Seoraksan Cable Car, A Perfect Day Trip in Korea

Seoraksan is my favorite national park in South Korea and the perfect day trip to this nature sanctuary definitely includes a cable car to the top of Gwongguemseong Fortress.  The cable car is a great way to see some stunning views without wearing out your legs and also allows you to explore some other Seoraksan highlights.

The Seoraksan cable car runs frequently from 9am to 6pm and will take you to the top of Gwongeumseong.  Be sure to buy your tickets as soon as you enter Seoraksan National Park because they always sell out!

Riding the Seoraksan Cable Car to the top of Gwongeumseong Fortress

The view at the top is reason enough to take the Seoraksan Cable car but it was also once an ancient fortress.  You’ll find signs telling the legend of two generals who built a castle here to avoid war almost a millennium ago.  This beautiful landmark is also known as Onggeumsan Castle and Toto Castle but today most people simply think of it as a great place to visit in Seoraksan National Park!    Keep climbing to the very top along some sketchy steps carved out of the rock and you’ll even find a flag at the summit, plus there’s another wonderful view of Seorak-dong, the giant Buddha and even Ulsanbawi in the distance.

Seoraksan Cable Car Tickets ALWAYS Sell Out!
Cable car tickets can only be purchased in person on the day of the visit.

Seorak Cable Car Information

9:00am – 6:00pm
Adult – W10,000    Child – W6,000

The Seoraksan Cable Car takes you to a height of 700m (2297 feet) and will run whether it’s sunny, rainy or snowy but may be affected by heavy winds.  It only takes about 5 minutes to ride to the top or back down but be prepared for a line waiting to go back down.  It’s especially long near the end of the day.  

Seoraksan Cable Car Hike

After you get out of the cable car you’ll find follow the crowd and well-laden path a few sets of stairs before walk up a few sets of stairs and along a path for a few minutes before arriving at trail to the rocky summit.  There are a few nice viewpoints along the way and in the cable car building but its all better from the top!

Traveling to South Korea and need a carry on backpack you can rely on?  This Cabinzero bag comes with a tracker and I’ve taken it on hikes and even cross-country skiing!  Read my review here, head to the Cabinzero website and use discount code LIVETRAVELTEACH for 10% off your whole order!

Exploring Mt Seoraksan National Park is one of my favorite things to do in Korea!  I lived in Seoul for almost 4 years and came to the park a few times each year.  Make sure you are careful on the trails.  I always use World Nomads travel insurance, especially since covers more than just injuries!

How to get to Seoraksan National Park From Seoul

Bus to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul

Go to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station of Seoul Subway Line No.2, Exit 4)
Take a bus bound for Sokcho –  ~3 hours busride runs 49 times daily from 06:25 – 23:00
Take a taxi or local bus 7 or 7-1 to Seoraksan National Park

When the path disappears you’ll know you are there!  Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and want to take a selfie at the edge or just have a seat and enjoy the view you can be sure that this trip will be one to remember.  The view in front of you is one of the best in all of Seoraksan National Park.  You can see my favorite hike, Dinosaur Ridge, and if you climb a little further you’ll get a view of Ulsanbawi too.

Seoraksan National Park South Korea

When you’re at the top of the Seoraksan Cable Car you can take some fun photos near the edge and feel a rush of adrenaline but please be careful as you pose for your selfie!  Some people find the hike terrifying while others exhilarating.  If you’re not enjoying the walk then have a seat where the path ends and enjoy the view.

Seoraksan National Park Hiking

The cable car only takes up a few hours so what to do with the rest of your Seoraksan Day Trip?  Well here are a few half day hikes that I always recommend to help you take up the rest of your time when you aren’t on the Seorakansan National park cable car.

The first half of your journey is mostly flat but after you pass the 2nd temple with beautiful inscriptions in the rocky walls around it and will quickly turn into a seemingly endless staircase.  Take plenty of breaks and bring water but don’t despair.  Locals claim you’ll climb 888 stairs to your destination.  When you arrive there are 2 photo ops.  I prefer the first since it’s less crowded but the second often has a guestbook to sign along with trinkets you can buy.

Seoraksan Day Trips

I’ll write a better Seoraksan Day Trip Guide soon but until then you can ask the park ranger or just follow signs to these suggested Seoraksan Day Trip hikes

Biryong Falls
1.5-3 Hours
5 km

Biryong Falls is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their trail nice and level but still get a stunning scene at the end.  You won’t have a high mountain viewpoint (you took the Seoraksan cable car for that anyway), but you will find a picturesque waterfall at the end of this beautiful trail!

Ulsanbawi
3-4 Hours
8km

This hike is one of the most popular in Seoraksan because it gives you a great view but you don’t have to go very deep into the park.  You’ll be able to see the coastal city of Sokcho and the beautiful mountains of Seoraksan from the top of this viewpoint.  The hike is mostly flat until you reach the base of Ulsanbawi when you go straight up 888 stairs!

Bisondae
2-3 Hours
8km

Bisondae is a famous rock formation at the entrance to Cheonbuldong Valley.  It’s an important landmark that will help keep you oriented if you choose to head further into the park.  But today I’m guessing you’ll probably just have a picnic here while you wait for your turn on the cable car.  The nice thing about hiking to Bisondae is that following the river is what you’re here to look at so you can turn back at anytime without feeling like you missed something beautiful!

Seoraksan National Park Accommodation

Be sure to book your Seoraksan National Park Hotel ahead of time because accommodation here sells out very fast!  The good news is there are dozens of hotels, hostels & pensions near the entrance.

I highly recommend the Seorak Kensington Stars Hotel.  Rooms start at $145 and its as close to the park as you can get!  This 5-star resort perfect for groups heading on a hike!  You’ll get actual beds which is hard to find in Korea since most places offer heated floor sleeping arrangements.

Goodstay Smile Resort – rooms starting at $41 – The Goodstay Smile Resort has a homestay feel with beds, bunks, a kitchen and more for you.  Its a short drive or medium walk to the Seoraksan’s main entrance in this budget-friendly hotel.

Reservations should be made ahead of time ESPECIALLY during high season.
You can also stay anywhere in Sokcho and simply follow the directions above

If you enjoyed this post please share it by clicking the buttons on the bottom of the page.  Don’t forget to pin the photo below on Pinterest too!

More photos from this adventure and others can be found on the @LiveTravelTeach Instagram Account and don’t forget to follow www.LiveTravelTeach.com by adding your email at the top of this page to make sure you don’t miss any of these amazing adventures!

Disclaimer:  This is the internet and It is safe to assume that links and content contained on this webpage provide compensation to the website’s owner.  The opinions here are my own and the information here is accurate as of February 2018.  Unless otherwise labeled, all photos were taken by Mike Still.