Sokcho·Gangneung East Sea 2N3D
Seoraksan & Coastal Drive
Mountains, beaches, sunrise & fresh seafood along Korea's East Coast · 2 nights 3 days
Last updated: 2026.06.07
Korea's East Sea coast offers dramatic mountain scenery, pristine beaches, and fresh seafood in a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. This 2-night 3-day route links Sokcho (gateway to Seoraksan) and Gangneung (home of Jeongdongjin sunrise and Gyeongpo Beach) for a classic Korean road trip.
1Day 1 — Sokcho & Seoraksan
- Express bus from Seoul Dong Seoul Terminal to Sokcho: about 2.5 hours, ₩15,000.
- Seoraksan National Park: Take the cable car (Seorak Cable Car) to the summit ridge for panoramic mountain views, or hike the Biryong Falls trail (1 hr round trip) through granite gorges.
- Sinheungsa Temple: A 1,400-year-old temple at the base of Seoraksan, flanked by a 15 m bronze Buddha statue.
- Sokcho Beach & Abai Village: Try the local specialty — ojingeo-sundae (squid stuffed with vegetables and noodles) at Abai Village, accessible by hand-pulled ferry.
2Day 2 — Gangneung & Jeongdongjin
- Jeongdongjin: Korea's most famous sunrise spot — the train station is the closest to the sea in the world. The Hourglass Park and retro cruise ship hotel (Sun Cruise Resort) create an otherworldly scene.
- Gyeongpo Beach & Lake: A 6 km beach backed by a freshwater lagoon. The Gyeongpo Beach promenade is lined with seafood restaurants serving grilled hairtail and raw fish.
- Gangneung Jungang Market: Famous for its coffee culture (Gangneung is Korea's coffee capital) and fresh potato tteok (rice cakes). The alleyways are packed with specialty coffee roasters.
3Day 3 — Return to Seoul
- KTX from Gangneung Station to Seoul Cheongnyangni: 1 hour 50 minutes, ₩27,600.
- Last sightseeing: Ojukheon (birthplace of Korean scholar Yulgok and artist Shin Saimdang — featured on the ₩50,000 bill).
- Arrival back in Seoul by early afternoon — enough time to catch a connecting flight from Incheon.
💡 East Sea Coast Tips
Rent a car for maximum flexibility along the coast — the Coastal Road between Sokcho and Gangneung (Route 7) is one of Korea's most scenic drives. Autumn (September–November) is the best time for Seoraksan foliage; winter brings dramatic snow-capped peaks.