South Korea's Seoraksan National Park has been granted approval for a cable car project, marking a significant development for the country's outdoor tourism sector.

The cable car will extend 3.3km from the hot spring town of Osaek in the park's southern sector to Kkeutcheong (1,610m), near the highest peak of Daecheongbong (1,708m), attracting avid hikers who gather to watch the sunrise from the East Sea horizon.

The project, which has been in the works since 1982, is set to commence operations in 2026, accommodating 825 passengers per hour to a Y-shaped observation platform equipped with various amenities. The construction cost is projected to exceed US$38 million.

The decision was made by the Ministry of the Environment following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's encouragement to push forward the project. Local governments in Gangwon Province, where the national park is located, are applauding the decision for its potential economic benefits.

A hiking trail in the Osaek area, near the start of the proposed cable car project. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

However, environmental groups have opposed the project, primarily due to its potential impacts on the mountain's flora and fauna, especially the long-tailed goral, an endangered mountain goat, which is the national park's flagship species and a reason the area was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982.

Concerns have also been raised that the decision may lead to similar construction projects at other national parks. In response, the Ministry of the Environment released a statement asserting that such projects would be reviewed following proper procedures and regulations, including environmental impact assessments.

Seoraksan National Park, created in 1970 as the country's fifth preserve, is known for its waterfalls, jagged granite spires, and is one of the top natural attractions in South Korea. The park also features the temple Sinheungsa, with its huge open-air bronze Buddha statue, and Daeheungsa, on the west side of the park, which are both popular for their Templestay programmes.

An older cable car at Seoraksan National Park operates near the main park entrance, affording stunning views of sheer cliffs, walls of sharp peaks, and steep forested slopes, ascending to a mountain fortress 700m above sea level.

A series of cable car projects

Stretching from Yudalsan Mountain to an island off the southern port city, the Mokpo Marine Cable Car was completed in September 2019. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The Osaek cable car project follows a series of ambitious cable car projects in South Korea that have brought visitors to provincial cities. The Chuncheon Samaksan Cable Car, completed in September 2021, carries tourists over Uiamho Lake and high up Samaksan Mountain, boasting transparent floors and standing as the longest cable car in the country at 3.6km.

The Mokpo Marine Cable Car (completed in September 2019) is almost as long, stretching from Yudalsan Mountain to an island off the shore of the southern port city. Over a dozen other cable cars are currently running around the country.