MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Gang Won Do, South Korea

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving South Korea

International travelers usually enter through Seoul's airports. Find flight deals via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airports

Airlines & Routes

Many airlines fly to South Korea. Direct flights from major global hubs are common.

Flight Information

  • International to ICN/GMP: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Delta, United, American, Lufthansa, Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
  • Domestic to YNY: Mainly Korean Air and Asiana Airlines or subsidiaries (Air Busan, Jin Air, T'way Air), typically from Jeju.
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Summer (June-August) and late autumn (Oct-Nov) see higher flight prices and lower availability due to demand. Shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep) offer a balance of weather and potentially lower prices. Winter (Dec-Mar) generally has the lowest prices, excluding holidays.

Airport Facilities ICN

Extensive facilities including duty-free shops, diverse dining, lounges, currency exchange, SIM card/Wi-Fi rental, transit hotel, pharmacies, medical centers. Efficient transport connections to Seoul.

Airport Facilities GMP

Smaller than ICN, but offers dining, shops, and currency exchange. Well-connected to Seoul's metro system.

Airport Facilities YNY

Offers basic facilities and a small terminal. Dining and services are limited.

Transfer Options to Sokcho for Seoraksan

From ICN/GMP to Sokcho

  • Express Bus: Most common and efficient method. Direct express buses from ICN (Terminal 1 & 2) and GMP directly to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. Journey approx. 3-4 hours. Cost: ₩20,000 - ₩30,000.
  • Train (indirect): No direct train. Take AREX to Seoul Station, then KTX to Gangneung, then local bus/taxi to Sokcho. Time-consuming.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi: Available but very expensive (over ₩200,000).
  • The express bus is the generally recommended choice for ease and value.

From YNY to Seoraksan/Sokcho

  • Local Bus: Direct bus services (e.g., Bus No. 200, 201) operate from Yangyang Airport to Sokcho.
  • Taxi: Readily available. Cost approximately ₩40,000-50,000 to Sokcho.
  • Connect from Sokcho to Seoraksan National Park via local bus or taxi.
  • YNY is not a main international arrival airport for most tourists.

Land Transportation Overview

Train Services

No direct KTX (high-speed train) connection exists to Sokcho. Travelers take KTX to Gangneung Station, then an intercity bus (approx. 1 hour) or local bus to Sokcho. A new high-speed rail line to Sokcho is under construction. Consider a Korail Pass for extensive train travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Express Bus (고속버스, Gosokbus) is a popular way to reach Sokcho from Seoul (Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Seoul Express Bus Terminal) and other major cities. Book via KOBUS or BusTago. Korean buses are comfortable and punctual.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your domestic driver's license is needed. Rental companies include Lotte Rent-a-Car and Kumho Rent-a-Car, and international brands (Hertz, Avis) often operate through local partnerships. Book in advance via DiscoverCars.com. Use Korean apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap for GPS. A Portable Wi-Fi device is beneficial for navigation.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Public buses connect Sokcho city with Seoraksan National Park. No metro or tram system operates in this area.

Bus Routes & Ticketing

  • Bus No. 7 and No. 7-1 run frequently from Sokcho city center to Seoraksan National Park entrance. They stop at bus terminals and Sokcho Jungang Market.
  • Pay cash (₩1,300-₩1,500) or use a T-Money Card (rechargeable smart card). Tap your card on the reader when entering and exiting the bus.
  • Buses operate from early morning (approx. 6:00 AM) until late evening (approx. 9:30 PM - 10:00 PM). Frequency: 10-20 minutes during peak hours.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a convenient alternative to buses, especially for direct routes or when carrying luggage.

Hailing & Fares

  • Look for "TAXI" sign; standard taxis are silver, white, or orange. Black taxis are "deluxe" (모범택시). Hail on the street or find at designated stands.
  • Standard taxi initial fare is around ₩4,800 in Sokcho for the first 2km. Pay by cash, credit card, or T-Money card.
  • Kakao T (카카오T) is the dominant ride-hailing app, connecting users with licensed taxis. Available in English.

Rental Options

For greater flexibility and exploration beyond public transport routes, consider renting a car.

Car Rental Requirements

  • A valid domestic driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Your passport.
  • A credit card for the security deposit. Minimum age (21 or 23, 1+ year driving experience).

Specialized Transportation

Seoraksan offers one remarkable specialized transport option: the cable car.

Cable Car & More

  • Seoraksan Cable Car (설악산 케이블카): Operates from near the main park entrance up to Gwongeumseong Fortress. Panoramic views. Purchase tickets on-site. Cost: ₩15,000 adult round trip. Expect long queues during peak autumn.
  • Gaetbae Ferry (갯배): A small ferry in Sokcho. It crosses Cheongchoho Lake, connecting Jungang Market with Abai Village. Unique manual ferry experience.
  • No formal hop-on-hop-off bus service for Seoraksan/Sokcho. Many tour companies from Seoul organize day trips.

Important Travel Notes

  • Roads in South Korea are well-maintained. Highways are excellent.
  • Driving on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
  • Drunk driving laws are very strict.
  • Paid parking is at Seoraksan National Park entrance and in Sokcho. Parking can be challenging during peak times.
  • Within Seoraksan National Park, some trails may close seasonally due to fire prevention or hazardous conditions.
  • Accessibility to park trails beyond main entrance is limited for those with mobility needs.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No separate exit fees or taxes are collected upon departure from South Korea for international flights, buses, or trains. These fees are typically included in your ticket price.

Departure Procedures & Timing

  • International Flights (ICN/GMP): Arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before your flight, especially during peak travel times.
  • Domestic Flights (YNY): Arrive 1-1.5 hours before your flight.
  • Express Bus/Train: Arrive at the terminal at least 15-20 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers, offering convenience and amenities.

Amenities for Departure

  • ICN: Extensive duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, VAT refund counters.
  • GMP: Shops and dining, fewer options than ICN.
  • Bus Terminals: Convenience stores, small eateries, waiting areas.

Pedestrian Areas

Seoraksan National Park features many hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging treks. Sokcho City has pedestrian-friendly areas like Jungang Market and Cheongchoho Lake promenade.

Cycling

Limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure in Seoraksan due to mountainous terrain; cycling is generally not permitted on hiking trails. Sokcho has some coastal paths suitable for cycling.

No-Go Areas

Within Seoraksan National Park, certain trails may close seasonally for fire prevention or due to hazardous conditions. Always check park announcements and KNPS website for current conditions.

Getting Around Summary

Public Transit Tips

Efficiently navigate Sokcho and Seoraksan with public transport knowledge.

Tips

  • Use Naver Map or KakaoMap apps for real-time bus tracking and route planning. These apps are generally accurate for Korean public transport.
  • Have your destination name written in Korean to show the driver or locals if assistance is needed.
  • Tap your T-Money card when entering and exiting the bus for correct fare calculation, especially for transfers.

Driving & Safety

Roads are well-maintained throughout South Korea. Be aware of driving laws and conditions.

Considerations

  • Most highways are toll roads. Payment by cash or Hi-Pass electronic system. Rental cars often have a Hi-Pass card.
  • Driving standards are good. Watch for aggressive drivers in urban areas.
  • Winter driving in Gangwon-do can be challenging due to snow and ice; snow chains or winter tires may be necessary.

Sea & River Transportation Notes

Ferry Services

Sokcho has a port mainly for fishing and domestic coastal traffic. No regular international ferry services operate to Sokcho for tourists. Cruises sometimes dock in Sokcho or nearby Gangneung, but less commonly than larger ports.

River Transportation

River transportation is not applicable to Seoraksan National Park or its immediate vicinity.

Connections from Seaports

From Sokcho Port, local buses and taxis connect to the city center, bus terminals, and Seoraksan National Park.

Final Transportation Tip

For most travelers focusing on Seoraksan, the express bus from Seoul is the most straightforward and efficient travel method.