Being someone who usually leans towards more earthbound adventures, I had my reservations about all the buzz surrounding the cable car at Seoraksan National Park. But, when September rolled around, I thought, “Why not?” and decided to take the ride. Now, I can unequivocally declare that hopping aboard Seoraksan National Park’s cable car ranks as one of the most enjoyable and relaxing outdoor activities for tourists and locals alike in South Korea. So, I’m writing this piece, encouraging everyone to take a ride on this cable car – an experience you’ll not regret!
Hiking Seoraksan’s dinosaur ridge or the monstrous full ridge course were massive endeavors which allowed me to see incredible views. But equally as jaw-dropping views are accessible with ease through the cable car.
Even if you are the big peak hiker, try to work a casual trip to Seoraksan National Park into your schedule – you wont regret it! Perhaps consider the Towangseong Waterfall & cable car combo or hiking Ulsanbawi after a ride on the cable car.
To help arrange your trip to Seoraksan National Park, jump to the Lodging Section.
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Basic Logistical Info about the Seoraksan Cable Car
The cable car is located about 500 meters from Seoraksan National Park’s main entrance. This entrance has both extensive parking and public transportation access from Sokcho.
Address: Seorak Cable Car 강원 속초시 설악산로 1085 https://naver.me/FHAcRuWB
The cable car has numerous signs directing you to it. But if you miss these, its on the left hand side before the large buddha. You purchase your tickets from the first floor, with the cable car departure area being on the 2nd floor. In the building, there is a cafe and a restaurant. But as you will see when you are there, there is no shortage of cafes and restaurants in the immediate area.
Hours: 9am-6pm
*Times fluctuate day to day, check the main image on the cable car website for the current and next day’s hours – can open as early as 7:30 or close early*
Ticket Costs:
- Adult (middle school age and older): 15,000 won
- Child: 11,000 won
- Under 3 years old: Free
There is no online booking option, so you have to buy them in person that day.
The ticket area looks like a train station ticket booth. You need to pick a time (in 15 minute increments), and buy tickets for that departure time. The return is much more casual, and you can go down whenever you want.
The demand for the cable car can be INSANE on weekends. Tickets frequently book out hours in advance – the later you arrive the longer you might have to wait. And if you arrive too late, there can be no tickets left. Even though I’ve hiked the major peaks of Seoraksan National Park on numerous (8+) weekends, I have never been able to get a cable car ticket post-hike. It took going to Seoraksan National Park with the main intention of seeing the cable car that allowed me to finally be able to take the ride. I was able to combine this day with a waterfall hike (but Ulsanbawi is also a good option), so it doesn’t need to be a cable car only day. Just that its not feasible to combine a big peak hike & the cable car in one day.
Weekdays are far less busy, but the demand does increase as the day progresses. If you aren’t doing a sunrise hike to Ulsanbawi or the waterfall, the first thing I suggest you do in Seoraksan National Park is to walk to this building and get your ticket. You can buy afternoon tickets, if you don’t want to ride the cable car first. But for the best pictures, getting there before 10am is ideal. On a sunny day, if you go up closer to midday your photos can look washed out.
The Cable Car Ride
The ride up and down is quite nice, but they really cramp people into the car, so be strategic in your positioning if you want an unobstructed view! It’s not a clear bottom and the car moves surprisingly fast! You cover 700 meter of elevation gain in under 5 minutes, while enjoying 360 degrees of excellent views.
Areas to Explore from the Seoraksan Cable Car
* Upper Platform Area*
- Coming out of the cable car you immediately see a cafe, but there is also food snack area on the second floor with its own seating/viewing area.
- Bathrooms are below this area in a separate building
*Main Viewing Area*
After exploring the cable car upper platform’s amenities and views, you can either go up or down. The best views are in the upper area – this area is called Bonghwadae/봉화대. It’s about 500 meters of hiking trail / wooden platform up hill walking to get to this main view area.
The upper area is an angled granite slab that you are able to explore. Views range from dramatic rocky peak views to the forested valley that leads to ocean. There are not an abundance of safety features, but there are warning signs. This area can be VERY busy.
On a weekday mornings, its relaxing enough to enjoy the views for a couple minutes before a big loud group ruins the vibes, but the weekends are non-stop groups and chaos.
Why you should go see the Anrakam Temple!
While the upper area is more dramatic, only a small percentage of people actually head down from the upper platform to Anrakam temple. This is because the temple itself is not noteworthy and frankly just not nice. BUT this is a mistake for 3 reasons!
1. You can see the best view of Ulsanbawi. Aside from the behind the glass view from the cable car, this is the only place to see this view of Ulsanbawi!
2. You can see views of the Waterfall! Besides hiking the specific trail to see the Waterfall – which has a surprisingly difficult – this is the only place you can this waterfall!
3. You will be fighting far less people for a picture with the forest valley/ocean view.
There is also an 800 year old tree, named Muhakson, that hangs over the end of the climb facing the ocean.
Lodging: Staying in Sokcho near Seoraksan!
To do this trip right, I would recommend staying in Sokcho for two nights. This allows you to comfortably arrange the trip and adds a nice beach element to this mountain adventure! While a day trip to Seoraksan National Park is possible, it limits your ability to arrive early to ride the cable car or even to to a sunrise hike.
I’ve previously stayed with Blue Door Hostel, a cheap hostel by the beach, and enjoyed my experience there. But if you are looking for something a little more comfortable I would recommend the beachside Ramada.
For the most convenience, I would suggest staying in a location with easy access to the park, either at the Kensington Hotel (only a 5 minutes walk to the main entrance) or the less expensive Smile Resort. Both of these options let you walk to and from the park, saving you from the hectic taxi ride to get to get back to your lodging.
Happy Trekking!
-Aurora
