Day Trip from Seoul to Sokcho by Bus

Planning your South Korea trip and have a free day? Consider going on a day trip from Seoul to Sokcho. This beautiful town is one of the day trips from Seoul easily accessible by express bus!

Just over two hours from the capital, this coastal city is home to the stunning Seoraksan National Park, and it is also a border city to North Korea.

I picked Sokcho specifically to hike Ulsanbawi Peak. I realized a day trip was one of the best options available to save on accommodation costs while still experiencing both the jagged mountains and the deep blue coast.

If you are an active traveler on a budget or a tight schedule, this DIY guide is for you. Here is exactly how to visit Seoraksan National Park and explore Sokcho in a single day.

Part 1: How to Go from Seoul to Sokcho by Bus

Here’s the thing: this entire trip depends on the bus schedule.

While the bus is available throughout the day, the goal is to get there as early as possible to explore Seoraksan National Park, especially if you are aiming to hike Ulsanbawi Peak. 

Since there’s basically zero margin for error, you can’t just show up at the station and hope for the best. If you miss a bus in the morning, it’ll cut your hiking time short.

So, get those tickets secured before you even wake up! You can either get them on the TxBus official website or easily online. 

I got my ticket physically at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal in advance because I wanted to familiarize myself with the Bus Terminal, and thank god I did. 

I was lost for a bit because the place is huge and is connected to 3 different malls – GOTO Mall, Shinsegae, and Central City Complex!

The Route

You’ll be taking the bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line) to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal.

• Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal. You can get there via Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9. Just follow the signs for the “Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line” inside the massive station. (Location on Kakao Map)
• Arrival: Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. This is key—don’t book to the “Intercity” terminal, or you’ll end up further away from the beach and the park. Check the right location here on Kakao Map.

How to Book Your Bus Ticket

Grab your tickets in advance using the T-Money GO app or the Kobus website.

If you have an international credit card, the website can be a bit tricky, so I’d recommend using the app or buying your tickets at the terminal a few days early if you’re already in Seoul. 

Weekend buses sell out fast, so try to book at least 2-3 days ahead.

My “Golden Rule” Tip: Book the Premium Bus (Gold Class).It costs a little more than the standard ‘Excellent’ bus (around 27,000 – 30,000 KRW), but it’s absolutely worth it for a trip like this.

The seats recline almost flat, you get privacy curtains, charging ports, and sometimes even a TV screen. You need to sleep on the way there and back to survive the day. Think of it as your hotel room on wheels—it’s basically a business-class flight!

Part 2: The Day Trip Itinerary & Timeline

To make this work, you should book the 6:00 AM departure from Seoul, with an expected arrival around 8:30 AM in Sokcho.

This will give you a full morning for hiking before the midday heat—and the crowds—set in. If you leave any later than 7:00 AM, you risk running out of daylight or getting stuck in Seoul’s notorious morning traffic, which cuts into your beach time later.

So here is how your day would look for a day trip to Sokcho from Seoul.

05:00 AM: The Early Wake Up

Set your alarm around 5:00 AM. Painful? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. Head over to the Seoul Express Bus Terminal. The subway only opens at 5:30 AM, so get a taxi if your hotel is far from the terminal.

Tip: The terminal is huge and can be confusing when you’re half-asleep. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to find your platform (Gyeongbu Line). Grab some gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) from the convenience store at the station—you’ll need the carbs later!

06:00 AM – 08:30 AM: The Nap (Seoul to Sokcho)

The bus departs at 6:00 AM. It’s a smooth trip, and waking up to see the view shift from gray city blocks to misty green mountains is pretty magical.

Remember I told you about the Premium Bus? Yes, it paid off. It will give you the comfort you need to recline, relax and sleep for the whole ride, getting your legs ready to hike up Ulsanbawi Peak.

Pro Tip: If you are not planning to hike up Ulsanbawi Peak and represent just visiting the grounds of the national park, feel free to depart later if you’d prefer. They do have cable car services at the national park too if you’re short on time!

08:30 AM: Arrival & The Dash to the Park

Once you arrive at the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, make your way to the park by either the local bus or a taxi.

You can take local bus 7 or 7-1 right across the street, using your T-Money card. It takes about 40 minutes and gets crowded. Or, you can hop in a taxi, which takes about 20 minutes. The taxi stand is located right in front of the express bus terminal.

A taxi costs about 15,000 – 20,000 KRW, but saving those 20 minutes is worth every won to beat the crowds. Plus, the taxi drops you closer to the park entrance than the bus stop.

09:00 AM – 01:30 PM: Exploring Seoraksan National Park – Hiking Ulsanbawi

Once you arrive at the grounds of the national park, feel free to roam around and enjoy the fresh air. I went during autumn, and the colours were mesmerising!

09:00 AM: We walked past the massive Bronze Buddha (Sinheungsa Temple). It stands over 14 meters tall and looks so peaceful against the mountains. It’s breathtaking, but we kept moving to beat the crowds to the peak.

09:30 AM: Reached Heundeulbawi (Tottering Rock). This is the halfway point and a relatively easy walk through a shaded forest path. Lots of people stop here to try and push the giant boulder—it rocks back and forth but never falls!

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: The “Stairs of Doom.” The trail turns from a forest walk into a steep cardio workout. The final section is a bunch of metal staircases bolted right into the cliffside.

It’s tough and your legs will burn, but the views get better with every step. Don’t be afraid to pause for a “photo op” just to catch your breath!

11:30 AM: The Summit. Sitting on top of Ulsanbawi is indescribable. You see the jagged peaks behind you and the sparkling East Sea in front of you. The wind can be strong up there, so hold onto your hat!

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM: The descent. Going down is way faster, though it can be hard on the knees! Use the handrails and take your time.

The timing can vary depending on your pace and rhythm. So, take your time here and enjoy the experience and the journey!

Other things you can do at Seoraksan National Park:

• Ride the cable car up to the mountains (See Official Website)
• Explore easier trails with a waterfall, like Towangseong Waterfall Trail
• Relax at the cafe in the national park

01:30 PM – 02:30 PM: The Victory Meal

By the time we got back to the entrance, we were absolutely starving. There’s a row of restaurants right near the ticket office, and the smell of sesame oil and frying pancakes is irresistible.

We ordered Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake), packed with green onions and squid, and Wild Vegetable Bibimbap.

Not sure if it was because we were mad hungry, but it tasted amazing after the hike! Then, have a small bowl of Makgeolli (rice wine), which is the traditional hiker’s finish-line drink! So refreshing!

02:30 PM – 06:30 PM: Sokcho Beach & Market

Here are the things you can explore in the afternoon with your jelly legs:

• Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: The market is buzzing with energy, filled with stalls selling dried fish, squid bread, and deep-fried shrimp. Grab the famous soft, fluffy steamed bread Sul-ppang (Korean rice wine bread) to go before heading back to the bus.

• Abai Village: This is a small village with a deep history. It was settled by North Korean refugees during the Korean War who were waiting to return home but sadly never could. You can reach it by taking a unique “manual pull-ferry” across the water!

• Sokcho Beach: We snapped photos of the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel and dipped our toes in the water. The contrast between the jagged mountain we just climbed and the soft sand beach was surreal. It’s a great spot to just sit and let your legs recover.

Bonus Tip: I found out about the Gangwon Tourist Taxi services when I reached Sokcho. This taxi service allows you to discover Sokcho in just three hours with your own private taxi and driver! It is something you can consider if you’re planning to visit Sokcho but don’t want to deal with navigating public transport.

08:00 PM – 10:30 PM: The Return

Once you are done and ready to head back from Sokcho Beach, walk your way back to the express bus terminal (it’s very close!) and get on the 8:00 PM bus back to Seoul.

You’d probably be fast asleep before you even hit the highway, feeling exhausted but at the same time, incredibly accomplished.

What to Pack for a Day Trip

Since you aren’t checking into a hotel, you have to carry everything with you all day. Keep it light!

• Daypack: A small 20-30L backpack is plenty. You don’t want a heavy bag dragging you down on the stairs.
• Power Bank: Essential. Your phone is your map, camera, and translator, and the long bus ride will drain your battery if you aren’t plugged in. I had two!
• Water & Snacks: Buy water at the park entrance to save weight during the bus ride. Bring chocolate or nuts for that summit energy boost.
• Change of Clothes: A fresh t-shirt and socks for the bus ride home. You will sweat on the hike, and sitting in damp clothes on a bus is uncomfortable and chilly.
• Windbreaker: It gets windy at the peak and chilly in the evening near the coast, no matter the season.

The Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Here is the budget breakdown for a day trip to Sokcho from Seoul. It’s way cheaper than a 2-day trip since there’s no hotel bill!

• Bus Tickets (Round Trip): ~52,000 KRW (Premium)
• Taxis: ~20,000 KRW (Split between 2 people)
• Food & Drink: ~30,000 KRW (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Coffee)
• Park Entrance: Free (National Park entrance fees were recently abolished for major temples, but check current policies before you go!)
• Total: Approx. 100,000 KRW (~$75 USD)

Final Thoughts & Honest Verdict

Doing a day trip from Seoul to Sokcho may sound a little tiring and exhausting, especially when you are doing long hikes at Seoraksan National Park.

On the other hand, you get to experience seeing one of Korea’s most beautiful landscapes without sacrificing 2-3 days of your itinerary while saving money on accommodation, which you can put towards a nicer hotel in Seoul or Busan.

If you do have the time to spend, I’d recommend you to stay a night or two. This gives you ample time to explore the town at your own pace. Plus, Sokcho has a lovely vibe that deserves a slow evening and a sunrise over the ocean.

Also, the view from Ulsanbawi is a memory that will last a lifetime, and the exhaustion fades after a good night’s sleep back in Seoul. Well, the muscle pain stayed for a few days! Hehe.

It was one of the wildest, most rewarding adventures of my entire 14 days in South Korea. Sure, it was physically demanding, but swapping the concrete jungle of Seoul for the dramatic granite peaks of Seoraksan and the salty air of the East Sea was so worth it!

Happy exploring Sokcho and Seoraksan!

• Looking for a hiking alternative inside Seoul? Read my detailed guide to hiking Yeongbong Peak in Bukhansan National Park.