Seoraksan National Park is located in Gangwon-do Province, near the city of Sokcho, in Eastern Korea. This is said to be one the most beautiful national parks in the country. Seoraksan National Park features limestone ravines, streams, beautiful forrests, the peak of the Daecheongbong mountain and an awe inspiring cable car ride. Seoraksan National Park is only a few hours away from Seoul, in the Eastern Part of the country, close to the DMZ.
Getting to the National Park
First you’ll need to take a bus to the coastal city of Sokcho. You can catch a bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, which is on line 3 of the Seoul Subway. The bus journey from the Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho will take approximately 2-4 hours depending on traffic. You can also catch a direct bus to and from Incheon Aiport. Traffic in and out of Seoul can be really bad, so allow extra time if you’re making onwards plans or heading to the airport. I once made a flight check in with only 43 minutes to spare, due to traffic heading back to Seoul. Be warned.
To book a bus ticket online you will need a Korean Phone number. Using the number of the hotel that you plan to stay at is fine. Just screen shot the number when you book. You do not need to buy a SIM card solely for the booking.
Once in Sokcho, taxis are available outside the bus station to take you to the Seoraksan National Park, or your hotel. A taxi rank is also located just outside Seoraksan National Park, so you won’t need to worry about getting stranded. The taxi ride between Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park costs approximately 18,000 – 20,000 won.
How to plan your day and cable car booking
Try to arrive at the national park early to book your Seoraksan cable car slot. The cable car nearly always sells out and you cannot book online. The Seoraksan cable car runs from 9 am to 6 pm daily and costs 10,000 won for adults and 6,000 won for children.
As soon as you arrive at the national park in the morning, head to the ticket office and line up to purchase your cable car ticket. Once you have booked your cable car time slot you can go for a hike around the National Park. The area has many beautiful paths and trails.
Facilities at Seoraksan National Park
In the national park, there are restaurants serving simple Korean food, souveneir shops, snack stops selling drinks and snacks such as korean pancakes. Toilet are also available. It’s a very well serviced national park, so do expect crowds, although don’t let the crowds put you off visiting. It’s still worth it, even with the crowds.
Where to stay when visiting Seoraksan National Park
Stay in Sokcho town, if you’re on a budget. There seemed to be cheaper options around town. There is not much to see or do in Sokcho, so just keep this in mind if you stay here. You’re going for the National Park, not Sokcho.
If you’re in a mid-range or higher budget, check out of one of the Del Pino Resorts a bit closer to the national park and away from Sokcho town. Del Pino has 3 resorts with varying budget. They are all located in the same complex and you can find nice views, a bbq restaurant, convenience stores and it’s easy enough to get a taxi. I stayed at Sono Felice Delpino. The heated infinity pool and views were incredible.
Confused of where else to go in South Korea? You might also like to consider a trip to Nami Island, Jeju or Busan
