Seoraksan Hullyeomgol Trail Guide: Easy Autumn Hiking for Beginners (2026)

[Recommended Seoraksan Hiking Courses]

Even Beginners Can Perfectly Enjoy

October Fall Foliage Trip: Heullimgol Trail (흘림골 탐방로) Review

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With the fall foliage season in full swing,

I'm excited to share my review of my recent trip to the **Seoraksan (설악산) Heullimgol Trail**.

This is a review of our visit on October 17, 2026.

Even though my spouse and I don't hike very often,

we went without any burden,

and enjoyed a pleasantly invigorating sweat.

This course is perfect for

even beginner hikers to

fully soak in the beautiful autumn colors of Seorak, which is why I highly recommend it!

🔗 Go to National Park Reservation System

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🔽 Recommended Inje (인제) Weekend Stay: Clean Jajak Hyanggi Pension (자작 향기 펜션) for ₩110,000 (~$81) 🔽

1. Heullimgol Trail Basic Information & Reservation Tips

The Seoraksan Heullimgol Trail

was previously closed due to a rockfall incident.

After reinforcement of safety facilities, it was reopened,

and since then, it has become one of the most beloved courses during the autumn foliage season.

✅Trail Direction

This is a **one-way (one-sided) course** starting from the Heullimgol Trail entrance

and descending towards Osaek (오색).

You cannot go up in the opposite direction,

so you must start from the entrance.

✅Duration

Although the guide suggests

it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours,

when we walked without stopping,

the **actual duration was about 2 hours and 40 minutes**.

It was much quicker than expected,

so it was easy to fit into our itinerary.

✅Advance Reservation Required

The Heullimgol Trail

operates on a **trail reservation system** for nature conservation and safety.

It is entirely an online advance reservation system,

so be sure to reserve beforehand.

🔗 Go to National Park Reservation System

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We made a reservation for the 12 PM slot,

and earlier slots

were already fully booked, showing its popularity.

After experiencing it ourselves,

we found it's definitely possible to complete the trail in under 3 hours,

so starting at 12 PM was not late at all.

However, if you go in the morning, the added sunshine

will allow you to enjoy the fall foliage in a much brighter and more brilliant light

for a longer period.

Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary!

2. Osaek Public Parking Lot & Taxi Travel Tips

Parking Fee: ₩4,200 (~$3)

Taxi Fare: ₩15,000 (~$11)

While there's a small space to briefly park at the Heullimgol Trail entrance itself,

there's no official parking area.

Therefore, if you're driving,

you should set your destination to the **Osaek Public Parking Lot (오색공영주차장)**.

✅Parking & Transportation

After parking at the Osaek Public Parking Lot,

we took a taxi

to the trail entrance.

We called a taxi via Kakao T,

and it was very convenient as a taxi was immediately available.

The parking fee was about ₩4,200 (~$3),

and low-emission vehicles receive a discount (actual paid: ₩2,100 (~$2)).

It costs ₩200 (~$0) per 10 minutes.

📌Note

You should park in the parking tower.

The outdoor area is a private parking lot, which is different!

✅ Taxi Fare

It takes about 10 minutes from

Osaek Public Parking Lot (오색공영 주차장) to the Heullimgol Trail Entrance (흘림골 탐방로 입구),

and the taxi fare is a fixed ₩15,000 (~$11).

There are plenty of taxis waiting, or you can easily catch one via Kakao Taxi,

so no need to worry about finding a ride.

3. Autumn Foliage Status & Course Duration as of October 17th

As of October 17th, the day I visited,

Seoraksan (설악산) was just beginning to show its beautiful autumn colors.

It wasn't quite peak season yet,

but seeing the vibrant orange and green hues

of Osaek Seorak blending together

was absolutely perfect!

The first 30 minutes or so involve a gentle uphill climb

that will get your heart pumping,

but once you get past that initial challenge,

the path is mostly a gentle downhill slope and

flat terrain, so it's not too physically demanding.

✅ Feast for the Eyes

Throughout the hike, stunning waterfalls like Deungseondae (등선대), Deungseon Falls (등선폭포), and Yeosim Falls (여심폭포)

proudly display their refreshing streams,

and on the way down, beautiful Yongso (용소) pools

connect one after another,

ensuring your eyes are never bored.

✅ Weather

It started with a clear sky,

and although it got a bit cloudy around 3 PM,

it still made for a charming and atmospheric hike.

4. Cozy and Clean Accommodations in Inje & Hot Spring Recommendation to Wash Away Fatigue

The accommodation I stayed at on this trip

was 'Jajak Hyanggi Pension' (자작향기 펜션) located in Inje (인제),

and it offered both great value and emotional satisfaction,

so I'd love to give it a little shout-out.

It's located about 40 minutes away

from the Heullimgol Trail course.

I ended up booking it last minute,

so I searched for affordable and clean accommodations, and this place was a real find.

Even though it was a weekend, I was able to stay at the reasonable price of ₩110,000 (~$81),

and above all, the owner kept the place incredibly clean,

making my entire stay extremely satisfying.

The room was so comfortable, it was perfect for unwinding after a hike.

Plus, Pilrye Hot Spring (필례온천) is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive away,

Your muscles, tensed from hiking,

This route is perfect for warming them up and easing tension.

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Even with light steps,

you can fully enjoy the grandeur of Seoraksan (설악산)

and the autumn foliage on the 'Heullimgol Trail (흘림골 탐방로)'.

This weekend, escape your busy routine

and immerse yourself in the vibrant reds

of Seoraksan by taking a light trek. What do you say?

⬇️ Recommended weekend pensions in Inje (인제) ⬇️