Location: Sokcho
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What to do and see in Sokcho, South Korea: The Best Places and Tips
Sokcho (속초; (Korean pronunciation: [sok̚.tɕʰo])) is a city in Gangwon-do province, South Korea. It is located in the far northeast of Gangwon-do. Lying north of the 38th parallel, the city belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War, when the dividing line between the two Korean states was officially altered. Abai Maeul was originally set up as an area to house North Korean refugees in Sokcho due to the separation of the two Koreas. Consequently, many of the population have relatives in North Korea. Today, Sokcho receives a number of tourists attracted by the closeness to the DMZ. The city is also a well-known gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park.
Restaurants in Sokcho
1. Seoraksan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 806 reviews
Reviewed By werner867 - Niedernhausen, Germany
We planned our tour to South Korea to see the coloured leaves in fall. That is the season to go there. We were not the only ones. Bus loads of Koreans had the same idea, all dressed in expensive and professional outdoor equipment. We thought all intended for expeditions in the Himalayas. Trekking in that park is very popular, and a visit is worth the detour.
2. Naksansa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By nlaykhim - Singapore
The Uisangdae Pavilion is under construction; what a pity!
Nevertheless our guide recommended that we visit Hongryeonam (small temple built in a stone cave) instead. The grounds were serene and peaceful, but the views were not exactly what I had been expecting. All my photos had evidence of the construction works going on. So if you are visiting for the views, perhaps do check when the construction will be completed.
We spent some time in the tea house instead. Hmmm...Korean tea has a strong taste, and takes a while to be accustomed to. I tried two different flavours and didn't like either of them.
3. Ulsanbawi Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Eivind L
A good hike with fantastic views of beautiful mountain peaks. Take bus 7 or 7-1 to the national park.
Signs are well placed and easy to follow.
Easy hike in summer, don't need any special gear, but steady shoes are a plus, especially if it's been raining.
There are lots of shops selling food at the entrance, so good for after the hike!
4. Naksan Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Katja_nsk - Suwon, South Korea
THE BEACH/WATER
The beach is lovely - wide and long with pine trees planted alongside and Mountains of Seoraksan National Park as a backdrop. The water is clean and transparent, and is of beautiful color. However, the slope is steep, the water is cold (July), and the waves are strong. That one is a real sea, very different from the Korean West coast (shallow Yellow sea). We were here before in May and in October, and assumed that the water was cold off-season. But in mid-July we were sorry to find it still cold... I mean, it is fine to just run in and out, but not much more. Anyway, the waves would not let one to swim... It was the case when the presence of lifeguards on the beach was fully justified.
ACCOMODATION/FOOD
There are plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and condos. We had a room in Beachvill Condotel, next to a more expensive Naksan Beach Hotel, in the quieter portion of the beach. We had a kitchen and a balcony with sea view, so we ate all our meals there and did not bother to check the restaurants. But from what I could spot, they serve mainly Korean-style seafood. There are several cafes across the street, facing the beach. 7/11s and GS25 are there, too.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
You can walk to a very interesting and beautiful temple of Naksansa from the beach (around 3-4 km). The statue of Buddha on the mountain is seen from the beach, just go into that direction and you will get to the entrance.
FACILITIES
In spite of the quietness and lack of people, the area is well-maintained. Apparently, all this is for 2-3 weeks of Korean vacation in later July-early August... There are wooden walking paths along the shore, color lighting in the evening, swings and benches on the sand under pine trees, toilets, etc. Our baby enjoyed a ride on a horse carriage.
At the time of our visit (July 18-19) Naksan Beach was very peaceful and did not feel very touristy. We could sit on the beach privately without many people around. That same beach, however, is photographed on ads as fully packed with people, parasols, banana boats etc. where you can hardly see the water and sand... Luckily, we missed that. That must have been later in July when most locals have vacations. (God only knows why they put such horrible photos on the banners, the beach is nice when it is empty!).
More "action" is around the central area (where Pebble Beach pension, GS25, 7/11 and parking are). In the evening the dead-looking amusement park went alive with some noise. Still, 5 minutes away in our hotel it was quiet.
5. Gwongeumseong Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By nlaykhim - Singapore
It was a cold windy day. With wind speed of 5.6m/s, there was a chance that the cable car may stop operation, but we were lucky we made it.
The cable car can accommodate quite a number of passengers. This means that if you are one of the later ones to enter, you may not get a window view. (This was what happened to me, quite disappointing.) The ride was smooth except near the end. Perhaps because of the wind, there was some swaying movements. Not good for people with motion sickness.
The view at the top of the cable car station (with a café and a observatory) was amazing! There is a short hike up a stairway (10min), but in my opinion, the hike was not worth the effort. The views on top were not significantly better than at the cable car station. Besides, I was worried for the safety of my children. The wind was very strong and my youngest was swaying around, on the rocks that had no safety railings. I told him to sit on the rocks instead, while I snapped a few quick pictures and left.
6. Sokcho Jungang Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Mnphev
This a lovely market to explore in Sokcho. It has the usual stalls selling similar items like other Korean outdoor markets. Don't forget to try the specialty there which is the squid soondae that is dipped in egg and pan fried. I liked this much better than the regular soondae that is made with pork intestines.
7. Abai Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By OPY_11 - Singapore, Singapore
I'm not too fond of squid and raw fish so I didn't try those. But I could at least try the north korean BBQ fish at one of the several restaurants there. Not extremely scenic, nor is there much to do there aside from walking around the village, but perhaps as close to a north korean experience as I could get short of visiting the country itself.
8. Sinheungsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Musiko P
It is right at the foot of the mountain so there is no reason to skip it on your way to hiking. It is quiet and cool - so perfect for taking a walk. There are lots of restaurants and coffee shops nearby (especially a tea house where they give a special tea free of charge - so try it). The temple itself is pretty much the same as other temples in Korea, nothing super special. You can make a 'temple stay' if you want to.
9. Daepo Port
Overall Ratings
4 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Kid_U_Not58 - Melbourne, Australia
The Sokcho fishing village at Daepo Port was amazing - full of so many fish I had never seen before. The entire area was spotlessly clean, and quite a few were selling cooked product. We ate naked prawns covered in batter, which were delicious! As soon as we approached, the lovely lady held up a sign in English to help us make our selection - very helpful! Nice place to stroll around. There are plenty of locals eating at all the cute little cafes along the waterfront. Worth a visit.
10. Seorak Waterpia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By SKe3 - Singapore, Singapore
you must be fully naked to try the hot spa. You can opt for the water theme park if you do not wish to undress completely. Take note that Swimming cap is mandatory (you can rent for $1).
Personally, I think the place would be best for relaxation especially when the temperature is cold enough.
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