lists general admission to Sinheungsa (신흥사) — the temple — as free. Parking is charged separately; confirm the current rate at the lot you use. The Seoraksan cable car goes to Gwongeumseong (권금성) — its separate sightseeing destination — rather than taking you to Biryong Falls.

After the walk, use our Sokcho Central Market food guide to plan a meal back in Sokcho. Ojingeo Sundae (오징어순대) — stuffed squid — is one dish to get to know before you go. For a sweet snack afterward, consider Hotteok (호떡) — sweet filled pancakes.

For a noodle meal, try Bibim Makguksu (비빔막국수) — spicy buckwheat noodles, made with Memil (메밀) — buckwheat. Once you’re seated, our guide to asking for cold water in Korean gives you a phrase to use at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the walk to Biryong Falls?

KNPS lists Biryong Falls as 2.4 km and about one hour one way from Sogongwon. Doubling those figures gives a planning estimate of 4.8 km and roughly two hours round trip. Add time for photographs, rests and your own walking pace.

Is the trail suitable for children or strollers?

Families should judge the Biryong Falls route by the child’s stamina and comfort on steps. KNPS says strollers and wheelchairs can use approximately the first 1.2 km of the trail. The later rocky sections and stairs mean this is not a fully accessible waterfall route.

Can I swim or dip my feet in the pools?

Plan to enjoy the Biryong Falls pools from the trail and viewing areas. KNPS warns against leaving safety structures to enter the valley. Stay on the protected route and follow on-site signs and staff instructions; do not treat the pools as swimming or foot-soaking stops.

Is there an entrance fee, and is parking free?

As checked on October 14, 2026, VisitKorea lists general admission to Sinheungsa as free. Parking and cable car tickets are charged separately. Confirm the current parking rate at the lot you use; free temple admission does not cover those services.

How do I reach the trail from Sokcho?

Take bus 7 or 7-1 toward Seoraksan Sogongwon. KNPS gives reference journey times of about 20 minutes from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and 30 minutes from the intercity terminal. Check the service’s destination and allow additional time for waiting and traffic before your walk.

Is Towangseong Falls Observatory worth the extra walk?

Consider Towangseong Falls Observatory if you want another viewpoint and feel comfortable tackling steep stairs. Beyond Biryong, KNPS lists an additional 0.4 km and about 30 minutes one way. Turning back at Biryong still gives you the forest approach, Yukdam Falls and the main waterfall.

Leave time for the trees as well as the falls

The Biryong Falls hike felt short to me, but its appeal extended along the whole approach. The entrance trees, rocky valley and bridge gave the walk its shape before the waterfall came into view. I would leave room in the plan to enjoy those stretches, rather than treating the official walking time as a target to beat.

If this kind of woodland walking appeals to you, save our Namsan (남산) — Sky Forest Trail guide for a separate walk in Seoul. Which part of the Biryong route would you linger over: the entrance trees, the valley or the falls?