Sokcho Mayor Lee Byung-sun has taken an active role in improving traffic and pedestrian conditions along the access route to Seoraksan.
The city signed an MOU with relevant agencies and organizations on Friday to coordinate traffic information sharing, vehicle control and parking guidance. On top of that seasonal field response, the city is pursuing medium- and long-term projects to upgrade roads and trails.
The road-widening project Sokcho is advancing would expand a roughly 1.6-kilometer stretch from the Seoraksan National Park office to the entrance of Sopa-ro Small Park, broadening the roadway from 8 meters to 12 meters.
The project focuses on easing traffic congestion during peak seasons and securing enough space for emergency vehicles — including ambulances and fire trucks — to move quickly even when traffic is backed up.
To replace the existing pedestrian path that will be removed by the road widening, the Korea National Park Service plans to build a 1.3-kilometer, 3-meter-wide trail along the Ssangcheon stream near 227 Seorakdong. The new trail is designed to provide a safe walking space while offering visitors a place to rest and take in the natural scenery of the stream and Seoraksan.
Planners are considering a rest area with views of Towangseong Falls and a treetop walkway. A walking route that allows visitors to view the three-story stone pagoda at the Hyangseongsa temple site from multiple angles is also being planned. The trail is set to break ground in 2027 after completing design and permitting procedures, with a target completion date of December 2028.
Both project sites fall within a national park and a water source protection zone, and are located near cultural heritage sites. Sokcho city and the Korea National Park Service said they will carefully assess the impact on the natural environment and cultural heritage, and coordinate design, permitting and construction schedules to minimize inconvenience for residents and tourists.
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