What are the fees for the Seoraksan Cable Car?

As of 2024, the round-trip fare is 16,000 KRW (approx. 12 USD) for adults (middle school and older) and 12,000 KRW (approx. 9 USD) for children (37 months to elementary school). Infants under 36 months ride for free.

What are the operating hours for the Seoraksan Cable Car?

Operating hours vary by season, but generally, the cable car runs from 9:00 AM. The last ride is typically around 5:00 PM in winter, 6:00 PM in spring/autumn, and 6:30 PM in summer. However, operations can be suspended due to bad weather, so it is crucial to check the official website on the day of your visit.

How much is parking at Seoraksan Cable Car?

Parking at the Sogongwon Parking Lot (near the entrance) costs 6,000 KRW (approx. 4.50 USD) for a one-day pass for a standard car. The nearby Kensington Hotel Seorak parking lot is a good alternative and costs the same.

How long is the Seoraksan Cable Car ride?

The cable car ride itself is quite quick, taking approximately 7 minutes to travel 1,200 meters up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress area.

What is there to do while waiting for the cable car?

If you have a long wait (1 hour or more), it is highly recommended to visit Sinheungsa Temple, a large, historic temple with a giant bronze Buddha statue, located just a short walk from the cable car station. For shorter waits, you can explore the nearby souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.

What can you see from the top (Gwongeumseong Fortress)?

After a short 5-10 minute walk from the upper station, the Gwongeumseong Fortress observatory offers panoramic views of Seoraksan's famous peaks like Ulsanbawi Rock and the Dinosaur Ridge, as well as views of Sokcho city and the East Sea on a clear day.

Seoraksan Cable Car Guide: Tickets, Hours & Parking Info

For travelers visiting Sokcho, the Seoraksan Cable Car is a must-visit attraction. It allows visitors of all ages to comfortably reach Gwongeumseong Fortress without a steep hike, offering easy access to the stunning scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the cable car fares, operating hours, parking, and how to spend your waiting time.

Seoraksan Cable Car Gwongeumseong

Seoraksan Cable Car

Located in Seorak-dong, Sokcho, the Seoraksan Cable Car has been a major tourist facility since its opening in 1971. The cable car operates over a 1,200m course to Gwongeumseong Fortress, reaching the summit area in about 7 minutes. It's especially popular with families and elderly visitors as it provides easy access to a difficult-to-climb section in a short time.

Seoraksan Cable Car

The cable car can accommodate up to 50 people and offers stunning views of Seoraksan's majestic rock peaks, downtown Sokcho, and the East Sea. A major draw is the changing scenery with each season. You can enjoy azaleas in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter.

Sokcho City View

The facility is managed by the Sokcho Seorak Tourist Center and is safely maintained through regular repairs and inspections. There are also souvenir shops and convenience facilities near the ticket office, perfect for a quick look while waiting.

Seoraksan Cable Car Fares

General Fares (Round Trip)

Adult (Middle school student & older): 16,000 KRW (approx. 12 USD)
Child (37 months to elementary school): 12,000 KRW (approx. 9 USD)
Infant (36 months and under): Free

※ Only round-trip tickets are available; one-way tickets are not sold.

Discount Fares (Round Trip)

Category	Fare	Notes
Senior (Ages 65+)	13,000 KRW	Excludes peak season
Disability/National Merit	9,500 KRW	Applies year-round
Sokcho Resident (Adult)	8,000 KRW	1 ticket per person, ID required
Sokcho Resident (Child)	6,000 KRW	1 ticket per person, ID required

Senior discounts are not applicable during peak seasons (summer vacation, autumn foliage).
Discounts for people with disabilities and national merit recipients are available year-round.
Sokcho resident discounts are only applied in person at the ticket office and require a physical ID.

Seoraksan Cable Car ticket office and waiting line

Ticket office and weekday waiting line

Other Information

Full refunds are available up to 10 minutes before boarding. After that, a 20% cancellation fee applies to refunds or time changes.
If operations are suspended due to bad weather, unused tickets will be fully refunded.
To receive a discount, you must present a physical ID card; photos or copies are not accepted.

Seoraksan Cable Car Operating Hours

The Seoraksan Cable Car's operating hours vary depending on the season and weather. It generally operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but the last boarding time changes seasonally, so it's essential to check in advance.

Standard Operating Hours

Spring/Autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last ride 5:30 PM)
Summer (Jun-Aug): 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Last ride 6:00 PM)
Winter (Dec-Feb): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last ride 4:30 PM)

How to Check Operating Hours

Weather Impact: Operations can be suddenly suspended due to weather conditions like rain, fog, or strong winds.
Check in Advance: It is highly recommended to check the daily operating status on the Seoraksan Cable Car official website or on-site information boards.
Peak Season Warning: During peak seasons (summer vacation, autumn foliage), wait times can be very long. Arriving early in the morning is the best way to reduce waiting.

Seoraksan Cable Car Parking Information

Parking Fees

Sogongwon Parking Lot (Near the cable car entrance)
- Day pass for a standard car is 6,000 KRW (approx. 4.50 USD).
- It is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the cable car ticket office.
Kensington Hotel Seorak Parking Lot (Alternative)
- The parking fee is also 6,000 KRW (approx. 4.50 USD) for a standard car, the same as the Sogongwon lot.
- An advantage is that the rate does not increase on weekends.

Parking Congestion and Alternatives

During peak season or on weekends, the Sogongwon parking lot often fills up early in the morning, forcing visitors to wait or find alternative parking.
In such cases, using the Kensington Hotel Seorak parking lot is a good option. Alternatively, you can park in free spaces further down from Sogongwon and walk up.

Summary

Item	Details
Sogongwon Parking Fee	6,000 KRW day pass for cars, approx. 10 min walk to entrance
Kensington Hotel Parking Fee	6,000 KRW for cars, same price on weekends
Congestion	Very crowded on peak days/weekends → Arrive early
Alternatives	Hotel lot or free parking further down + walking

How to Spend Your Waiting Time

On weekends or during peak season, the wait for the Seoraksan Cable Car can be long, sometimes exceeding an hour, especially during the autumn foliage and summer vacation seasons. However, you can make your trip more enjoyable by using the waiting time effectively.

For Short Waits (Under 30 minutes)

If the wait is short, it's best to stay near the boarding area and pass the time.

Area around the Seoraksan Cable Car boarding station

Around the boarding station

You can enjoy drinks or light snacks at the cafes and restaurants near the ticket office.
The souvenir shops offer a chance to browse Seoraksan-related items or Sokcho specialties.
Taking photos at the walking paths and photo zones around the boarding area is also a good way to pass the time.

For Long Waits (1 hour or more)

If the wait is long, it's a great idea to visit Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사), located near the cable car station.

Scenery of Sinheungsa Temple in Seoraksan

Sinheungsa Temple Scenery

History of Sinheungsa: Founded in 652 during the Silla Dynasty, this ancient temple has been rebuilt several times. It is now one of the most representative temples in the Gangwon Yeongdong region.
Main Sights
- Daeungjeon Hall: The temple's main hall, showcasing late Joseon Dynasty architecture.
- Great Unification Buddha: A 14.6-meter-high, 108-ton bronze seated Buddha statue erected in 1987, symbolizing the wish for peace and reunification of the Korean peninsula.
- Temple Scenery: Surrounded by dense forest and valleys, the temple offers beautiful views year-round, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Visiting Tip: Admission to Sinheungsa Temple is included in the Seoraksan National Park entrance fee, so no separate ticket is needed. It's a perfect way to make good use of a long wait.

If the wait is short, it's better to save your visit to Sinheungsa for a more leisurely look after you descend.

Boarding Process and Observatory Guide

After purchasing tickets at the office, you will proceed through a waiting area to the boarding platform. Boarding is orderly, and staff will guide you. Each cable car holds about 50 people.

Gwongeumseong Fortress

Boarding Process

Line up at your designated boarding time.
Board safely as directed by staff; the ride takes about 7 minutes.
The cable car has large windows on all sides, allowing for great views during the ascent.

Views from the Cable Car

Get close-up views of Ulsanbawi Rock and the cliffs of Gwongeumseong.
On clear days, the view extends to downtown Sokcho and the East Sea.

Gwongeumseong Fortress Observatory Guide

After getting off at the upper station, a 5-10 minute walk up the stairs takes you to the Gwongeumseong Fortress observatory.
Gwongeumseong (권금성) was a fortress built in the late Goryeo dynasty to defend against invasions. Today, parts of the fortress walls remain. It's a place where you can enjoy both historical traces and breathtaking scenery.
From the observatory, you can see Ulsanbawi Rock, the Dinosaur Ridge, Sokcho city, and the East Sea all in one view.
There are no shops or convenience stores at the very top, so it's a good idea to bring water and light snacks.

The Seoraksan Cable Car is a must-visit destination on any trip to Sokcho. It allows everyone to easily enjoy the magnificent scenery of Seoraksan from Gwongeumseong Fortress without a strenuous climb. Knowing the fares, operating hours, parking, and how to use your waiting time in advance will make your trip much more relaxed.

The majestic mountain ranges and the blue East Sea viewed from the Gwongeumseong observatory will surely become a lasting memory. If your schedule allows, consider visiting the nearby Sinheungsa Temple to experience both the nature and history of Seoraksan.

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