Seoraksan National Park: Cable Car, Best Trails and When to Go (2026 Guide)
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Seoraksan is the mountain most Koreans picture when they think of autumn: granite ridges above valleys of red and gold. It is in Gangwon Province on the east coast, about two and a half hours from Seoul by express bus, and it is just as good in spring green or under snow.
The difficulty for visitors is that information is scattered and much of it is only in Korean. Some of it matters: the cable car does not take advance bookings, and one of the best autumn trails requires a reservation you cannot make on the day. This guide pulls the rules together, with a two-day route.
Checked on October 16–18, 2026. Trail access times and reservation rules change by season; check the Korea National Park Service before you go.
The three parts of Seoraksan
The park splits into three areas. Outer Seorak (Oe-seorak) is on the Sokcho side and has the cable car, Sinheungsa Temple and the Biseondae valley. South Seorak (Nam-seorak) is around Osaek in Yangyang and has the Heullimgol and Jujeongol trails. Inner Seorak (Nae-seorak) is on the Inje side, around Baekdamsa Temple.
For a first visit, one day in Outer Seorak and one in South Seorak is the most rewarding. Both are close to Sokcho and Yangyang, so you can keep one hotel.
When to go
Autumn is the peak season. In 2026 the Korea Meteorological Administration recorded the first colour on September 28 and declared the peak on October 16, in line with the average year (in 2025 the peak came later, on October 24). Lower valleys stay colourful for a week or two after the summit peak.
Spring (May) brings fresh green and fewer people. Winter brings snow on the ridges; the cable car runs in winter, but trail access times are shorter.
Getting there
Express bus: from Seoul to Sokcho takes about 2.5 hours. From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, city buses 7 and 7-1 run to the Seoraksan terminus at Seorak-dong.
Car: in autumn, Sokcho runs a special traffic plan on weekends and holidays (October 3 to November 8 in 2026). When the Sogongwon area is full, cars are stopped in stages and visitors are sent to free car parks with a free shuttle.
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for bus times; a T-money card works on the buses.
The 2-day route
Day 1 — Outer Seorak: cable car and Biseondae
Gwongeumseong Cable Car. There are no advance reservations: tickets are sold on site on the day only, and each ticket comes with an assigned boarding time. In busy seasons that time can be an hour or more away. So go to the ticket office first thing, then walk around Sogongwon until your slot.
The ride climbs 1.2 km in about five minutes to Gwongeumseong, a rocky peak with a view over the valleys. There is no trail down; you return by cable car. Round-trip fares checked in October 2026 were 16,000 won for adults and 12,000 won for children.
Biseondae. From Sogongwon it is 3.0 km to Biseondae, about 1 hour 20 minutes one way, along a stream. This is where most of the classic autumn photos are taken: red leaves drifting on clear water, granite walls above.
From Biseondae to Geumganggul Cave the last section is steep metal stairs. If your knees complain, turning back at Biseondae is enough.
Day 2 — South Seorak: Heullimgol and Jujeongol
Heullimgol (reservation required in autumn). From October 1 to November 30, 2026, Heullimgol runs on reservations: up to 5,000 people a day, one-way only. Reservations are made on the Korea National Park Service reservation site and close at 2 pm the day before. Entering without a reservation can result in a fine.
From Deungseondae viewpoint, layers of red and yellow ridges open up between the rock spires. It is windy at the top; bring a layer.
Jujeongol and Yongso Falls. The Heullimgol trail continues down into Jujeongol, where the emerald pool at Yongso Falls reflects the foliage. If you could not get a Heullimgol reservation, walk Jujeongol from Osaek to Yongso Falls and back: 3.2 km one way, about an hour, no reservation needed.
Have a late lunch near the Osaek mineral spring before heading back.
Trail access times
Trails have set start times, and you cannot start late in the afternoon and walk down at dusk. From November, many sections switch to winter hours, which start later.
Fees
Korean national parks have not charged admission since 2007, and the cultural-heritage fee at Sinheungsa Temple was dropped in May 2023. You pay for the cable car and for parking.
Where to stay
Seorak-dong, at the park entrance, is best for an early start at the cable car. Sokcho city has the sea, the market and more restaurants. Goseong, to the north, has quieter resorts.
Kensington Hotel Seorak is about five minutes’ walk from the park entrance, which is a real advantage for the morning cable car queue. Weekend rooms in autumn go quickly.
Lotte Resort Sokcho is a good base if you want to end the day by the sea.
FAQ
Can I book the Seoraksan cable car in advance?
No. Tickets are sold on site on the day only, each with an assigned boarding time. Go early.
Do I need a reservation for Heullimgol?
Yes, from October 1 to November 30. Without one, walk Jujeongol from Osaek to Yongso Falls instead — no reservation needed.
Is Seoraksan worth it outside autumn?
Yes. Spring is green and quieter; winter brings snow on the ridges and a quieter cable car, with shorter trail hours.
Which trails suit children or older travellers?
The cable car to Gwongeumseong and the Sogongwon–Biseondae walk. The stairs to Geumganggul and Ulsanbawi are demanding.
How do I get there without a car?
Express bus from Seoul to Sokcho (about 2.5 hours), then city bus 7 or 7-1 to Seorak-dong.
The short version
Outer Seorak with the cable car and Biseondae on day one, South Seorak with Heullimgol or Jujeongol on day two. Book the Heullimgol slot and your hotel ahead; for the cable car, simply arrive early.
