Gwongeumseong Fortress

You can reach Gwongeumseong Fortress via a steep mountainside climb, or by taking the Seoraksan Cable Car, which departs close to the Seoraksan National Park main entrance. You can’t prebook cable car tickets and they often sell out, particularly on weekends, so head to the cable car station early if you hope to book a ride for that day. Gwongeumseong Fortress often features on hiking tours of Seoraksan National Park, many of which depart from Seoul.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes even if you’re taking the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress as there’s still a 5–10 walk once you reach the top.

• There are a handful of cafés and restaurants scattered around the park, where hot drinks and snacks are available to buy.

• If you’re embarking on longer hikes, be aware that temperatures can get cooler as you climb higher, so take plenty of water and extra layers.

• It costs 15,000 won for a round-trip ride on the cable car for adults, with lower pricing for children.

• The cable car is wheelchair accessible—a different entrance is available for wheelchair users via an elevator.

From Seoul, Seoraksan National Park is a 3-hour drive. You can also take a public bus from Seoul to the city of Sokcho, which serves as the gateway to the park. From there, take bus number 7 to the Seoraksan parking lot, located right beside the Seoraksan Cable Car.

Seoraksan Cable Car opening hours vary by day and season, so it’s best to check its website the day before visiting to confirm times. It can also close due to strong winds, which can be common in this part of the park. If you’re planning on hiking to Gwongeumseong Fortress and don’t plan to use the cable car, the park is typically open from morning until early evening year-round.

Seoraksan National Park is home to many natural wonders, including Heundeul Bawi, a giant boulder perched on a ledge; the soaring granite cliff of Ulsanbawi, more than 2,624 feet (800 meters) high; and the giant bronze Buddha statue, Tongil Daebul.