Location: Sokcho
Top Things to do in Sokcho
What to do and see in Sokcho, Gangwon-do: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Sokcho (속초; (Korean pronunciation: [sok̚.tɕʰo])) is a city in Gangwon-do province, South Korea. It is located in the far northeast of Gangwon-do. Lying north of the 38th parallel, the city belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War, when the dividing line between the two Korean states was officially altered. Abai Maeul was originally set up as an area to house North Korean refugees in Sokcho due to the separation of the two Koreas. Consequently, many of the population have relatives in North Korea. Today, Sokcho receives a number of tourists attracted by the closeness to the DMZ. The city is also a well-known gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park.
Restaurants in Sokcho
1. Seoraksan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,014 reviews
Reviewed By Kendramcc - Hove, United Kingdom
My daughter and I visited Seoraksan as part of a month long trip around South Korea. We stayed in Sokcho-si for 3 nights and this proved to be an excellent choice as a local number 7 or 7-1 bus takes you into the gates of the National Park for 1250₩ The park has multiple routes and trails you can follow of varying distances and heights to climb. There is a cable car to one of the peaks but we opted for a 3km climb (mostly steps but initially there are rocky paths to clamber up) to Towangseongpokpo. The MOST STUNNING views when I finally made it to the top! My daughter danced on ahead like it was no effort ???? I’ve attached a few pictures - if you are visiting South Korea and are able to squeeze in a day trip to Seoraksan, I promise it will be worth it!
2. Gwongeumseong Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalTraRip
An excellent view and terrific photo opportunity. Arrive early to avoid the congestion of others. Cable car tickets must be purchased on site the day of use and the earlier the better.
3. Ulsanbawi Rock
4. Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By cu3974 - Singapore, Singapore
A great place to spend a spare hour or less. Go on a clear day, or better still at sunrise! Lovely 360deg views from the top. Climb is not too severe and child friendly.
5. Sinheungsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By W3271DAdaniell
This was really beautiful temple, one of the most I have ever seen! Not crowded, nice and calm place for meditation.
6. Biseondae Rocks
7. Sokcho Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By banglee - Torquay, United Kingdom
There was designated car park for visitors and discount vouchers were given by many shops inside of market. We end up paying 1/3 of original parking fee. We bought famous sweet and spicy fried chicken from shop called 'manseok'. It is a must eat food. Crabs are quite expensive at restaurants there but there was one stall where you can buy 3 crabs with fried rice cooked in its shell. It was a bargain! Only 20,000 won. They cut into pieces so that it is easy for us to eat. So you won't need any tools when you take away. It was delicious. You can find many local food such as hoteok( pancake with melted black sugar inside), squid sundae( local delicacy similar to black pudding), dried seafood and seaweed(you can try) ....so many more. There was e-mart(local supermarket) as well and we bought local beer and makoli(cloudy sweet rice wine). I recommend sokcho makoli. We tried makoli made from corn, mulberry but liked the traditional one without any flavour. We enjoyed our time there and brought back so much food back to hotel. You won't regret!
8. Cheongcho Lake
9. Yeonggeumjeong
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Onn11 - Jurong, Singapore
I visited this attraction in end October. Good to check out the sunrise timing in Sokcho before planning your visit here. If you are coming in autumn, good to reach here by 6.30am latest so that you get a good standing space to catch sunrise, before hordes of tourists coming in tour buses reach the pavilion. There are two pavilions in this area, one perched on the top of a rock surface, while the other stretching out a few metres into the sea. Either are great for catching sunrise. Alternatively, if it gets too crowded, head to the right side of the pavilions, beside the port and small eating places; there is a short walking path. While there are fishing boats in the distance, you'll still catch a magnificent view of the sun coming out from the horizon. A great place to visit in the early morning, especially if you stay near the inter-city bus terminal.
