Seoraksan is the mountain Koreans talk about when they talk about mountains. Jagged granite ridges, deep valleys, waterfalls and some of the country's brightest autumn colours — all a short bus ride from the seaside town of Sokcho on the east coast.
Most visitors come for a day or two, combining an easy walk or a cable-car ride in the park with fresh seafood and a beach in Sokcho. You don't need to be a serious hiker to enjoy it. Here's how to plan it.
The park entrance: Sogongwon
Almost everyone starts at Seorak Sogongwon, the main entrance on the Sokcho side. Here you'll find a visitor centre, restaurants, the cable car and Sinheungsa, a temple with a huge bronze Buddha statue sitting in the open air — one of the park's most famous sights.
Entry to the park is free at time of writing (the old temple admission fee was scrapped in 2023). The cable car and parking cost extra.
Three ways to see Seoraksan
1. The cable car (easy): a short ride from Sogongwon up to the remains of Gwongeumseong fortress, with a short, rocky scramble to a viewpoint over the peaks. It's the easiest way to get a big view. In autumn, tickets are sold for timed departures and can sell out by mid-morning — go early.
2. Biryong Falls (easy to moderate): a pleasant trail up a rocky valley, with suspension bridges and pools, ending at a waterfall. About two to three hours return. Good for most fitness levels.
3. Ulsanbawi (hard): a spectacular wall of granite reached by a steep trail and then hundreds of metal stairs. On the way you'll pass Heundeulbawi, a huge boulder that visitors try to rock. Allow about four to five hours return and bring water. The views from the top are among the best in Korea.
Serious hikers aim for Daecheongbong, the highest peak at 1,708m — a very long, strenuous day that needs an early start, good gear and a check of trail rules and closures before you go.
When to go
- Autumn (early to mid October): Seoraksan's colours arrive first in Korea and are spectacular — but it's also the busiest time, with crowded trails and long cable-car queues
- Summer: green and lush, with waterfalls at their best; combine it with the beach in Sokcho
- Winter: snowy peaks and fewer people, but icy trails — stick to easy walks unless you have proper gear
- Spring: fresh green and quieter, though some trails may be closed for fire season
Weekdays are far calmer than weekends at any time of year.
Sokcho: the seaside town
Sokcho is a relaxed fishing town and the base for Seoraksan. It's worth an evening, or a whole day.
- Sokcho Tourist & Fish Market (Jungang Market): the town's food hub, famous for dakgangjeong (sticky, sweet fried chicken, sold in boxes to take away) and ojingeo sundae (squid stuffed with rice and vegetables). There's plenty of fresh seafood too
- Abai Village and the gaetbae ferry: a small neighbourhood founded by North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Cross the narrow channel on a tiny ferry pulled by hand along a cable — a short, charming ride
- Sokcho Beach and Yeonggeumjeong: a sandy beach and a pavilion on the rocks, lovely at sunrise
- Yeongnangho Lake: a flat walking and cycling loop with views of the mountains
A one-night plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early bus from Seoul to Sokcho | Seoraksan: Sinheungsa, cable car or Biryong Falls | Sokcho market for dinner |
| 2 | Sunrise at Yeonggeumjeong; Abai Village ferry | Beach or Yeongnangho Lake | Bus back to Seoul |
As a day trip, take the earliest bus, do the cable car or Biryong Falls, eat at the market and catch the last bus back. It's a long day but doable.
Where to stay
Sokcho has everything from guesthouses to beach hotels and resorts with sea views; there are also hotels near the park entrance. Book early for October weekends.
Getting there
- Express bus: from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Terminal to Sokcho in about 2.5 hours (longer in holiday traffic). Buses run frequently; book ahead for autumn weekends
- To the park: local buses run from Sokcho town to Seorak Sogongwon in about 30–40 minutes; a taxi is quicker
- Tours: day tours from Seoul take care of transport, which is easiest if you only have one day
Our honest take
Seoraksan is the most beautiful mountain scenery you can easily reach from Seoul, and Sokcho adds great food and the sea. It's worth a night.
Go if:
- You love mountains, hiking or autumn colours
- You want a complete change from the city
- You're happy to start early
Skip if:
- You only have three or four days in Korea — try Seoul's own city hikes instead
- You can only go on an October weekend and hate crowds
Our tip: go midweek in early October, stay in Sokcho, and do Ulsanbawi or Biryong Falls in the morning — then fried chicken from the market on the beach.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Seoul to Seoraksan?
Take an express bus to Sokcho (about 2.5 hours), then a local bus or taxi to the park entrance.
When is the best time to visit Seoraksan?
Early to mid October for autumn colours — but go on a weekday if you can.
Is Seoraksan hard to hike?
It depends on the trail. The cable car and Biryong Falls are easy to moderate; Ulsanbawi is steep and tiring; the main summit is a very long, hard day.
Is there an entrance fee?
Park entry is free at time of writing. The cable car and parking are paid.
