Sokcho
Sokcho, South Korea, is a charming coastal city known for its natural beauty, including the renowned Seoraksan National Park, scenic beaches, and a variety of fresh seafood dishes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sokcho, South Korea, largely depends on what you want to do.
Spring (April to June): This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for hiking in Seoraksan National Park. The cherry blossoms in April also make for stunning scenery.
Autumn (September to November): This is another excellent time to visit for hiking, as the autumn foliage in Seoraksan National Park is truly breathtaking. The temperatures are cool and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer (July to August): If you're more interested in the beach, then summer is the best time to visit as the weather is warm and perfect for swimming and sunbathing. But it's also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds.
Winter (December to February): Winters are cold and can be snowy, offering a different perspective on the city's scenery, particularly Seoraksan National Park which looks magical under a layer of snow.
How to Get There
Getting to Sokcho, South Korea, can be achieved in several ways depending on your point of origin:
By Bus: From Seoul, the most common way to reach Sokcho is by bus from the East Seoul Bus Terminal (Dong Seoul). The journey typically takes around 2.5 - 3 hours. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
By Car: If you are driving, Sokcho can be reached via the Yeongdong Expressway and the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway. However, keep in mind that driving in South Korea can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the local traffic rules and conditions.
By Train: Although there's no direct train to Sokcho, you can take a train to Gangneung from Seoul and then transfer to a bus to Sokcho. The KTX (Korea Train Express) operates a service from Seoul to Gangneung, and the bus journey from Gangneung to Sokcho takes about 1 hour.
By Air: The closest airport to Sokcho is Yangyang International Airport, about 25 km away. However, there are limited domestic flights to this airport and no direct international flights. Most visitors fly into Incheon or Gimpo airport in Seoul and then travel to Sokcho by bus or car.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Sokcho, South Korea
Top 10 Attractions in Sokcho
Sokcho is a delightful destination that offers a mixture of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the top attractions in Sokcho:
Seoraksan National Park: One of the most famous national parks in South Korea, known for its stunning autumn foliage, winter snowscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Sokcho Beach: A beautiful sandy beach that attracts visitors with its clear waters, white sand, and nearby amenities. It's particularly popular during the summer.
Abai Village: A unique cultural area inhabited by North Korean refugees from the Korean War. You can get there by taking a short ride on the "gaetbae" boat. It's also famous for its delicious Sundae (Korean sausage).
Sinheungsa Temple: Located in Seoraksan National Park, this Buddhist temple offers serene surroundings and is home to a giant bronze Buddha statue known as the Great Unification Buddha.
Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory: A great place to enjoy panoramic views of the city, the beach, and the sea.
Cheoksan Hot Springs: These natural hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties. It's a great place to relax after a day of hiking in Seoraksan National Park.
Yeonhabgul Cave: Located within Seoraksan National Park, this limestone cave is a beautiful spectacle to explore.
Sokcho City Museum & Displaced Civilians Folk Village: A great place to learn about the history of Sokcho, its people, and their way of life during the Korean War.
Sokcho Central Market: This market is a great place to sample local seafood and other regional specialties.
Bongpo Beach: Located near Sokcho, it's famous for its "mulhoe" (raw fish soup) street where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a beautiful sea view.
Top 10 Activities to do in Sokcho
Sokcho offers a variety of activities for tourists, from exploring nature to enjoying local food. Here are some top activities to consider:
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park: This park offers numerous trails for all levels of hikers, with the opportunity to see waterfalls, temples, and wildlife.
Relax at Sokcho Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear waters, or enjoying water sports.
Ride the Seorak Cable Car: Get a bird's eye view of the magnificent Seoraksan National Park. The cable car leads to a point where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Explore Abai Village: Take a traditional "gaetbae" boat to this unique village. Try the local specialty, Abai Sundae (a type of Korean sausage), while you're there.
Visit Sinheungsa Temple: Experience tranquility and learn about Korean Buddhist culture at this ancient temple.
Visit Local Markets: Explore Sokcho Central Market or Jungang Market to try local delicacies, especially fresh seafood.
Soak in Cheoksan Hot Spring: Relax and rejuvenate in these hot springs, which are known for their therapeutic properties.
Visit the Teddy Bear Farm: This attraction is a favorite among families. The farm features a variety of teddy bears posed in different scenes.
Explore Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion: It's a beautiful spot known for its unique rock formations and fantastic sea views. It's especially beautiful at sunrise.
Try Local Cuisine: Sokcho is known for its fresh seafood. You can also try other local specialties like Dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy chicken), and Memil-buchimgae (buckwheat pancake).
Best Shopping
Sokcho offers several shopping experiences, from traditional markets to more modern shopping centers. Here are some top spots for shopping:
Sokcho Central Market: This is one of the largest markets in the city. You'll find a wide variety of goods, from fresh seafood and local produce to clothes and souvenirs.
Jungang Market: Another traditional market in Sokcho where you can find local delicacies and fresh food items. The market is especially known for its squid sundae (a type of Korean sausage).
Abai Village: This area is famous for its sundae town. It's a great place to buy the local specialty, Abai Sundae, to take back home.
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: This market offers a variety of fresh seafood. There's a section of the market where you can buy seafood and have it cooked on the spot at one of the restaurants upstairs.
Rodeo Street: Located near Sokcho Beach, this street is filled with various clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes. It's a good place to shop for beachwear and casual clothing.
Dongbu Market: This market offers a variety of items, including food, clothes, and everyday goods. It's a good place to experience local shopping culture.
Seorak Plaza Country Club: If you're into golf, this place offers a variety of golf equipment and clothing.
In South Korea, haggling is generally accepted in traditional markets, but not in shopping malls or standard stores.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Sokcho's nightlife might not be as vibrant as Seoul's, but it still has plenty to offer. Here are a few ways to enjoy the city after dark:
Night Market: The Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is a great place to start your evening. Here, you can have a seafood feast and explore the various food stalls offering local delicacies. It's a food paradise for seafood lovers.
Rodeo Street: Located near Sokcho Beach, Rodeo Street comes alive in the evening with its restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can enjoy a drink, grab a bite, and shop around.
Bars and Pubs: There are numerous local bars and pubs where you can try local drinks like soju and makgeolli, as well as international beverages.
Sokcho Beach: A stroll along Sokcho Beach at night can be quite relaxing. Some parts of the beach are lit up, making it a romantic spot for couples.
Casino: If you're interested in gambling, try visiting the Kangwon Land Casino, the only casino in South Korea where locals and foreigners can gamble together.
Night Hiking: Some trails in Seoraksan National Park are open for night hiking. It's a unique experience but should only be undertaken by experienced hikers and with proper preparation.
Live Music: Some bars and restaurants feature live music, providing an opportunity to unwind and experience the local music scene.
Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory: Visit the lighthouse in the evening to enjoy beautiful views of the city's nightscape.
Local Cuisine
Sokcho's local cuisine reflects its coastal location and the rich natural resources of the surrounding area. Here are some dishes and food items that are popular or unique to Sokcho:
Ojingeo Sundae: This is a local variation of sundae, a type of Korean sausage. In Sokcho, it’s made with squid (ojingeo) which is stuffed with various ingredients such as glass noodles, vegetables, and squid tentacles.
Seafood: Being a coastal city, Sokcho offers a plethora of fresh seafood. Some popular options include crab, prawns, clams, and various kinds of fish. You can try these at the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.
Dakgangjeong: This is a Korean fried chicken dish that is sweet, spicy and crispy. It’s a popular street food and can be found at various stalls and restaurants.
Abai Sundae: This is another version of sundae, which is more traditional, and can be found in Abai Village. It is generally made from a mixture of noodles, blood, and minced meat, which is stuffed into an intestine casing and steamed.
Mulhoe: A cold, spicy raw fish soup that’s popular in Sokcho, especially during the summer. It consists of raw fish slices in a chilled broth with various vegetables and seasonings.
Haemul Pajeon: A type of Korean pancake made with seafood and green onions. It’s a popular snack or appetizer, often enjoyed with makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Naengmyeon: Cold noodles served in a tangy iced broth, often with the addition of raw fish, vegetables, and a boiled egg. It's particularly popular in the summer months.
Bibimbap: While this dish is served all over Korea, Sokcho’s version often includes locally sourced ingredients such as seafood.
Grilled Shellfish: A simple dish where various shellfish are grilled and served with dipping sauces. This dish is especially good when the shellfish is fresh.
Accommodations
Choosing the best area to stay in Sokcho depends on your preferences and what you plan to do during your visit. Here are some recommended areas:
Downtown Sokcho (Jungang-dong): Staying downtown will put you in close proximity to many restaurants, shops, and the Sokcho City Museum. It's a lively area and gives easy access to public transportation.
Near Sokcho Beach: This area is ideal for those who wish to enjoy beach activities. The nearby Rodeo Street is also a hub for shopping and food.
Seoraksan National Park Area: If you are an outdoor enthusiast planning to spend a lot of time hiking and exploring the park, staying in a guesthouse or hotel near the park is a good idea.
Near Express Bus Terminal: If you plan to travel around the region, staying near the terminal can be a good choice for the convenience of catching early morning or late-night buses.
Abai Village: This area provides a unique cultural experience and is close to the sea. There are several accommodation options in the village, ranging from guesthouses to more modern hotels.
