Routes · Asia

Melbourne to Korea's east coast: Sokcho, Seoraksan and Gangneung

Melbourne → Sokcho and Seoraksan → Gangneung

Granite peaks, seafood markets & coffee street Best season (general guide): Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov

Korea's east coast, Gangwon province, is a land of rugged mountains meeting the sea. This route spends four nights in Sokcho, at the foot of Seoraksan, and two in Gangneung. From Melbourne you'll fly to Seoul, then take a bus to the coast.

How to pace it: Spend days one to four in Sokcho and Seoraksan: day one, bus to Sokcho; day two, cable car and Sinheungsa; day three, Ulsanbawi hike; day four, fish market and Abai village. Then spend days five and six in Gangneung: day five, bus to Gangneung, then Ojukheon; day six, Gyeongpodae and the coffee street.

Seoraksan National Park has granite peaks, forested valleys and temples. Sinheungsa, near the park entrance, has a large bronze Buddha, and a cable car climbs to a viewpoint.

Ulsanbawi, a long granite ridge, is reached on a steep trail with stairs. Weekends bring many visitors, so go on a weekday if you can.

Sokcho is a fishing port with a busy seafood market. Abai village, settled by refugees from the north during the Korean War, is reached by a small hand-pulled ferry.

Gangneung, to the south, has pine-backed beaches and a well-known coffee street by the sea. Ojukheon is the birthplace of a famous Joseon-era scholar.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons.

Good to know: Express buses link Seoul and Sokcho, and the KTX reaches Gangneung. Start hikes early to avoid crowds on autumn weekends.

Seoraksan's trails range from flat valley walks to steep climbs, so choose one for each day. The cable car is busy in autumn, so arrive at opening time. Sokcho's market is famous for fried chicken and fresh squid, and seafood restaurants line the harbour. Abai village has small restaurants serving dishes brought by northern refugees, such as squid sundae. In Gangneung, walk along the beach paths through the pines and stop for coffee by the sea. The lake at Gyeongpodae is good for an evening walk. Korea's buses are punctual and comfortable, with reserved seats.

Korea's transport card, T-money, works on buses and in many shops.

Safety: Canada's advice for South Korea is to take normal security precautions (updated 21 August 2026).

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