Accomodation near Seoraksan

Hi,

I'm planning to do some hiking in Seoraksan next week, and I'm looking for some advise on accomodation options. I'm looking at staying somewhere that is relatively inexpensive, with easy access to transportation to and from the park.

Thanks!

I know that there is a hostel at the eastern entrance to the park, perhaps your best bet.

Otherwise, check out the Sokcho city homepage.

The above poster is right, theres a big hostel not far from the park entrance. The impression I get though is it caters mostly to large Korean groups. I think you'd be more comfortable for a few extra won in a motel. You'll be coming between peak seasons (summer beach & fall colors) so rates should be reasonable right now -- 35 or 40000 won.

There are numerous motels in Seeorak-dong by the hostel but you might do better to get a room near the express bus terminal in Sokcho -- newer with nicer amenities & near the beach too. Walk 5 or 10 minutes towards downtown from the terminal & you'll see a cluster of them in Expo Park.

Access to the mountain is easy from anywhere in Sokcho. Buses 7 & 7-1 run south along the main street every 15 minutes or so, take about 20 minutes to reach their terminus at the park entrance, & cost 1000 won.

Happy hiking.

Thanks Nate23 and persimmon--that brings me to my next question--what is the best way to get to Sokcho from Seoul? It looks like the nearest trains stations are Chuncheon or Gangneung, but it looks like train service to those locations are pretty spotty. Is there a bus that goes directly from Seoul, or will I have to transfer from either cities?

Forget the train -- bus is your only option & you have two choices.

Gangnam Express Terminal & Dongseoul Intercity Bus Terminal both have nonstop buses to Sokcho. I prefer Dongseoul Terminal (Gangbyeong Station on the subway) -- cheaper, a bit quicker, more frequent, more scenic, & the buses are just as comfortable. Go in the front door & the Sokcho ticket window is the first one you see on your right & the Sokcho gate is just a few steps further & a bit to your right again. Dead easy.

That'll bring you to the downtown Sokcho terminal. A 3000-won or less taxi ride will get you to the motels I suggested -- ask for motel? Expo Jang? & the driver will oblige.

cheers

Hello~

I am looking at going to Seoraksan March 28-30th and I am having the same trouble as "icklemilly." The one hostel I could find online requires a Hosteling International membership. I extensively searched online for cheap hotels and could only find resorts and 4/5 star hotels. I am looking for cheap and basic accommodation, preferably in the mountains rather then in Sokcho city. I do not know if it is tourist season there and if it is safe to just show up and find cheap accommodation.

Thank you ahead of time for your help.

~Kate