Sokcho's Seoraksan Cable Car, Gwongeumseong, Sinheungsa, and Ulsanbawi: Routes by Fitness Level Plus a Hoe-makguksu Stop
A complete Sokcho guide, from the Seoraksan Cable Car and Sinheungsa walk you can do without hiking boots to climbs up Ulsanbawi and Geumganggul Cave
Comparison table at a glance
| Seoraksan and Sokcho route | Key stops | Mode of travel | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable car and temple walk | Seoraksan Cable Car → Gwongeumseong → Sinheungsa | Cable car + flat walk | Easy (sneakers OK) | All ages, parents, and families with kids |
| Biseondae and Geumganggul route | Sogongwon → Waseondae → Biseondae → Geumganggul Cave | Trekking on foot | Moderate (flat up to Biseondae) | Those who like valley scenery and a moderate trek |
| Ulsanbawi viewpoint route | Sogongwon → Sinheungsa → Heundeulbawi (Rocking Rock) → Ulsanbawi | Mountain hike on foot | Moderately hard (final stair section) | Those who want to conquer Seoraksan's signature rock peak |
| Post-hike food and lodging | Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu, Daecheongmaru, Chowon Resortel | By car | Rest | Seoraksan entrance, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Sokcho beaches |
1. Rocky Cliffs at 700 m Without a Hike: The Seoraksan Cable Car and Gwongeumseong
When you arrive at Sogongwon in Seoraksan National Park (Oeseorak), your first stop should be the Seoraksan Cable Car boarding station. A ride of about 5 minutes (per the Seoraksan Cable Car operator) takes you to the upper station at 700 m above sea level, and from there a walk up gentle decks and rocky paths brings you to the summit bedrock of Gwongeumseong, once a natural fortress.
Standing on the broad flat rock below the Gwongeumseong beacon site, you can take in the majestic granite peaks of Manmulsang rising like a folding screen, Jeohangnyeong Pass, and Ulsanbawi, as well as downtown Sokcho and the blue East Sea far beyond, enjoying Seoraksan's finest panorama without breaking a sweat.
Seoraksan Gwongeumseong Fortress · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip On days when the wait for the cable car runs over 1 hour, first buy a ticket with your boarding time printed on it, then visit Sinheungsa right next door to make good use of your time.
2. A Flat Forest Walk to Sinheungsa vs a Trek to Ulsanbawi and Geumganggul
The path from Sogongwon past the giant bronze Unification Buddha to the thousand-year-old temple Sinheungsa runs along an almost flat pine forest trail and a stone bridge (Geungnakgyo), so strollers and older travelers can walk it comfortably. For an even lighter valley walk, try the flat entrance trail of Cheonbuldong Valley from Sinheungsa to Biseondae and back.
If you have the stamina, climb to Geumganggul Cave halfway up the Biseondae cliff to look down over Cheonbuldong Valley, or take on the summit observatory of Seoraksan's Ulsanbawi, where six enormous granite peaks rise, by way of Heundeulbawi. The overwhelming ridge scenery at the top delivers a sense of achievement you will never forget.
Seoraksan Ulsanbawi Rock · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The Ulsanbawi route is gentle up to Heundeulbawi, but the final 1 km continues on steep steel stairs, so be sure to bring gloves, water, and trekking shoes.
3. Sweet-and-Tangy Sokcho Hoe-makguksu, Grilled Pollack in a Hanok, and Hot Spring and Beach Downtime
After walking in Seoraksan's clean air, satisfy your hunger with Sokcho's local specialties. The sweet-and-tangy spicy buckwheat noodles at Kim Satgat Hoemakguksu, piled high with fermented pollack (myeongtae sikhae) and aged flounder sashimi, with tender boiled pork on the side, or the savory Chodang sundubu (soft tofu) and grilled hwangtae (dried pollack) set at Daecheongmaru, a hanok restaurant near the Seoraksan access road, make the perfect meal after a hike or a walk.
After your meal, stroll along the shore at Yeonggeumjeong and Sokcho Beach, then unwind at a cozy stay on the slopes of Seoraksan such as Chowon Resortel or The Red House, completing a Sokcho trip that embraces both mountains and sea.
Gimsatgat Hoe Makguksu · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The Seoraksan Sogongwon parking lot fills up easily after 9 a.m. on weekends and during fall foliage season, so aim to drive in before 8:30 a.m.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I book the Seoraksan Cable Car online in advance?
No. Because whether the Seoraksan Cable Car runs is decided on the spot depending on the weather (strong winds, etc.), it does not take advance online bookings and sells tickets in order only at the on-site ticket office on the day.
Q. How much is admission to the cultural heritage area at Seoraksan Sogongwon?
Both the national park entrance fee and Sinheungsa's cultural heritage viewing fee have been abolished, so Seoraksan Sogongwon and Sinheungsa are currently free to enter (parking and cable car fees are separate).
Q. Where should I go when rain or wind keeps the cable car from running?
We recommend walking the flat forest trail from Sinheungsa to Biseondae, which the wind does not affect, then switching your plans to the Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market in downtown Sokcho, the National Mountain Museum, the Sokcho Municipal Museum, and Cheoksan Hot Springs.
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