Opening
This stretch of Korea’s East Coast—anchored by Naksansa Temple and the surrounding cliffs, with a few actual fishing villages most tourists never reach—is worth a day trip if you want to escape Seoul and see something genuinely different. I’ve been up here maybe five or six times now, and I still find reasons to return. That said, it’s not Instagram-perfect, and parts of it can feel touristy depending on when you go.
Getting There
You’ve got two realistic options from Seoul, and they both take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Option 1: Train (Easiest) Take the ITX-Cheongchun or Mugunghwa train from Seoul Station heading toward Gangneung. Get off at Naksan Station. The ITX takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and costs around 18,000 KRW. Mugunghwa is slower (2 hours 40 minutes) but cheaper at 13,000 KRW. From Naksan Station, you’ll need a taxi or bus to reach Naksansa Temple—it’s about 3km away, so taxi is 8,000-10,000 KRW. Most guides skip this detail.
Option 2: Bus (More Flexibility) Express buses leave Seoul’s Sokcho Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station on Line 9) heading to Sokcho. The ride is about 2 hours 45 minutes and costs 17,500 KRW. Sokcho is slightly south of Naksansa, so you’d be coming from the opposite direction. I usually take the train because it’s faster and the station is more central.
Here’s what most guides miss: there’s a local bus (east-west connecting line) that connects Naksansa Temple to the coastal villages further north, but the schedule is erratic. Don’t rely on it. Rent a car if you want to explore multiple spots in one day, or plan on taking several taxis (which adds up to 40,000-50,000 KRW for the day). When I first went, I thought local buses would be convenient. They’re not.
What to Do / See
Naksansa Temple
This is the main attraction, and honestly, it’s worth seeing once. The temple sits on a cliff 80 meters above the ocean, and on clear days, you get actual views. Entry is 3,000 KRW. It opens at 8:00 AM and closes at sunset (around 5:00 PM in winter, 7:00 PM in summer).
Go early. I mean 8:30 AM if you can manage it. By 11:00 AM, tour groups start arriving, and the whole place becomes annoying. The main hall is small, but there’s a walkway along the cliffs that’s worth the trip alone. The Pavilion of Eternal Life (Yeongyangjeon) overlooks the water and is where they filmed some period dramas if you care about that stuff. Most people don’t, and I don’t either.
Real talk: the temple grounds themselves are underwhelming if you’ve seen other Korean temples. What makes it different is the location. That’s it. Spend 45 minutes here maximum, then move on.
Naksansa Beach (Below the Temple)
There’s a beach directly below the temple, accessible by stairs. It’s rocky and small, but it’s genuinely peaceful compared to Seoul. I wouldn’t go specifically for swimming—the water is cold even in summer, and the beach gets crowded with families. Go if you have time after the temple to grab photos and breathe ocean air for 20 minutes.
Sookso Beach (North of Naksansa)
Drive or taxi 15 minutes north from Naksansa. This is where things get more interesting. It’s an actual beach with pebbles and sand, less crowded than the main temple beach. There’s a small parking area (3,000 KRW) and a few restaurants nearby. In my experience, this is where you’ll find older Korean couples and locals rather than tourists. Entry to the beach itself is free. The water is cleaner here, and if you’re visiting in summer, it’s actually swimmable.
Coastal Villages (Gyeongpo and Surroundings)
Drive south from Naksansa toward Gyeongpo Lake. The road hugs the coast, and there are several small fishing villages along the way. Stop at random spots and walk around. You’ll find restaurants serving fresh fish, ajummas selling dried squid, and actual fishermen doing their thing. This isn’t curated for tourism—it’s just Korea’s east coast as it actually exists. There’s no entry fee to wander around, but if you eat, expect to spend 15,000-25,000 KRW per person for a solid meal.
One village spot I visited had a seafood restaurant where I paid 18,000 KRW for the freshest grilled fish I’ve had in Korea. No English menu, no charm offensive—just good food. That’s the whole appeal here.
Gyeongpo Lake
South of the fishing villages, you’ll hit Gyeongpo Lake. It’s a large freshwater lake with a walking path around it. Entry to the park is 5,000 KRW. It’s nice for a walk if you have time, but honestly, it’s not essential. In winter, it’s partially frozen. In summer, it gets crowded. I skip it if I’m short on time.
Where to Eat / Practical Tips
Near Naksansa Temple itself, restaurants charge tourist prices (12,000-15,000 KRW for decent meals). Skip them. Drive down to Sookso Beach or the fishing villages and eat there instead. Prices are the same or cheaper, and the food is noticeably fresher.
Practical advice locals know: Bring a light jacket even in summer. The wind off the ocean is real. The cliffs get slippery after rain—I watched someone almost fall once. Wear shoes with grip. There are no convenience stores near Naksansa itself, so grab snacks and water before arriving. Finally, ATMs in small villages can be finicky, so bring cash.
Honest Take
Go if you want a quick escape from Seoul and don’t mind a modest payoff. The temple is fine, the coast is genuinely nice, and the fishing villages offer something you won’t find in the city. Skip it if you’re short on time or expecting dramatic scenery—there are more impressive coastal areas in Korea. The best time to visit is May or September when the weather is calm and crowds are lighter. Winter is too cold, and summer is too crowded. One thing I wish I’d known: the train is genuinely faster and cheaper than trying to coordinate buses and taxis, especially if you’re going solo. And if you’re making the trip, stay for at least 5-6 hours or it feels rushed.