How to get from Seoul to Sokcho (Seoraksan)

Heading from Seoul to Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park is straightforward once you understand the bus, tour, and self-drive options, and this guide walks you through each step so you can focus on the mountain views instead of the logistics.

At A Glance (Seoul to Sokcho (Seoraksan))

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Express/Intercity Bus (Seoul → Sokcho) + Local Bus/Taxi	~3–3.5h total (2h 20–3h intercity bus + 15–50m local transfer)	Most travelers, budget-friendly & frequent
🏷️ Cost: ~₩16,000–26,000 bus + ₩1,500–2,500 local bus or ~₩15,000–25,000 taxi from Sokcho » compare bus tickets | regional routes
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Guided Day Tour (Seoul → Seoraksan round-trip)	~12–14h door-to-door	One-day visits, first-timers, no transfers
🏷️ Cost: ~₩70,000–140,000 per person (includes transport, guide, often tickets) » Seoraksan tours | day tours from Seoul
🚗 Self-Drive / Rental Car (Seoul → Sokcho/Seoraksan)	~2.5–3.5h (traffic & rest stops dependent)	Groups, flexible side-trips, early starts
🏷️ Cost: Rental from ~₩70,000–110,000/day + ~₩40,000–60,000 fuel & tolls round-trip » compare car rentals
🚖 Private Transfer / Taxi / Ride-hailing	~2.5–3.5h door-to-door	Comfort, lots of luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: From ~₩200,000+ per car (one-way, size & pick-up dependent) » book private transfer | alt. transfer quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: If you want the simplest day trip with minimal navigation, pick a guided day tour. You’ll be picked up in Seoul, dropped at Seoraksan, and returned to the same area in the evening.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: The classic express or intercity bus from Seoul to Sokcho plus a local bus or taxi to the park is by far the best value, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
• Most Scenic & Flexible: A self-drive road trip lets you stop at east-coast beaches, Naksansa Temple, and coastal cafés on the way. Ideal for small groups who are comfortable driving in Korea.
• Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Families with kids, travelers with mobility issues, or people arriving/departing via airport on the same day may prefer a private transfer or pre-booked taxi so you don’t need to think about terminals at all.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Express & Intercity buses: For schedules and station info, use the official express/intercity bus portals like KOBUS and Tmoney Intercity Bus (English interface available). You can also compare routes and prices on third‑party platforms such as 12Go Asia and the dedicated Seoul–Sokcho pages on Klook.
• Guided tours & day trips: For a one-click solution including transport, guide, and sometimes cable car or temple stops, browse Seoraksan tours on GetYourGuide, Klook, or east‑coast itineraries via Trip.com.
• Hotels & overnights: If you’d rather stay near the park or in Sokcho, search for stays close to the cable car or park gate on Booking.com hotels near Seoraksan or in Sokcho city.
• Car rentals & road trips: To drive yourself, compare rental deals in Seoul on Booking.com Cars. Make sure your license and International Driving Permit (if required) are valid for Korea’s regulations.
• Luggage storage: Doing Seoraksan as a day trip between accommodations? Store big bags around Seoul or Seoul Station via Radical Storage so you can travel light.
• Alternative mobility: If you plan extra days in Seoul, you can also rent bicycles, scooters, or motorbikes via BikesBooking to explore the city in between hiking days.
• Ride-hailing apps: In Seoul and many Korean cities, apps like Kakao T are the go‑to choice for hailing taxis; they’re a handy backup if you miss a bus or need a quick ride from your hotel to the terminal.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Frequent departures Traffic-sensitive

• Overview: Take an express or intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Dong Seoul (East Seoul) Bus Terminal, or Nambu Bus Terminal to Sokcho (Express or Intercity Bus Terminal). The ride usually takes around 2h 20m–3h. From Sokcho, transfer to local bus 7 or 7-1 (~40–50m) or a taxi (~15–20m) to the Seoraksan park entrance.
• How to book (with price): One‑way tickets cost roughly ₩16,000–26,000 depending on bus class (standard, premium, excellent). You can:
  • Buy same‑day tickets at terminal counters or machines.
  • Check schedules and seat classes on the official KOBUS express bus and Tmoney intercity bus sites (English available).
  • Compare routes and pricing via 12Go Asia or book specific Seoul–Sokcho departures on Klook.
• Local transfer to Seoraksan: From Sokcho Express or Intercity Bus Terminal, hop on city bus 7 or 7-1 toward Seoraksan (look for 설악산 국립공원 / Seoraksan National Park on the destination board). The ride is around 40–50 minutes, or you can take a taxi directly to the park in about 15–20 minutes.
• Pros: Cheapest overall, frequent services throughout the day, no need to drive or navigate unfamiliar roads. Cons: Seats can sell out on fall foliage weekends and holidays; travel time depends heavily on traffic leaving/entering Seoul.

Step-by-step: Direct Bus via Seoul Terminals

1. Choose your departure terminal:
   • Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam): Best for those staying in Gangnam, Apgujeong, Itaewon, or around central south Seoul.
   • Dong Seoul (East Seoul) Bus Terminal: Convenient if you’re staying near eastern neighborhoods or along Line 2.
   • Nambu Bus Terminal: Another option in the south for some Sokcho routes; check times on KOBUS or Tmoney before going.
2. Get to the terminal: Use the Seoul Metro or a short taxi/ride‑hail via Kakao T from your accommodation. Aim to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure to buy tickets and find your gate.
3. Buy or collect tickets: Purchase at the counter (show “Sokcho” in English or Korean: 속초) or pick up pre‑booked tickets if you reserved online. Check the bus grade (standard vs premium) and seat number on your ticket.
4. Ride to Sokcho: Buses are usually comfortable and may stop once at a rest area. Keep your ticket handy, and note the arrival terminal (Express or Intercity) for your return journey.
5. Transfer to Seoraksan:
   • Walk to the nearby city bus stop and board bus 7 or 7-1 heading toward Seoraksan; pay with a T‑money card or exact cash.
   • Or take a taxi from the terminal directly to the Seoraksan National Park entrance; this is faster and still reasonably priced if you’re in a small group.
6. Returning to Seoul: Reverse the route back to Sokcho Terminal, then take an evening bus to your chosen Seoul terminal. It’s wise to buy your return ticket soon after arriving in Sokcho, especially during peak seasons.

Getting to the main embarking points (Seoul Bus Terminals)

• To Seoul Express Bus Terminal: Take Subway Line 3, 7, or 9 to Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널). Follow signs for the Gyeongbu/Yeongdong lines and look for departures to Sokcho.
• To Dong Seoul (East Seoul) Bus Terminal: Ride Line 2 to Gangbyeon Station. The terminal is directly connected via underground passages and clearly signposted.
• To Nambu Bus Terminal: Take Line 3 to Nambu Bus Terminal (남부터미널). The intercity terminal building is adjacent to the station; just follow the overhead signs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Option #2 — Guided Day Tour (Most Convenient, No Transfers)

All-in-one Door-to-door Higher cost

• Overview: Join a full‑day group tour from central Seoul that includes round‑trip transport by coach or minibus, a guide, and free time in Seoraksan National Park (often with optional stops like Naksansa Temple or Nami Island). Expect 12–14 hours total including hotel‑area pickup and rest breaks.
• How to book (with price): Prices typically start around ₩70,000–140,000 per person depending on inclusions (entry fees, cable car, extra stops). Browse and reserve online:
  • On GetYourGuide Seoraksan tours for Mt. Seorak hikes with options like Nami Island or Naksansa Temple.
  • On Klook’s Seoraksan National Park tours including seasonal foliage itineraries and bundled attractions.
  • On Trip.com for curated east‑coast day trips combining Sokcho, markets, hot springs, and the Seorak cable car.
• Pros: No need to navigate bus systems or parking; an English‑speaking guide explains the highlights; ideal for a one‑day visit. Cons: Less flexibility with hiking time and route; fixed schedule and departure dates; per‑person cost higher than bus.

Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour

1. Pick your tour style: Decide whether you want a straightforward hiking‑focused tour, or one that also includes Nami Island, Naksansa Temple, or coastal stops. Read the itineraries carefully on GetYourGuide or Klook.
2. Choose your pickup point: Many tours offer pickup near subway hubs like Myeongdong, Hongik Univ., or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Make sure the pickup place and time suit where you’re staying.
3. Book & confirm: Reserve your spot online with card payment. You’ll receive a voucher or QR code; keep it handy on your phone. Some tours allow free cancellation up to a certain cut‑off.
4. Meet your guide in Seoul: Arrive 10–15 minutes early at the meeting point, check in with the guide, and board the coach or minibus. Seats are usually assigned first‑come, first‑served.
5. Enjoy Seoraksan: On arrival, your guide will give a brief orientation and suggest suitable hiking routes and viewpoints (like the cable car, Sinheungsa Temple, or Ulsanbawi, depending on the tour and season).
6. Return to Seoul: Meet at the designated time and location in the park, then ride back to your original drop‑off area in the city.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tour Pickup Spots in Seoul)

• Myeongdong area: Most tours list a landmark hotel or subway exit (often Myeongdong Station Exit 2 or 3) as a pickup point. Check your voucher for the exact spot.
• Hongdae / Hongik Univ. area: If your tour offers pickup here, use Subway Line 2, Gyeongui–Jungang, or AREX to Hongik Univ. Station and follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
• Dongdaemun / City Hall: Some tours pick up near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station or central hotels. When in doubt, use Kakao Map or Google Maps to visualise the meeting point beforehand.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #3 — Self-Drive / Rental Car (Flexible Road Trip)

Great with friends Scenic route Tolls & parking

• Overview: Pick up a rental car in Seoul (often at Incheon or Gimpo airports or central locations) and drive east via expressways toward Sokcho and Seoraksan. Without heavy traffic, the journey takes around 2.5–3.5 hours each way and lets you stop at beaches, cafés, or Naksansa Temple along the coast.
• How to book (with price): Daily rental rates often start around US$60–80 (₩80,000–110,000) depending on car category and season. Compare international chains and local brands on Booking.com Cars in Seoul, where you can filter by pickup point, transmission, and insurance.
• Driving costs: Expect roughly ₩40,000–60,000 for fuel and tolls for a round trip, depending on your route and detours. Parking at Seoraksan and in Sokcho is usually inexpensive but can fill up in peak foliage season.
• Pros: Maximum flexibility; easy to combine Seoraksan with coastal towns and markets; convenient for families or hikers with gear. Cons: Korean highway signs and parking can be stressful for first‑time visitors; winter driving requires extra caution.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive from Seoul

1. Book your car: Reserve in advance via Booking.com or directly with a provider. Confirm that your home license plus an International Driving Permit (if required) are accepted in Korea.
2. Pick up in Seoul or at the airport: Collect your vehicle at your chosen location (Incheon, Gimpo, or central Seoul). Inspect the car and save photos of any existing scratches.
3. Set your navigation: Use Korean‑friendly navigation (Kakao Map, Naver Map, or your car’s GPS). Search for Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center or the official address on VisitKorea’s listings.
4. Drive east toward Sokcho: Follow expressways toward Gangwon‑do and Sokcho. Plan rest stops at highway service areas for food and toilets.
5. Park at Seoraksan: On arrival, follow signs for the main Seoraksan car parks near the Visitor Center and cable car station. Note your parking lot and space before setting off to hike.
6. Return to Seoul: After your hike, leave before late evening to avoid heavy inbound traffic. Refuel the car and return it to the agreed drop‑off point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Pickups)

• Airport pickups (Incheon & Gimpo): If you’re flying into Seoul, it’s often easiest to collect your car at ICN or GMP. Most brands listed on Incheon car rental and Gimpo car rental have counters in the terminal or nearby.
• City pickups: If you’d rather avoid driving in central Seoul, take the subway or a Kakao T taxi to your rental office in Gangnam, Jongno, Mapo, or near major train stations.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Taxi / Ride-hailing

Door-to-door Comfortable Highest cost

• Overview: Arrange a private driver or long‑distance taxi from your hotel or the airport directly to Sokcho or Seoraksan. Travel time is similar to self‑drive (~2.5–3.5 hours) but without the stress of navigating or parking.
• How to book (with price): One‑way prices vary widely based on vehicle size and pickup location, but expect from around ₩200,000+ per vehicle for a Seoul–Seoraksan trip. You can:
  • Request quotes and choose a driver via Welcome Pickups Seoul.
  • Compare fixed‑price transfers and vehicle types on GetTransfer.
• Ride-hailing apps: In and around Seoul, Kakao T is the standard app for booking taxis and can be useful for getting to or from bus terminals. For the long highway leg to Sokcho, however, a pre‑booked private transfer is usually easier than relying on an on‑the‑spot taxi.
• Pros: Maximum comfort; no luggage hauling through stations; ideal if you’re landing in the morning and want to head straight to Seoraksan. Cons: Significantly more expensive than buses; must be reserved in advance in high season.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request a quote: Enter your pickup (hotel, Seoul Station, or airport) and destination (Sokcho or Seoraksan National Park) on Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
2. Choose vehicle & time: Select a vehicle size that fits your group plus luggage, and schedule a pickup time that matches your arrival or hotel checkout.
3. Confirm and pay: Complete the booking online; you’ll receive driver details and instructions on where to meet.
4. Meet your driver in Seoul: At the scheduled time, meet at the lobby, station exit, or arrival hall as indicated. Load your bags and confirm the destination in English or Korean.
5. Arrive at Seoraksan or Sokcho: Your driver will drop you at your hotel, the park entrance, or another agreed point. Arrange your return trip in advance if you also want a private transfer back to Seoul.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup Locations)

• Hotel pickups: Most services collect passengers from major hotels and guesthouses in central Seoul. Ensure your accommodation’s address is correctly entered and clear in both English and Korean if possible.
• Airport pickups: If you’re landing at Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP), book your transfer to start at the arrival terminal; the driver will typically wait at the arrivals hall with a sign or contact you via messaging apps.
• Station pickups: If you’re coming from another Korean city by KTX or ITX, you can also set Seoul Station as your pickup point and transfer directly to Sokcho/Seoraksan.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Seoul to Sokcho (Seoraksan))

Is there a direct bus from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park?
No. Long‑distance buses run from several Seoul terminals to Sokcho, not directly to the Seoraksan park gate. From Sokcho you transfer to city bus 7 or 7-1 or take a taxi to the main Seoraksan entrance.

How long does it take to get from Seoul to Seoraksan?
Allow around 3–3.5 hours one way when using the bus: roughly 2.5–3 hours on the Seoul–Sokcho bus plus 15–50 minutes to reach the park entrance. Driving, private transfer, or guided tour coaches are similar in overall travel time, but can be longer on busy weekends.

Can I do Seoraksan as a day trip from Seoul?
Yes, but it will be a long day. If you leave Seoul before 7:00–8:00 a.m. and return in the evening, you can get several hours of hiking or sightseeing in the park. Guided tours are the easiest for a one‑day visit; independent travelers should catch an early bus and pre‑plan their route.

Do I need to book bus tickets in advance?
Outside of peak foliage season (October/early November) and long weekends, you can often buy Seoul–Sokcho tickets on the day. However, it’s safer to book ahead for early‑morning and late‑evening departures, especially Fridays and Sundays. Use the official KOBUS or Tmoney intercity sites, or third‑party platforms like Klook, to check availability.

Is entrance to Seoraksan National Park free?
Recently, Korea has made national park visits free for many visitors, but there may still be separate fees for facilities like the Seoraksan cable car and parking. Always check the latest information from the Korea National Park Service or VisitKorea before your trip.

Where should I stay if I want more time in the park?
For early trail starts and quieter evenings, stay in Seorak-dong or near the park entrance. For more dining options and seaside views, base yourself in Sokcho city and commute 30–40 minutes to the park by bus or taxi.