Cultural

Abai Village

Sokcho, Gangwon State

Overview

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.

Opening Hours

Always open (gaetbae ferry hours vary)

🎟️ Check ticket prices →

Travel Tips

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

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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers

Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Sokcho, South Korea from Seoul (ICN).

Korean Passport · Visa

Check visa rules for South Korea on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.

Flight from Incheon (ICN)

Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Sokcho on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.

KRW ↔ Local Currency

Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.

Korean Community · Korean Food

Many cities have an active Korean community in Sokcho with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Sokcho 한인" before you go.