Sokcho starts traffic plan at Seoraksan on 3 October
Published on 10/11/2026 at 06:46 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSKey points in brief
- Sokcho's special traffic plan at Seoraksan National Park runs from 3 October to 8 November 2026.
- The plan allows vehicles to be restricted near Sogongwon when roads and parking areas become congested.
- Visitors directed to B and C district car parks can continue to the park by free shuttle buses during the measures.
Sokcho will run a special traffic plan at Seoraksan National Park from 3 October to 8 November 2026, covering the main autumn visitor period. The measures focus on the Sogongwon entrance, where traffic and parking can be restricted when roads become congested.
The mountain lies across Sokcho, Yangyang, Inje and Goseong in South Korea, with the eastern area around Sokcho forming Oeseorak. Its local name is not used here because the park's official Korean designation is written in a non-Latin script.
Sokcho traffic plan covers Seoraksan National Park from 3 October
The city announced the plan on 2 October 2026 in cooperation with the Sokcho police, the Seoraksan National Park Office, a local drivers' association and Sinheungsa Temple. The plan operates mainly at weekends and on public holidays during the period ending on 8 November 2026.
When the Sogongwon car park or its approach roads become crowded, vehicles can be restricted in stages. Drivers may then be directed to free car parks in districts B and C, while free shuttle buses connect those areas with Sogongwon. Sokcho's traffic plan also includes electronic signs with live traffic and parking information, as well as updates on the cable car's operation and waiting time.
The arrangement changes the first part of a visit rather than closing the mountain. A traveller arriving by car may need to leave it away from the main entrance and continue by shuttle, while vehicles carrying people with mobility needs and vehicles serving accommodation in Seorak-dong can pass after on-site verification.
Seoraksan National Park spreads across four Korean districts
The national park was designated in 1970 as South Korea's fifth national park. It had already been designated a natural monument in 1965, and UNESCO recognised it as a biosphere reserve in 1982.
The park covers 400.027 square kilometres and extends through Sokcho, Yangyang, Inje and Goseong. Its areas are conventionally divided into Naeseorak on the Inje side, Namseorak around Hangyeryeong and Osaek, and Oeseorak in the eastern section.
The official park information lists Daecheongbong as the main summit, alongside Socheongbong, Jungcheongbong and Hwachaebong. It also describes more than 30 high mountain peaks, so the traffic plan relates to a large network of approaches rather than one urban attraction. Official park information places the Sogongwon area within Oeseorak, the eastern section associated with Sokcho.
Visiting Seoraksan National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The special traffic plan runs from 3 October to 8 November 2026, mainly at weekends and on public holidays, around the Sogongwon entrance.
- When the entrance roads or car park are congested, vehicles can be restricted and visitors can be directed to B and C district car parks, with free shuttle buses continuing to Sogongwon.
- Seoraksan National Park is reached from Sokcho in South Korea; the city and the park are connected by local road and public transport, but the traffic plan specifically concerns the Sogongwon approach.
- The park is mountainous, with steep and rocky routes ranging from easy walks to expert trails lasting more than seven hours, according to the national park's trail grading information.
- The official language is Korean and the national currency is the South Korean won.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Seoraksan National Park
When does the traffic plan take place at Seoraksan National Park?
Sokcho's special traffic plan runs from 3 October to 8 November 2026, mainly at weekends and on public holidays.
What changes for visitors at Seoraksan National Park?
Vehicles may be restricted near Sogongwon when roads or parking areas are congested. Visitors may instead use B or C district car parks and continue by free shuttle bus.
Where is Seoraksan National Park and how do you get there?
The park spans four districts in South Korea, including Sokcho. The traffic measures apply to the Sogongwon approach in the eastern section, with local transport and shuttle arrangements varying by visitor route.
