A Perfect Day Trip to Seoraksan – Autumn Foliage, Cable Car, and Sinheungsa Temple!

“Looking for a relaxing hiking spot near Seoul?”
That’s how I ended up visiting Seoraksan.
Whether it’s during the autumn foliage season or any other time, the fresh air and stunning scenery make it a 100% satisfying trip, whether you go solo or with family!

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📍 Quick Overview of the Itinerary

Seoraksan Entrance → Seorak Cable Car → Gwongeumseong Fortress → Sinheungsa Temple → Seoraksan National Park Walk → Sokcho Central Market

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1. 🚘 Morning Departure – Seoul → Seoraksan (Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
• I left around 6 AM.
• With clear highways, I arrived at Seoraksan parking lot by 9 AM!
• Entrance to the national park is free, but parking costs about 5,000 KRW per day.

📌 The parking lot is spacious, but during the autumn foliage season, arrive early to secure a spot!

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2. 🚠 Seorak Cable Car & Gwongeumseong Fortress

Hiking Seoraksan can be physically demanding, but the cable car offers breathtaking views in just 10 minutes!
• Round-trip cable car fare: 15,000 KRW for adults
• Once you arrive, you can start the Gwongeumseong Fortress walking trail.
• Follow the rocky path to enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea and Seorak ridges!

📸 There are plenty of photo-worthy spots, and on clear days, you can even see Ulsanbawi Rock.

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3. 🛕 Sinheungsa Temple – A Peaceful Visit Along the Forest Path

After descending from the cable car, take a moment to relax and visit Sinheungsa Temple.
• A serene temple nestled within Seoraksan
• Walking under the trees while hearing the temple bell is truly peaceful.
• No entrance fee, and the **large statue (Tongil Daebul)** is quite impressive.

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4. 🌳 Leisurely Walk Along Seoraksan National Park Trails

For a light stroll, you can choose between the Biseondae or Heundeulbawi trails. I opted for Biseondae, which takes about 1.5–2 hours round trip!
• The path is flat and well-maintained, perfect for beginners.
• The sound of flowing streams and chirping birds is incredibly soothing.
• In autumn, the trails are lined with vibrant foliage, making it absolutely stunning 🍂

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5. 🍜 Sokcho Central Market & Abai Sundae Snacks

After finishing the walk, I headed straight to Sokcho city (about 15 minutes by car) to satisfy my hunger.
• Sokcho Central Market offers convenient parking and is a food paradise.
• I enjoyed a bowl of Abai Sundae soup and some fried twisted donuts!
• It’s also perfect for a food tour with dishes like braised hairtail, Dakgangjeong (sweet fried chicken), and squid sundae.