Sokcho

Sokcho Travel Guide

Sokcho embraces both Seoraksan and the East Sea, making it a signature destination in Gangwon's Yeongdong region. From the grand autumn foliage and cable car of Seoraksan National Park to the blue waters of Sokcho Beach and the Abai Village with its refugee history and hand-pulled ferry, nature and stories intertwine. Local specialties like the sweet-crispy chicken and squid sundae of Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market complete a destination loved in every season.

Essential Sokcho Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Sokcho

★ 4.7

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is one of Korea's premier mountains, blending grand rock formations, valleys, and waterfalls, with autumn foliage counted among the most beautiful in the country. Popular routes run from the trailhead park to Sinheungsa Temple, Heundeulbawi (Rocking Rock), and Ulsanbawi, while the Seorak cable car up to Gwongeumseong lets even less mobile visitors enjoy the scenery easily. National park entry is free, but the cable car is around KRW 15,000 round trip for adults. Visiting hours adjust with the season and sunrise/sunset, so check ahead.

HoursTrails sunrise to sunset (seasonal; cable car around 09:00-17:00)

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsIt's very crowded during the October foliage - arrive early. The cable car often has long on-site waits, so booking ahead helps.

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★ 4.4

Sinheungsa Temple

Sinheungsa is an ancient temple at the entrance to Seoraksan's trailhead park, said to have been founded in the Silla era. On the way to its grounds stands a giant bronze 'Unification Buddha' about 14.6m tall, creating a majestic scene against Seoraksan. As the starting point of the Seoraksan trails and on the route to Heundeulbawi and Ulsanbawi, it is a place every hiker passes. Seoraksan National Park entry is free, and the temple is generally open sunrise to sunset.

HoursSunrise to sunset (seasonal)

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsA good stop before hiking Seoraksan. The area before the Unification Buddha is a popular photo spot with the mountain behind.

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★ 4.3

Sokcho Beach

Sokcho Beach is a leading East Coast beach with excellent access near the city center, popular for summer swimming thanks to its wide sand and gentle depths. Cafes, lodgings, and raw-fish restaurants line the shore for convenience, and it's great for sunrises and coastal walks year-round. Nearby Cheongchoho Lake, Abai Village, and the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market are close enough to combine on foot or a short ride. Admission is free and it is always open.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsA sunrise spot - an early visit is recommended. In peak summer, staying downtown makes getting around easy.

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★ 4.3

Abai Village

Abai Village was formed by refugees from Hamgyeong Province who fled during the Korean War, a special place holding North Korean food culture and stories of hardship. Crossing to the village on the 'gaetbae' - a barge moved by people pulling a steel cable - is a famous novelty, made more popular after appearing in TV dramas. You can taste North Korean-style regional foods like Abai sundae and squid sundae. The village is free and always open, with the gaetbae fare around KRW 500 one way. It's close to the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.

HoursAlways open (gaetbae ferry hours vary)

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsBe sure to try the gaetbae ferry. Abai sundae and squid sundae are the village's signature foods.

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★ 4.5

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market

The Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is a must-visit large traditional market, packed with the nationally famous Sokcho sweet-crispy chicken, fresh sashimi, snow crab, dried seafood, and street food. Signature snacks like squid sundae and seed-filled hotteok can be found throughout, making it a top food destination. With both indoor and outdoor areas, it's easy to browse and great for buying travel gifts. Admission is free, with hours generally 08:00-21:00 varying by shop. It's close to Sokcho Beach and Abai Village.

Hours08:00-21:00 (varies by shop)

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsFamous chicken shops can have long lines, so allow time. The seed-filled hotteok is also a treat.

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★ 4.2

Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion

Yeonggeumjeong is a pavilion built on seaside rocks near Sokcho Port, named for the way waves striking the rocks sound like a geomungo (zither). Crossing the bridge to the pavilion opens onto wide East Sea and coastal views, and it's especially beloved as a sunrise spot. Climbing the nearby Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory gives a full view of the city and harbor. Admission is free and it is always open. Close to the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market for a combined visit.

HoursOpen 24 hours (outdoor)

LocationSokcho, Gangwon State

TipsVisiting at sunrise lets you enjoy the waves and sunrise together. Climb the lighthouse observatory too.

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Things to Do in Sokcho

Adventure

Seorak Cable Car Ride

Take the Seorak cable car up to Gwongeumseong for peak and foliage views. Round trip about KRW 15,000 for adults.

Price Round trip about KRW 15,000Duration 1.5-2 hours

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Culture

Abai Village Gaetbae Ferry

Cross to Abai Village on the traditional hand-pulled gaetbae ferry, a unique experience. About KRW 500 one way.

Price About KRW 500 one wayDuration 30 min-1 hour

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Adventure

Seoraksan Autumn Foliage Hike

Hike the Heundeulbawi and Ulsanbawi routes to enjoy Seoraksan's crags and foliage, most popular in autumn.

Price National park entry freeDuration 3-5 hours

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Must-Try Food in Sokcho

Sokcho Dakgangjeong

🍢 Street Food

Sokcho's signature twice-fried crispy chicken in a sweet-spicy glaze. About KRW 8,000-16,000 per order. The Tourist & Fishery Market is the famous original.

Abai Sundae

🍱 Traditional

A Hamgyeong-style blood sausage stuffing pork casing with glutinous rice and vegetables. About KRW 12,000-18,000 per serving. Abai Village is its home.

Ojingeo Sundae (Stuffed Squid)

🍱 Traditional

A Sokcho regional dish of squid bodies stuffed with vegetables and glutinous rice, then steamed. About KRW 12,000-18,000 per serving. Its mild, chewy texture is the appeal.

Mulhoe (Cold Raw Fish Soup)

🍱 Traditional

A refreshing summer dish of fresh raw fish in a tangy chilled broth. About KRW 13,000-18,000 per serving. Best at restaurants near Sokcho Port.

Sokcho Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sokcho?

Seoraksan peaks during the autumn foliage in October. Summer brings beach season and winter offers snowscapes - each season has clear appeal.

How much does it cost to travel in Sokcho?

Daily budget around $55-95 (lodging $45-65; food $15-20; cable car and transport $7-15).

How do I get around in Sokcho?

From Seoul (East Seoul Terminal), express buses take about 2 to 2.5 hours. City buses and taxis serve downtown, the beach, and the market, with good bus links to the Seoraksan trailhead park. Abai Village offers the novel experience of crossing on a hand-pulled 'gaetbae' ferry. As outlying sights are scattered, a rental car is also convenient.

Do I need a visa to visit Sokcho?

No visa required - this is domestic travel within Korea.

Is Sokcho safe for tourists?

A safe destination. When hiking Seoraksan, watch the weather and sunset times, and follow safety rules at the beach in summer.

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