Discover Seoraksan: South Korea’s Iconic Mountain Destination, and the Seoraksan Cable Car Experience
Seoraksan, often referred to as Seorak Mountain, stands as an emblem of South Korea’s enchanting four seasons. Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, this mountain presents an ever-evolving masterpiece of nature. Its dynamic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor experiences make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. If you’re intrigued by the beauty of changing seasons and long for an unforgettable adventure, Seoraksan should be at the top of your list.
Discover the Magic of the Four Seasons
Korea is a land of distinct seasons, where the country undergoes a captivating transformation throughout the year. Each season brings unique experiences, from the food you eat to the clothes you wear, the places you visit, and the landscapes you explore. The most vivid way to feel the changing seasons is through hiking. Every season paints the mountains with different colors and features. Among the many mountains frequently visited by the locals in Seoul, Seoraksan shines as a beloved destination. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; summer displays vibrant greenery; autumn showcases the fiery foliage, and winter dresses the mountain in grandeur. Throughout the year, people hike Seoraksan, but spring and autumn draw hikers and tourists alike for their unique charm.
⭐ Here’s a Tip!
If you’re planning to visit Seoraksan in different seasons, use the table below to guide your trip and make the most of the ever-changing beauty of this iconic destination:
| Season | Corresponding Months |
|---|---|
| Spring | March to May |
| Summer | July to August |
| Autumn | September to November |
| Winter | December to February |
The Gateway to Seoraksan
Seoraksan is conveniently located in Gangwon Province, approximately 210 kilometers east of Seoul, South Korea’s bustling capital city. From the heart of Seoul in Myeongdong, you can expect the journey to Seoraksan to take around two and a half hours by car or bus. The scenic route will lead you through picturesque landscapes and offer see of the nearby East Sea (Donghae).
Location
25, Cheongbong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Seoul to Seoraksan
To embark on your adventure to Seoraksan from the bustling city of Seoul, you have two main options: taking a bus or driving by car.
① Getting to Seoraksan by Bus
Taking a bus is a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Seoraksan from Seoul. Here are the steps to get you on your way:
- By Express Bus:
- From Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, take a bus to Yangyang Express Bus Terminal (approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes).
- Transfer to a local bus or taxi to Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal (5-minute ride).
- From Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal, take a bus to Osaeck Bus Stop (approximately 20 minutes, both city and intercity buses are available).
- Walk for about 10 minutes from Osaeck Bus Stop to reach the Sogeumgang River Waterside Exploration Support Center.
- By Intercity Bus:
- From Dong Seoul Terminal, take a bus to Osaeck Bus Stop (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).
- Walk for about 10 minutes from Osaeck Bus Stop to reach the Sogeumgang River Waterside Exploration Support Center.
② Getting to Seoraksan by Car
Driving to Seoraksan provides more flexibility and is suitable for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Here’s how to make the drive:
Route: Set your GPS or map app
- 58-120, Daecheongbong-gil, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- 1039, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
(Seoraksan has several entrances, so go wherever you want!)
Highway Tolls: Be prepared for highway tolls along the way. You can pay these tolls either with cash or through electronic payment methods.
Parking: In Sokcho, there are parking facilities available near Seoraksan’s entrance. Park your car there before you commence your exploration.
Seoraksan Cable Car: A Spectacular Journey
For those seeking a more leisurely way to experience the beauty of Seoraksan, the Seoraksan Cable Car offers a breathtaking adventure. This cable car system provides an opportunity to ascend partway up the mountain, making the stunning vistas accessible to all. As you ascend, the panorama unfolds, revealing the mountain’s ever-changing appearance, depending on the season of your visit.
The Seoraksan Cable Car station is located near the entrance of Seoraksan National Park. The journey to the summit of Gwongeumseong, the first stop of the cable car, provides unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you visit during spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you’ll witness Seoraksan’s beauty from a unique perspective.
📅 Peak Season for Maple Leaves
– Quercus: October 17, 2023
– Sugar Maple: October 23, 2023
🚠 Location
– Search for “Seorak Cable Car” or use the address “1085 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si.”
When you take the cable car from Seoraksan Mountain and ascend to ‘Gwongeumseong Fortress,’ you can enjoy a comfortable view of the autumn leaves in full bloom.
You must visit the Seorak Cable Car boarding area and purchase your ticket at the ticket office on the first floor. During the fall foliage season, waiting times can significantly increase. You can check the real-time cable car waiting times through the link provided below.
Operating hours ⏰ for the cable car are announced one day in advance on the page linked below. We recommend checking these hours to ensure a smooth experience while enjoying the fall foliage. 😊
🎟 Rate
| division | Regular fare (round trip) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 15,000 won |
| Child | 11,000 won |
| Infant | free |
Child: 37 months ~ Elementary school child
Infant: 36 months or younger
Seoraksan Parking
✅ If you plan to take the Seoraksan Cable Car, you can park at the ‘Seoraksan Sogongwon Parking Lot.’
⚠ Please note that during the peak foliage season at Seoraksan, it can get very crowded. If you arrive late, you might experience long lines. Please keep this in mind when planning your visit.
⚠ In case the Seoraksan Sogongwon Parking Lot is full, we recommend parking at the nearby ‘Kensington Hotel.’ We’ve provided parking information for Kensington below.
📍 Location: 109 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
💡 Seoraksan Sogongwon Parking Fees
The parking fees at Seoraksan are as follows for regular passenger vehicles:
- Weekdays: 6,000 KRW
- Weekends: 9,000 KRW
Please be aware that an additional ⭐ fee of 10,000 KRW ⭐ is charged for extended parking (12 hours or more).
Plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience!
| Car type | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | Weekends and intensive detention periods | |
| 1. Small – All passenger car types – Vans with 15 seats or less – Trucks with less than 1 ton | 6,000 won | 9,000 won |
| 2. Large – Van with 16 passengers or less – Truck weighing 1 ton or more | 9,000 won | 9,000 won |
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