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7-9 Days Korea Autumn Itinerary
Day-by-Day Autumn travel itinerary to Seoul and Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho City) in South Korea. Guide to best places to visit, eat, stay, scenic hiking courses and getting around using public transport.
🍂Korea Autumn Tips:
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Recommended travel dates: end October to mid November.
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Plan for overnight stay outside Seoul (recommended)
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Weather forecast: Maximum and Minimum Temperature
Itinerary Highlights
Before Departure
1. Recommended Activities, Tours & Tickets to pre-purchase before trip
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Important Notes:
🚌Intercity Express Bus Ticket from Seoul to Sokcho
It is highly recommended to pre-purchase your express bus ticket (Seoul to Sokcho) online on Klook as it is peak autumn foliage season to Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho City. You can choose your preferred departure date, bus timing & seat selection with instant e-ticketing & QR code boarding.
![[Incheon Airport] Airport Limousine Bus Ticket (One-way/Round-trip)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0505b9_d7d6bd3873ae4f79b6ee1dd30bdef6fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_217,h_173,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/N%20Seoul%20Tower%20-%20Small%204%20-%20bright.jpg)
2. Recommended SEOUL Hotel Location:
Anywhere near Myeongdong Station, preferably on the same side of the road as 'Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 1' (i.e. 2 mins walk to airport limousine bus drop off/pick up bus stop, near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station)
3. Recommended Stays at SOKCHO:
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Please book your accommodation (2 nights recommended) early during the peak autumn season as there are limited accommodations near Seoraksan National Park's entrance.
Kensington Hotel Seorak is the nearest hotel, surrounded in nature with 5 mins walk to Seoraksan National Park's Seorakdong Entrance. The hotel is particularly good if you are going to spend some time hiking as you can skip the early morning and late afternoon heavy traffic to/from the park during the peak autumn foliage season.
(travel guide will base from this hotel / 5 mins walk to park's entrance)
If you can't find your preferred accommodation near to Seoraksan National Park, you may wish to consider staying at Sokcho City Center instead. It is nearer to the bus terminals and other attractions in Sokcho.
4. Download Mobile Apps
a) Korea Subway Info App - Metroid HD (Google Play only)
b) Location/Walking Direction Map - KakaoMap (Apple Store | Google Play) or Naver Map (Apple Store | Google Play)
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul / Hotel Check in / Bukchon Hanok Village / Seoul Palaces / Myeongdong
At Incheon Airport - Arrival Hall (public area after collecting luggage)
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Pick up your pre-purchased WIFI Router/SIM Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).
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Pick up your pre-purchased T-money Card at Incheon Airport (where applicable).
(This is a very convenient cashless payment card that can be used on airport limousine buses, city buses, taxis, subways & convenience stores. Top up at any convenience stores or subway stations. More details...)
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Exchange your pre-purchased Incheon Airport Limousine Mobile Voucher for physical ticket at Incheon Airport (where applicable).
Take Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon Airport (T1/T2) to City (i.e. Myeongdong Station Bus Stop)
Bus #: 6015
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins
Fare: ₩17,000
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No reservation required. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.
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If pre-departure purchase is not done online, you can purchase the bus ticket at counters/machines outside arrival hall (T1, 1F) or bus waiting area (T2, B1).
Departing from T1 to Myeongdong Station:
First Bus 05:49 | Last Bus 23:19
Walk outside of arrival hall (1F) at Gate 5, look for Bus #6015 to Myeongdong at bus platform 5B.
Notes:
Refer to Incheon International Airport official website on the latest bus information & schedule.
Alternative ways to get to Myeongdong from Incheon International Airport:
a) book your Private Airport Transfer by Car OR
b) take the non-stop AREX Airport Railroad express train from Incheon Int'l Airport direct to Seoul Station (Terminal 1 - 43 mins / Terminal 2 - 51 mins, ₩11,500) and transfer to Seoul Subway for Myeongdong Station (line 4, 3 mins, 2 stops, ₩1,550). Luggage carrying up/down the stairs might be required. There are taxi stands outside Seoul Station too.
Departing from T2 to Myeongdong Station:
First Bus 05:29 | Last Bus 22:59
Go to Basement 1 for platform No. 28
Check in to your accommodation booked after alighting from Airport Limousine Bus at Myeongdong Station stop.
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Anguk Station (line 3, 14 mins, 1 transfer, exit 1/2/3). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Once you step out of Anguk Station, you can see rows of tall ginkgo trees in their golden autumn magnificence lining the roads beautifully from Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace to Seochon Hanok Village.
A great way to start your first day in Seoul is food! There are many fabulous bakery cafes, restaurants and pubs around Anguk Station. If you are on early flights arrival to Seoul, there are cafes (e.g. Onion, London Bagel Museum, Cafe Layered) that open as early as 7 - 8am.
💡You may like to check out the list of recommended cafes/restaurants at Bukchon Hanok Village to know which exit to take from Anguk Station.
After your meal and walk around Bukchon Hanok Village, you can visit either of these 2 nearby popular palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden) in Seoul with gorgeous autumn foliage.
💡The nearest subway station from Gyeongbokgung Palace back to your hotel in Myeongdong is Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3).
If you have been to these 2 palaces, check out this hidden gem palace, Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station. Take the subway from Anguk Station to City Hall Station (line 1/2, 1 line transfer, exit 1). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Anguk Station (line 3, exit 1). 12 mins walk
Anguk Station (line 3, exit 3). 6 mins walk.
2 mins walk from City Hall Station (exit 1) to Deoksugung Palace.
Compared to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden, Deoksugung Palace is much smaller but it is particularly spectacular in autumn. The palace is surrounded in autumn foliage of various colours the moment you walk in.
From Deoksugung Palace, you can use Naver Map or KakaoMap app to walk back to Myeongdong in 12 mins; or take the subway from City Hall Station (line 2) to either Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (same line, exit 5/6, 1 stop) or Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 line transfer, 7 mins) in Myeongdong.
Enjoy the rest of the day shopping and have your dinner at Myeongdong street food or restaurants.
Day 2: Haneul Park / Mangwon Market / Mangridan-gil Street / Mangwon Hangang Park
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to World Cup Stadium Station (line 6, 34 mins, 1 transfer, exit 1). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Using KakaoMap or Naver Map app, turn right on station exit and take a leisure walk round the stadium and cross at the first junction to Haneul Park. 10 mins.
The popular Seoul Silver Grass Festival is held every October at Haneul Park till late at night. Challenge yourself to the 291 stairs up to the sky park or take the easy golf-cart shuttle ride for a minimal fee.
After Haneul Park, walk back to World Cup Stadium Station.
Take the subway from World Cup Stadium Station to Mangwon Station (same line, 2 stops, exit 2).
Upon station's exit, turn right onto 'World Cup-ro 13-gil' and walk towards Mangwon Market located on your right, 5 mins. You will pass by many large fruit stores along the way.
Check out the many famous food at Mangwon Market, the trending traditional market in Seoul. Some stores have proper seating areas like the popular Wooyirak Mangwon.
After visiting Mangwon Market, walk back to its entrance and turn right onto World Cup-ro 13-gil.
Around Mangwon Market, there are many famous bakeries, dessert shops and prop stores that you can explore further.
If you still have energy, you can walk (16 mins) towards Mangwon Hangang Park for its beautiful sunset, picnic at the park from the food purchased at/near Mangwon Market, chill at the river view Starbucks, visit Seoul Battleship Park, try out Hangang Ramen or enjoy the scenic duck boat ride on Han River.
After visiting Mangwon, walk back to Mangwon Station.
Take the subway back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 transfer, 20 mins). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the train lines and transfer station.
Day 3: Seoraksan National Park / Daepo Port
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Express Bus Terminal Station (line 3/7/9, 22 mins, 1 transfer, exit 1). Follow the sign to Express Bus Terminal - Gyeongbu Line.
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TIP: If you have some time to spare before your bus departure time, check out the Wholesale Flower Market located on the 3rd floor of the bus terminal building.
Board the intercity express bus to Sokcho 속초 (2.5hrs journey) with the bus ticket purchased.
Upon arrival at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, check in to your hotel and drop off your luggage.
For stay at Kensington Hotel Seorak: Take shuttle Bus# 7/7-1 across the road from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and drop off at Kensington Hotel 켄싱턴호텔 stop (2nd last stop, 22 mins) or Taxi (19 mins). Use KakaoMap or NaverMap app where required.
Exit from Kinsington Hotel Seorak after check in, turn right at the main road (i.e. Seoraksan-ro) just outside the hotel and walk along the road towards Seoraksan National Park (Seorakdong Entrance), 5 mins.
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It might be best to check out the hiking trails at Seoraksan National Park and decide which are the possible courses (easy-advanced, scenery & available time) that you may like to do prior to your visit.
Spend your day walking/hiking at Seoraksan National Park. Lunch at the park. You may also try your luck to see if you can secure the scenic and must-try cable car ride for the day.
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After the walk at Seoraksan National Park, spend the rest of the day at Kensington Hotel Seorak and dinner at hotel; or walk 26 mins (/1 bus stop away on Bus# 7/7-1) along the main road (i.e. Seoraksan-ro, left of hotel) to nearby restaurants/convenience store, enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery along the way.
Alternately, you can hop on Bus# 7/7-1 to the nearest Daepo Port with numerous food options. Get off at Daepo Port Entrance 대포항입구 stop (17 mins ride) and walk to Daepo Port (1 min walk). Use KakaoMap or NaverMap app where required.
Daepo Port is a popular tourist destination for its countless restaurants surrounding the circular-shaped port, including Daepohangwonjo Fried Food Alley and Daepohang Fish Market (alleys of live seafood & restaurants). After your meal, you can take a walk around the port and get on Daepohang Overhead Walkway (bridge) too.
After visiting Daepo Port, take Bus# 7/7-1 back to Kensington Hotel Seorak.
Check Seorak Cable Car starting time for the next day. Plan to start your next day early (if possible) especially for the cable car ride during peak autumn season.
Day 4: Seoraksan National Park / Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market / Yeongnang Coastal Road Walking Course
Get to Seoraksan National Park early in the morning and hopefully to beat the crowd to Seorak Cable Car ride.
Take Seorak Cable Car to enjoy the spectacular autumn of Seoraksan Mountain. The ride will take you to Gwongeumseong Fortress Platform (700m) with observatory deck. You can take a 10 mins walk to Bonghwadae summit and/or 5 mins walk down to Anrakarm Temple with a 800-year-old Muhaksong Pine Tree.
Walk from Seorak Cable Car Station (base) to Sinheungsa Temple, 10 mins.
Visit Sinheungsa Temple, founded during Silla Dynasty with the largest bronze sitting Buddha statue, 'Unification Buddha' in Korea.
After completing your visit at Seoraksan National Park, walk back to the bus stop.
Take Bus# 7/7-1 (get off at Gaetbae Entrance 갓배입구 stop, 36 mins ride & 1 min walk) or Taxi (23 mins) to Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market. Use KakaoMap or NaverMap app where required.
The market is listed as the 'Best Traditional Markets for Foreign Tourists' by Korea Tourism Organisation. You can have seafood lunch at any of the basement restaurants or check out its popular Korean Fried Chicken in the market.
Walk back to the bus stop you have dropped off earlier.
Take Bus# 7/9 (get off at Yeonggeumjeong Entrance 영금정입구 stop, 4 mins ride) and walk 9 mins along Yeonggeumjeong-ro towards Yeonggeumjeong Sunrise Pavilion; or take a Taxi (7 mins ride). Use KakaoMap or NaverMap app where required.
You can visit several popular attractions within easy walking distance to each other at Yeongnang Coastal Road. Also, you can check out the many fabulous ocean view cafes and restaurants in the area.
💡Night lighting is available at the two Yeonggeumjeong Pavilions.
💡Dongmyeong Port Live Fish Center opens till late at 21:00.
From your whereabouts, use KakaoMap or Naver Map app, take the bus back to your hotel or grab a taxi back.
Day 5: Sokcho Beach / Oeongchi Beach / Oeongchi Coastal Trail / Oeongchi Port / Oeongchi Live Fish Center
Check out Kensington Hotel Seorak. Take Bus# 7/7-1 (22 mins ride) or Taxi (19 mins ride) to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and store your luggage in the locker. Use KakaoMap or NaverMap app where required.
Walk along the main road in front of Sokcho Express Bus Terminal towards Sokcho Beach, 6 mins.
Sokcho Beach is the iconic beach of Sokcho City, together with Sokcho Eye (ferris wheel). There are several interesting photo zones at Sokcho Beach which is also connected to the quieter Oeongchi Beach.
At the end of Oeongchi Beach, you will come across the entrance to Oeongchi Badahyanggiro Coastal Trail. It is a scenic coastal trail (<1km) of 4 different themed sections built primarily on raised wooden-deck.
As you exit the coastal walk, you will come across rows of raw fish restaurants at Oeongchi Port. You can have a meal with local vibes here before heading back to the bus terminal.
You can walk to the bus stop at the main road (i.e. Donghae-daero, bus stop Daepo Pass/Daeppo Agricultural & Industrial Complex Entrance 대포고개/대포농공단지입구, 14 mins walk) and take Bus# 1, 1-1, 1-2, 7, 7-1, 9, 9-1 (4 mins ride, 2 stops) back to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (bus stop Express Bus Terminal 고속버스터미널). Taxi ride from port is 4 mins. Use KakaoMap or Naver Map app if required.
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Alternatively, if you have not visited Daepo Port yet, you can walk along Daepohang-gil, passing the tall multi-building hotel (i.e. Cassia Sokcho) to Daepo Port (12 mins walk). Daepo Port is a well-developed port and tourist destination with numerous dining options (i.e. restaurants, fish market & fried food alley).
From there, it is a short 1 min walk to the bus stop (i.e. Daepo Port Entrance 대포항입구) for Bus# 1, 1-1, 1-2, 7, 7-1, 9, 9-1 (6 mins ride, 3 stops) back to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (bus stop 고속버스터미널 Express Bus Terminal). Use KakaoMap or Naver Map app where required.
After alighting at Express Bus Terminal bus stop, walk back from where the bus came from towards Sokcho Express Bus Terminal on the same side of the road, 3 mins walk.
Take the intercity bus back to Seoul.
TIP: Check with the ticketing counter if you need to change your ticket for an earlier bus back to Seoul.
Upon arrival in Seoul, take the subway from Express Bus Terminal Station back to Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 transfer, 22 mins). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Dinner at Myeongdong.
Day 6: Seoul Grand Park / Seoul Zoo
Take the subway from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Grand Park Station (same line - line 4, 30 mins, exit 2 arriving directly at the park).
Located so near to Seoul city center and yet you will be surprised by the nature surrounding the moment you step out of the subway station. You can get around Seoul Grand Park easily by walking, taking the elephant tram ride or scenic sky lift ride (must-try) across the lake/zoo.
The park encompasses many interesting and fun attractions, including Seoul Zoo (the largest zoo in Korea), Children's Zoo (for fans of the lovely alpacas), Seoul Land (theme park) and easy Zoo/Forest Hiking Trails.
Take the subway from Seoul Grand Park Station to Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1/3/5, 1 transfer, 45 mins, exit 4/6). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Ikseondong Hanok Village is one of the hottest place in Seoul. You can find many chic cafes, restaurants, pubs and dessert stores. Nearer to the subway station, there are many BBQ restaurants too.
Hidden in the alleys, you can explore the unique boutique fashion/accessory stores, traditional rice cake gift set store, self-photo store, shooting range, etc.
After the walk, you can take the subway back to your hotel at Myeongdong Station (line 4, 1 transfer, 14 mins). Use Naver Map or MetroidHD app for the applicable train lines and transfer station.
Day 7-8: Day Trip from Seoul
1. Recommended AUTUMN Day Tours from Seoul
Day before departure: Last Minute Shopping / Autumn Foliage Chase
1. Complete your last minute shopping
2. or Check out more Autumn Foliage Places near to Myeongdong
Last Day: Getting to Airport...
Take the Airport Limousine Bus, #6015 (or #6001) from the same drop off stop (Myeongdong Station) to Incheon Airport (T1/T2)
Bus stop location: near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station & right in front of KB Bank.
Interval: 2-6 departures per hour
Duration: 80 mins (T1) / 90 mins (T2)
Fare: ₩17,000
No reservation required. Payment by T-money Card (recommended) or cash. Just join the queue and it is free seating on board.
First bus 04:30 | Last Bus 20:03 (refer to the information at airportlimousine.co.kr or bus stop for the latest schedule)
Alternatively, you can book on a private car transfer to Airport as well.
❀SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS❀ Handpicked Experiences
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