Sokcho Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sokcho featuring a bay or harbour, skyline and a coastal town
Sinheungsa Temple showing heritage architecture, a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Sinheungsa Temple which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Sokcho showing street scenes, modern architecture and nightlife
Sokcho featuring rocky coastline and a coastal town

This city and countryside in the northeastern corner of South Korea offer natural beauty and historic significance.

The city of Sokcho lies in a peaceful setting between mountains and ocean, yet it is less than 30 miles (50 kilometres) from the heavily armed border between North and South Korea. These two extremes draw many visitors to the region.

Some come to the area to visit the Unification Observatory in Gosoung, about 20 miles (30 kilometres) away in Tongilanbo Park. In 1945, after World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided into Communist-influenced North and U.S.-controlled South, roughly at the 38th Parallel. The Korean War created a Demilitarized Zone along that border, ensuring near-total separation of North and South Korea, in some cases separating families forever.

Many Koreans hope for an eventual peaceful reunification. Another monument to this desire is the large bronze Buddha, Tongildaebul, near the Sinheungsa Temple inside Seoraksan National Park. The zen spirituality and the park’s tranquil surroundings provide a setting for peaceful meditation.

Others visit Seoraksan to enjoy the beauty and challenges of the outdoor location. Numerous mountain trails, from easy to very difficult, allow hikers and climbers to view mountains, waterfalls, diverse plant and animal life, dense forests, and even the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Autumn is a particularly beautiful time, with pleasant weather and colourful views as the leaves of the hardwood forest change to hues of yellow and red.

Sokcho offers appeal for all seasons. Extreme ice-climbers master the frozen Towangsung Waterfall while others enjoy winter with ice fishing on Lake Youngrang. Sokcho Beach has a summer festival and October brings the Seorak Cultural Festival.

South of Sokcho is Gangneung, a city by the sea with a lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, and sunrise sea views. Visit in the fourth month of the lunar calendar to experience the sights and sounds of the Gangneung Danoje Festival.

Manmade beauty harmonizes with a natural setting at Haslla Art World near Gangneung. Innovative designers have created outdoor art leveraging the natural beauty as well as unique indoor exhibits. The Haslla Art Museum Hotel is itself a work of art. The area also supports a community for artists in residence.

Where to stay in Sokcho

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Daepo-dong

While visiting Daepo-dong, you might make a stop by sights like Daepo Port and Sokcho Beach.

Daepo-dong
Sinheungsa Temple showing religious aspects, interior views and a temple or place of worship

Seorak-dong

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Seorak-dong, Seorak Cable Car and Sinheungsa Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Seorak-dong
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Abai Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Abai Village and surrounding area, you can visit Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.

Abai Village
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Cheongho-dong

Though Cheongho-dong may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.

Cheongho-dong
Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort

3.5 out of 5
266 Jungang-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort
Sea Cruise Hotel

Sea Cruise Hotel

3.5 out of 5
273, Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
The price is AU$78 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$78
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Sea Cruise Hotel
Ramada Sokcho Hotel

Ramada Sokcho Hotel

4 out of 5
106, Daepohanghuimang-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon-do
The price is AU$101 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$101
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Ramada Sokcho Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano

Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano

3.5 out of 5
111, Misiryeong-Ro, Beon-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Seorak Waterpia and Sokcho Beach are located ...
Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano
Le Collective SokchoBeach

Le Collective SokchoBeach

4 out of 5
201 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are located ...
Le Collective SokchoBeach
Le collective Sokcho Central

Le collective Sokcho Central

3.5 out of 5
109 Expo-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are located ...
Le collective Sokcho Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Sokcho