The word Seoraksan translates roughly as ‘snow-cragged mountains', and this protected area of pine forests and bony rock formations criss-crossed with hiking trails is, quite rightly, viewed as the country's most beautiful national park.

The northernmost of South Korea's parks, it's among the first to change colour at the onset of autumn, when the forest turns to shades of orange, red and yellow.

Taking a cable car to the ruined fortress of Gwongeumseong affords stunning views of the whole park.