슬프다 means the status that you would feel when you see or get through the thing that make you feel bad or painful.
그는 할머니의 죽음이 한없이 슬펐다.
he feel so sad endlessly cuz of his grany's death
서럽다
you feel very bitter/resentful and sad/grieved (it is used usually when someone has very pityful situation, and it's usually used for themselve's sad and pityful situation)
그는 타향살이 하는 처지가 서러워서 울었다.
he cried cuz he feels very bitter and sad about his pityful position which he lives away from home.
so similar meanings but 서럽다 is more stronger and deeper meaning we can say.
hope it could be the help. :) g nite.