Sokcho Mountain Paradise - 5D4N Seoraksan Hiking
Open TripEmbark on an unforgettable mountain adventure in Sokcho, gateway to magnificent Seoraksan National Park - one of Korea's most spectacular natural treasures and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This 5-day nature retreat combines challenging hiking trails through dramatic granite peaks, serene Buddhist temples nestled in mountain valleys, thrilling cable car rides to ancient fortresses, cascading waterfalls, soothing natural hot springs, and fresh seafood dining by the East Sea coast. Trek to Ulsanbawi Rock for breathtaking panoramic views, visit the giant bronze Buddha at Sinheungsa Temple, relax in healing hot spring waters, explore traditional fish markets, and wake up to mountain air and stunning sunrise views. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature photographers, hikers of moderate fitness levels, and anyone seeking rejuvenation away from urban life.
Meeting Point
Sokcho
Destination
Sokcho
Date
April 20, 2026
Duration
4 days
Price Details
Adult
- Twin Sharing : IDR 115.000
Child
- With Bed : IDR 115.000
- No Bed : IDR 115.000
Infant (0-2)
- IDR 0
Itinerary
*Changes may occur according to on-site conditions without reducing the planned attractions
Day 1
Arrive at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM (3.5-hour bus from Seoul Dong Seoul Terminal). Guide welcomes you and transfers to comfortable mountain lodge accommodation near Seoraksan National Park entrance (15-minute drive). Check-in and unpack hiking gear. Afternoon coastal exploration starting with Sokcho Beach walk along the East Sea (also called Sea of Japan). Feel the sea breeze and see local fishermen at work. Visit bustling Daepo Port Fish Market, one of Korea's major fishing ports where fresh catches are sold daily - see live octopus, squid, crabs, and various fish species. Watch ajumma expertly prepare fresh seafood. Optional: buy fresh seafood and have it prepared at market restaurants (additional cost). Stroll through nearby Abai Village, North Korean refugee settlement with unique food culture - try Abai Sundae (blood sausage) and take hand-pulled ferry (₩500) across Cheongcho Lake. Welcome dinner at seafood restaurant featuring grilled mackerel, sashimi platter, and seafood pancakes. Evening briefing about hiking plans and safety. Early rest before mountain adventures.
Day 2
Early breakfast at 7:00 AM. Depart for Seoraksan National Park main entrance (Outer Seorak) at 8:00 AM. Purchase park admission and begin mountain adventure! First stop: Sinheungsa Temple, one of Korea's most important Zen Buddhist temples founded in 652 AD. Walk through beautiful temple grounds and see the magnificent 14.6-meter bronze Great Unification Buddha statue - largest seated bronze Buddha in Korea overlooking the mountains. Light incense and feel the spiritual tranquility. Continue uphill through pine forests on well-maintained trails (moderate difficulty, 30-minute walk) to Gwongeumseong Fortress Cable Car station. Take thrilling cable car ride (8 minutes) up steep mountainside to ancient fortress ruins at 800 meters elevation. The cable car offers spectacular bird's-eye views of dramatic granite peaks, colorful rock formations, and endless valleys. At the top, hike remaining 10 minutes to fortress ruins for 360-degree panoramic views of Seoraksan's jagged peaks and East Sea coastline - absolutely breathtaking and worth every step! Packed lunch at mountain viewpoint. Descend via cable car. Afternoon option for moderate 2-hour hike to Biryong Falls (Flying Dragon Falls), beautiful 25-meter waterfall cascading through moss-covered rocks and forest. Return to lodge for rest. Dinner at lodge or nearby Korean restaurant. Evening free time - optional visit to local hot spring spa.
Day 3
Early wake-up at 5:30 AM for today's main challenge: Ulsanbawi Rock hike, one of Seoraksan's most iconic and rewarding trails. After breakfast, enter park at 7:00 AM (beat the crowds!). This moderately challenging hike covers 3.6km round trip with 888 metal stairway steps near the summit - requires good fitness but doable for most people with determination. Ascend through beautiful forests with mountain streams, passing rock formations and Buddhist hermitages clinging to cliffs. The infamous metal stairways are steep but offer incredible views with each step upward. Summit at 873 meters elevation for absolutely spectacular 360-degree panorama - see all of Seoraksan's granite peaks, East Sea coastline, and on clear days even North Korean mountains. Perfect photo moment! Descend carefully (harder on knees than ascending). Lunch at park restaurant. Afternoon relaxation at natural hot spring spa facility - soak tired muscles in mineral-rich waters surrounded by mountain views. Various indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. Spend 2-3 hours rejuvenating. Return to lodge for rest. Farewell dinner at Korean BBQ restaurant celebrating your hiking achievements. Share stories and photos with fellow hikers.
Day 4
More relaxed day after yesterday's challenging hike. Breakfast at lodge. Depart (9:00 AM) for coastal drive south to beautiful Naksansa Temple, one of Korea's most scenic seaside temples founded in 671 AD. Perched on clifftops overlooking the East Sea, this temple offers unique combination of Buddhist spirituality and ocean views. See the seven-story stone pagoda, Hongyeonam hermitage on cliff edge, and white Haesugwaneumsang Bodhisattva statue facing the sea. Walk meditation paths through pine trees with ocean breeze and wave sounds - deeply peaceful atmosphere. Continue to nearby Naksan Beach, 4km stretch of white sand perfect for walking and relaxation. Free time to walk barefoot on beach, take photos, or relax at beachfront cafes. Lunch at seaside restaurant. Afternoon option: visit Seorak Waterpia indoor water park for fun slides and pools (additional cost), or explore Sokcho tourist fishing village, or shop for souvenirs in Sokcho central market. Evening special farewell dinner: fresh seafood BBQ (grilled whole fish, shellfish, shrimp) at beachfront restaurant watching sunset over East Sea. Return to lodge.
Day 5
Final breakfast at lodge with mountain views. Free morning based on departure time and interests. Recommendations: short morning hike on easy trails near lodge, revisit favorite spots in Seoraksan for better photos, relax at lodge facilities, visit Sokcho Expo Park, shop at Jungang Market for dried seafood and local specialties as gifts, or simply enjoy final moments in mountain air. Check-out at 11:00 AM. Transfer to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal for 3:00 PM or later bus to Seoul. Allow buffer time as mountain roads can be busy on weekends. Alternative: stay extra night in Sokcho to explore DMZ tours (available from Sokcho) or Goseong Unification Observatory. Return home with incredible memories, hundreds of photos, refreshed body and mind, and new appreciation for Korea's natural beauty!
Location
Arrival
- • Pick-up at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM on Day 1
- • Guide will wait at main terminal exit with "ACP Tours - Sokcho" sign
- • Please book express bus from Seoul Dong Seoul Terminal (depart 7:30 AM, ₩22,000, 3
- • 5 hours)
- • Bus tickets not included - book at www
- • kobus
- • co
- • kr
- • Provide bus company and departure time 2 days before tour
- • Alternative: KTX train to Gangneung (2 hours) then local bus to Sokcho (1 hour)
- • Emergency contact: +82-33-XXX-XXXX
Departure
- • Check-out at 11:00 AM on Day 5
- • Transfer to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal for 3:00 PM or later bus to Seoul
- • Recommend booking 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM bus for comfortable timing
- • Bus journey 3
- • 5-4 hours depending on traffic
- • Private taxi to Seoul/Gangneung can be arranged (additional cost ₩150,000)
- • Alternative drop-off at Gangneung KTX Station for train to Seoul
Hotels
- • Kensington Stars Hotel Seorak (5-star mountain resort with spa)
- • Seorak Plaza Hotel (4-star near park entrance)
- • Seorak Pine Resort (mid-range with mountain view)
- • Goodstay Seoraksan Hotel (budget-friendly)
- • Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano (family condos)
- • Mt
- • Seorak Tourist Hotel (basic lodge-style)
- • Goodstay Benikea Hotel Maremons (affordable option)
- • Traditional Mountain Lodges and Minbak near park entrance
Location
Arrival
- • Pick-up at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM on Day 1
- • Guide will wait at main terminal exit with "ACP Tours - Sokcho" sign
- • Please book express bus from Seoul Dong Seoul Terminal (depart 7:30 AM, ₩22,000, 3
- • 5 hours)
- • Bus tickets not included - book at www
- • kobus
- • co
- • kr
- • Provide bus company and departure time 2 days before tour
- • Alternative: KTX train to Gangneung (2 hours) then local bus to Sokcho (1 hour)
- • Emergency contact: +82-33-XXX-XXXX
Departure
- • Check-out at 11:00 AM on Day 5
- • Transfer to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal for 3:00 PM or later bus to Seoul
- • Recommend booking 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM bus for comfortable timing
- • Bus journey 3
- • 5-4 hours depending on traffic
- • Private taxi to Seoul/Gangneung can be arranged (additional cost ₩150,000)
- • Alternative drop-off at Gangneung KTX Station for train to Seoul
Hotels
- • Kensington Stars Hotel Seorak (5-star mountain resort with spa)
- • Seorak Plaza Hotel (4-star near park entrance)
- • Seorak Pine Resort (mid-range with mountain view)
- • Goodstay Seoraksan Hotel (budget-friendly)
- • Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano (family condos)
- • Mt
- • Seorak Tourist Hotel (basic lodge-style)
- • Goodstay Benikea Hotel Maremons (affordable option)
- • Traditional Mountain Lodges and Minbak near park entrance
Notes
Include
- • 4 nights accommodation at comfortable mountain lodge near Seoraksan Park entrance (twin/triple room sharing, heated ondol rooms)
- • Daily breakfast (Korean-style)
- • 3 lunches (Day 2 packed lunch, Days 3-4 at restaurants)
- • 4 dinners (Day 1 seafood, Day 2 Korean BBQ, Day 3 Korean meal, Day 4 seafood BBQ farewell)
- • Round-trip transfers Sokcho Terminal and lodge
- • Professional English-speaking hiking guide Days 1-5 (experienced mountain guide with first-aid certification)
- • Transportation: comfortable vehicle for park transfers and sightseeing
- • Seoraksan National Park entrance fees (4 days access)
- • Gwongeumseong Fortress cable car tickets (roundtrip)
- • Hot spring spa entry Day 3 (2-3 hours access)
- • Sinheungsa Temple entry
- • Naksansa Temple entry
- • Bottled water during hikes
- • First-aid kit and emergency supplies
- • Seoraksan trail map and hiking guidebook
- • Hiking stick rental (if needed)
Exclude
- • Express bus tickets to/from Sokcho (Seoul-Sokcho each way, book at kobus
- • kr or terminal)
- • Train tickets if using KTX option
- • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for hiking activities)
- • Personal hiking gear (boots, backpack, poles, rain jacket - rental available at park)
- • Lunch Day 1 and Day 5
- • Optional seafood purchases at fish markets
- • Hot spring spa Day 2 evening (optional, )
- • Seorak Waterpia water park entry ()
- • Cable car photos (professional photos at cable car, optional )
- • Personal expenses, souvenirs, snacks
- • Tips for guide and driver (recommended per person total)
- • Single room supplement total
- • Hiking gear rental at park ( per item per day)
- • Laundry services
- • Any items not mentioned in inclusions
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