📍 sokchoClosed now · Opens today at 06:00(Closed now · Opens today at 06:00)🕒 KST: 03:14

Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho)

설악산 국립공원 (신흥사 & 울산바위)•Seoraksan National Park (Sinheungsa & Ulsanbawi)

The undisputed crown of Korean alpine beauty, offering awe-inspiring granite cliffs, misty valleys, autumn foliage, and aerial cable car rides.

The dramatic 873-meter granite precipice of Ulsanbawi Rock rising into mountain clouds at Seoraksan.
Korea’s most celebrated mountain range and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, featuring Ulsanbawi Rock, Sinheungsa Temple, and Gwongeumseong Cable Car.
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Hours & Closures

Schedule: 06:00 - 18:00
Last Admission: 17:00
⚠️ Open daily year-round
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Tickets & Admission

National Park AdmissionFree
Gwongeumseong Cable Car (Roundtrip)15,000 KRW
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Contact & Website

Seoraksan Park HQ:
📞 +82-33-801-0900Call
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Transit Access

Sokcho City Bus 7 or 7-1: Seoraksan Sogongwon Terminal
🚶 2 min walk

🚗 Sogongwon parking lot at park entrance (approx. 6,000 KRW/day).

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History & Heritage

Centered near Sokcho on the East Sea coast, Seoraksan is the third-highest mountain in South Korea, renowned for its serrated peaks, crystal streams, and rich biodiversity.

Sinheungsa Temple was established in 652 CE by Master Jajang under Queen Seondeok of Silla.

In 1970, Seoraksan became Korea’s 5th National Park; the Gwongeumseong Cable Car opened in 1971.

⏳ Historical Milestones

652Founding of Sinheungsa Temple.
1970Designated National Park No. 5.
1982UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.
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What to See & Highlights

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Ulsanbawi Rock Summit Trail

Formidable 873-meter sheer granite ridge scaled via steep steel stairs, offering dramatic vistas of the East Sea and outer peaks.

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Gwongeumseong Cable Car & Bronze Buddha

Scenic 1,200m aerial cable car gliding to fortress ruins, near Sinheungsa’s 108-ton Great Bronze Buddha.

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Visit Planning & Advice

⏱️ Recommended Duration:

3 – 5 hours

☀️ Best Time of Day:

Early morning (07:00–08:30) to secure cable car slots without hours-long lines

🍁 Seasonal Tips: Mid-October is Korea’s premier autumn leaf spectacle; winter delivers majestic snowscapes.
✅ Practical Rules:
  • Park and Sinheungsa Temple entry are free.
  • Cable car tickets are sold on-site for the same day only; advance online bookings are not accepted.
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How to Travel from Seoul to sokcho?

🚄 KTX₩27,600
🎁5% KTX mileage accumulation for eligible Korail Talk members (not a discount)
From: Seoul Station / Cheongnyangni
To: Gangneung Station
Duration: 1h 40m – 2h 00m (~220 km)
Book Tickets↗
🚌 Express Bus₩17,200 ~ ₩30,000
From: Seoul Express Bus Terminal
To: Gangneung Express Bus Terminal
Duration: 2h 50m (~235 km)
Book Tickets↗

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