5 Best Road Trips near Yangyang

Seoraksan National Park encompasses a beautiful mountain located 1,5 hours by bus from Yangyang. As South Korea’s most visited national park, it boasts spectacular views, cliffs, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and Buddhist temples. The best way to enjoy the magnificent park is on a hike. Serious hillwalkers can summit Daecheongbong Peak – it’s the highest point on Seoraksan Mountain, at 1,708 metres above sea level. 

Another popular hike is Ulsanbawi. After climbing 900 stairs, you can enjoy views of Sokcho, plus take in Ulsan Peak – a striking rock formation consisting of 6 granite peaks. Don’t feel like huffing and puffing up the mountain? The easiest way to experience the majestic summits of Seoraksan is by riding the air-conditioned cable car.

Sokcho is a charming coastal town 16 km north of Yangyang, with many beautiful beaches, natural hot springs, and great restaurants. Take a ferry along the 50 metre-long waterway to Abai Village for ocean views and delicious local food. The tiny neighbourhood was formed by North Korean refugees of the Korean War. Locals often go to enjoy the famous Abai Sundae – squid stuffed with noodles, tofu, vegetables, and… squid.

Sokcho Beach is a must-see spot. Its clear blue waters, soft white sand and gorgeous surrounding scenery make the beach a wonderful place to visit, no matter the season. To get to Sokcho, you can take an express bus from the Yangyang bus terminal in the city centre.

Woljeongsa Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple complex hidden away in Odaesan National Park. There are over 20 temples, 22 pagodas, and 8 monasteries in the area, plus the Woljeongsa Museum displaying old Buddhist artefacts and treasures. Plan your road trip carefully so that you have enough time to see it all. Temple stays are also available here.

To reach the temple from the car park, you’ll walk for around 1 km through Woljeongsa Fir Forest, one of 3 famous fir forests in South Korea. The romantic forest trail runs along a stream, and the scenery is magnificent in autumn and winter. To get to Woljeongsa from Yangyang, take a bus to Jinbu Station. From there, take bus no. 55 and get off at Woljeongsa stop.

A Yangyang-to-Samcheok coastal drive lets you feel the fresh sea breeze on your face. The scenic, 100-km road trip runs along a gorgeous stretch of coastline that hugs the East Sea. You can stop to enjoy epic viewpoints, pristine pine forests, ports with restaurants serving fresh seafood, and mountain landscapes that transform with seasons.

Spectacular ocean viewpoints include the Gangneung Marine Park Observatory at Sageunjin Beach, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, and Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock. While it’s possible to do the trip by bus, renting a car will be the more convenient option.

Head to the Osaek Hot Springs at the Osaek Greenyard resort for a relaxing and authentic Korean experience. The hot spring's source is 650 metres above sea level, in the mountains of Seoraksan National Park. The water, which is rich in iron, sulphur, and manganese, has many health benefits, including keeping one's skin looking young.

Men and women enjoy the springs in different sections. Each section offers 8 baths with different pH and temperature levels ranging from 24°C to 42°Celcius. The most popular bath at the Osaek Hot Springs is the carbonated hot spring, which is supposed to be excellent for digestion and blood circulation. Note that everyone needs to undress before using the baths.