Travel To Sokcho: The Perfect Getaway For Nature Lovers

Often visited for its proximity to the famous Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho offers a range of activities and sights that will also appeal to visitors looking for a gentle escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. If you’re ready to explore one of Korea’s picturesque coastal towns, read on!

Save it for later!

Sokcho in a few words

On the east coast of Korea lies this beautiful, calm and peaceful city, also known as Sokcho. Initially considered part of North Korean territory, it was only after the Korean War that the city became an integral part of the South.

If you’re looking for a trip filled with coastal beauty, good food and authenticity, you absolutely must include Sokcho in your itinerary, even if it’s only for a few days.

Top Sights in Sokcho

1. Unwind on Sokcho beach (속초해수욕장)

Address: Choyang-dong
How to get there: 40-minute walk from the city center

An ideal place to relax and contemplate the beauty of the clear waters, Sokcho Beach is a famous spot where people gather every summer to enjoy their holiday, delicious seafood and swimming of course.

Bear in mind that although the place is very popular during the hot and humid season and you’ll have the chance to watch many shows right on the sand, it can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not the type to like people sitting right next to you, leaving you no room to breathe.

That’s why I advise you to go there out of season, so you can admire the beauty of the beach and its surroundings at your leisure.

2. Walk along the sea at Oeongchi Badahyanggiro Trail (외옹치 바다향기로)

Address: 656-14 Daepo-dong
How to get there: you can start the trail at the beach or at Oeongchi Harbor

Stroll along the wooden path of this scenic coastal trail and admire the East Sea in all its splendor. You’ll also see some remnants of the past with the barbed wire fences still in place, put up during previous armed guerrilla attacks in the 1970s.

Here, the past meets the present with the sea as a backdrop, offering a unique and moving experience.

It is also a popular location for K-dramas, which is not surprising given the tranquillity and beauty of the site.

3. Enjoy the night views of Cheongchoho Lake (청초호)

Address: Cheongho-dong
How to get there: located right in the city center

Full after a hearty meal and want to see the best views of the city at night? This is the place! Liked by locals and tourists alike, Lake Cheongchoho is famous for the enchanting, colourful lights that reflect off the water, making your walk a unique escapade.

Head to the pavilion in the middle of the lake, sit back and relax to the sound of your tranquil surroundings.

4. Hike in Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

Address: 1055 Seoraksan-ro
How to get there: from Sokcho Intercity Bus terminal, take bus 7-1 (설악) for 1 hour and get off at Seoraksan

If you like hiking and adventure, look no further! Remember when I told you that people usually came to Sokcho for Seoraksan? Well, it’s true – some people even make a day trip from Seoul! In other words, this park is a must-see, and when you get the chance to try out one of the many different and wonderful courses for yourself, you’re bound to be seduced too!

There are courses for all levels, so don’t worry, but if you’re up for the challenge, I’d highly recommend the Ulsanbawi Rock route: a little difficult but with a panorama like no other.

5. Observe the waves crash from Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion (영금정)

Address: 43, Yeonggeumjeong-ro
How to get there: 15-minute walk from the Intercity Bus terminal

Pavilions in Sokcho sure hit different! Yeonggeumjeong, perched on a rocky peninsula, offers magnificent views over the East Sea and is also the ideal spot for sunrise!

Its name refers to the sound produced by the geomungo (a Korean six-string-zither-type musical instrument), similar to the crashing of the waves on the rocks. Very lyrical, isn’t it?

6. Visit Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

Address: 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun
How to get there: from the Intercity Bus terminal, take bus 9-1 for 43mn and get off at Naksan temple
Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:30

Looking for a cultural treat? Then a visit to Naksansa is a must! This Buddhist temple, home to a huge Bodhisattva statue, a seven-story pagoda and a host of cultural legacies, all nestled in a wonderful seascape, is sure to appeal to everyone.

And if you want to spend more time to enjoy the charm and peacefulness of the place, you can even do a temple stay!

7. Contemplate the superb landscape of Yeongnangho Lake (영랑호)

Address: Jangsa-dong
How to get there: from the Intercity Bus terminal, walk 500m, take bus 3 or 9 for 9mn, get off at Sokcho High School and walk for 15mn

As a picture is worth a thousand words, I think that’s enough to convince you to visit, don’t you? If not, let me tell you that the natural beauty and calm etched into this place will probably make you forget all your worries. Walk, cycle or simply relax on one of the benches and let time pass slowly in Yeongnangho!

It’s also the perfect place to see the ephemeral cherry blossoms and the changing hues of the autumn leaves, as the trees all around the lake display their brightest and most lovely colors!

Where to sleep in Sokcho

If you’re on a budget and wondering where to stay in the city, here’s my address: Sokcho Hutte!

The atmosphere is amazing, the host is kind and welcoming (he also makes you breakfast) and the location is ideal. The rooms are cosy and comfortable and the intercity bus terminal is just down the road. Excellent value for money!

Where to eat in Sokcho

As I’m not one to say no to food, here are two of my favorite places to eat during a short stay in the city

• Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장)
  Address: 12, Jungang-ro 147beon-gil
  
  If you know me by now, you’re probably aware that I’m a big fan of street food. So if you too love delicious cuisine at an affordable price, now you know where to go. Plus, each aisle is divided by a specific product, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
  And if you want to do a bit of shopping while you’re there, feel free! From raw fish to various products, you won’t be short-changed.

• 최가네
  Address: 7 Jangan-ro
  
  For a traditional and hearty Korean meal. Ramen, galbi, seafood, barbecue… You can’t go wrong here, believe me!

How to get to Sokcho

From Seoul

• By bus: from East Seoul to Sokcho, the ride will cost you 27,100 KRW ($15) and take 2 hours.

From Busan

• By bus: from Busan Nopo bus terminal, a ticket to Sockcho will cost you 49,900 KRW ($36) for a 6-hour journey.

If you want to check the different timetables and prices, here is the bus website.

In a nutshell

Looking for a lovely escape from the capital’s busy lifestyle? Then heal your mind by traveling to Sokcho and tasting the gentle coastal ambiance as well as stunning scenery!

> And if you like little-known places, be sure to check out my article on Namwon: the city of love!

Love it? Feel free to share it!