The Seorak cable car
Five minutes to the top.
kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tom Page — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Masayujuwairia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jhkangphoto — CC BY-SA 4.0
Korea's best-known and most beautiful mountain range: sharp granite peaks and deep valleys on the east coast near the city of Sokcho. Its highest summit, Daecheongbong, rises to 1,708 metres, the third highest in the country, and it is surrounded by a national park and a biosphere reserve. Most visitors enter at Sogongwon, the eastern entrance, with its broad plaza and trailheads. From there the Seorak cable car climbs in five minutes to a nearby peak, followed by a short, steep trail to the ruins of Gwongeumseong fortress, with views over the jagged ridges and the sea. Easier walks include the trail to Biryong Falls; a longer, harder one leads to the great rock of Ulsanbawi with its iron stairway. The best time is mid-October, when the maple forests turn red and orange, which is also the busiest. Summer brings green valleys and full waterfalls; winter brings snow. Entry to the park has been free since May 2024. The cable car cannot be booked ahead and sells tickets on the day, so arrive early in autumn.
Five minutes to the top.
A hard trail, iron stairs.
An easy walk among rocks.
Sogongwon entrance, about 20 minutes by local bus from central Sokcho
Yes, the entry fee was abolished in May 2024. Only the cable car needs a ticket: 16,000 won return for adults.
Mid-October for autumn colour, which is also the busiest time. Spring and early summer are quieter.