Top 10 Sokcho Travel Courses: Best Places to Visit Guide
Sokcho is a travel destination where Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea harmonize, offering diverse charms throughout the seasons. From the majestic scenery viewed from the Seoraksan Cable Car to beach strolls, market delicacies, and even hot springs, it's a great place for a fulfilling trip tailored to your schedule. In this article, we will recommend the top 10 must-visit spots in Sokcho and provide summary guides for 1-night-2-day and 2-night-3-day itineraries.
|
|
Sokcho Travel Itinerary |
Top 10 Recommended Sokcho Travel Courses
Sokcho Beach
Sokcho Beach is a representative beach, easily accessible from downtown and popular with families due to its wide sandy shore. The beach features walking paths and photo zones, making it a great place to visit year-round, not just for swimming in the summer.
In particular, the Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel is located next to the beach, attracting many tourists. The Ferris wheel is a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Sokcho Beach and the East Sea. You can enjoy the ocean view during the day and the Sokcho city nightscape after dark.
|
| Sokcho Beach & Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel |
Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 147-3 Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (Sokcho Beach Entrance) |
| Parking | Use Sokcho Beach Public Parking Lot 1 & 2 |
| Parking Fee | Peak Season (Jul-Aug): 2,000 KRW (approx. $1.38 USD) for 2 hours / Off-Season: 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.69 USD) for 2 hours |
| Operating Hours | Daily 10:00 ~ 21:00 (May have extended hours on weekends/peak season) |
| Admission Fee |
- Adult/Teen: 12,000 KRW (approx. $8.28 USD) - Child (under 7): 6,000 KRW (approx. $4.14 USD) - Free for children under 36 months |
| Ride Duration | Approx. 15 minutes per ride (Cabin capacity: 6 people) |
| Reservation | Available via Naver Reservation |
| Amenities | Air conditioning, Bluetooth speaker, USB charging available inside the cabin |
- A night ride is recommended. The night view of Sokcho Beach and the city, along with the lights of the Sokcho Eye, is particularly stunning.
- Wait times can be long during peak season or on weekends, so using Naver Reservation is convenient.
- Before riding, take a short walk on Sokcho Beach or visit a nearby cafe or restaurant.
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (Jungang Market)
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is the most vibrant traditional market in Sokcho, offering a variety of foods and local specialties. In particular, Sokcho Manseok Dakgangjeong (a famous brand of sweet crispy fried chicken) is nationally renowned, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. Other popular items include Ojing-eo Sundae (squid stuffed with various ingredients), Ssiat Hotteok (sweet seed-filled pancake), and various seafood snacks. There are also many shops selling fresh raw fish, salted seafood (jeotgal), and dried fish, making it a great place to buy gifts or souvenirs.
|
| Sokcho Jungang Market |
Information
- Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 21:00 (Varies by shop)
- Parking: Jungang Market Public Parking available
- Parking Fee: 500 KRW (approx. $0.35 USD) for the first 30 minutes, 200 KRW (approx. $0.14 USD) for each additional 10 minutes (Some shops provide parking vouchers with purchase)
Cheongchoho Lake & Expo Tower
Cheongchoho Lake, located in the heart of Sokcho, is a great place for walking and relaxation. The lakeside is well-equipped with walking paths and benches, and at night, the lights create a beautiful nightscape.
The Expo Tower, situated next to the lake, is an observatory offering panoramic views of downtown Sokcho, Cheongchoho Lake, and the East Sea. It's particularly popular around sunset for its beautiful views combined with the glowing sky.
|
| Cheongchoho Lake |
Information
- Operating Hours: Expo Tower 10:00 ~ 22:00
- Admission Fee: Adult 2,000 KRW (approx. $1.38 USD), Teen/Soldier 1,500 KRW (approx. $1.04 USD), Child 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.69 USD)
- Parking: Cheongchoho Public Parking available (approx. 1,000 KRW / $0.69 USD per hour)
Abai Village
Abai Village, which became a tourist spot after being featured in a K-drama, is now an essential part of any Sokcho trip. You can experience crossing to the village on a small 'Gaetbae' (a traditional non-motorized pull ferry), allowing you to feel the old-world charm of Sokcho.
Here, you can taste local foods like Abai Sundae (a North Korean-style blood sausage) and Ojing-eo Sundae (squid sausage). Small restaurants are clustered in the market alleys, making it a good place to enjoy local cuisine and look around.
|
| Abai Village |
Information
- Gaetbae Operating Hours: Daily 07:00 ~ 21:00 (May have extended hours in peak season)
- Gaetbae Fare: Adult 500 KRW (approx. $0.35 USD), Child 300 KRW (approx. $0.21 USD)
- Payment Method: Kiosk card payment available, in addition to cash
Yeonggeumjeong
Yeonggeumjeong is a rocky observatory on the Sokcho coast, named for the sound of the waves hitting the rocks, which is said to resemble the sound of a bell. It's a great place to enjoy the open view of the East Sea and is also widely known as a famous sunrise spot in Sokcho.
The observatory has walking paths and photo zones, making it perfect for taking pictures. There's a fishing village nearby, allowing you to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. The path along the coast is also pleasant for a short walk.
 |
| Yeonggeumjeong |
Daepohang Port
Daepohang Port is one of Sokcho's main ports, where you can taste fresh seafood at affordable prices. The port is densely packed with raw fish centers and fish markets, offering fresh live fish and various seafood. A key feature is that you can pick your own fish and eat it right away at a nearby restaurant.
|
| Daepohang Port |
Information
- Operating Hours: Varies by shop (Usually 09:00 ~ 22:00)
- Prices: Varies by market price (Basic raw fish like halibut or rockfish available from 20,000-30,000 KRW / $13.80-$20.70 USD)
Oeongchi Badahyanggiro
Oeongchi Badahyanggiro is a deck trail built along the coastal cliffs, offering views of the blue East Sea and unique rock formations. The path is about 1.7km long, making it an easy walk, and its route along the coastline has made it a popular photo spot.
|
| Oeongchi Badahyanggiro |
Visiting at sunrise is especially recommended, as you can see a spectacular sunrise over the open sea. It's a great spot for a morning walk.
Seoraksan Cable Car (Gwongeumseong)
The Seoraksan Cable Car is one of the most popular attractions in Sokcho. By taking the cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress, you can enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea and Seoraksan Mountain at the same time. You can easily reach the summit observatory even in casual attire, making it accessible for visitors of all ages.
For more detailed information, please refer to the post below
Seoraksan Cable Car Fees, Hours, and Parking Guide - GybeLife
A complete guide to the highlight of any Sokcho trip, the Seoraksan Cable Car: fees, discounts, seasonal hours, parking, wait time tips, and info on Gwongeumseong & Sinheungsa Temple.
gybelife.com
|
| Gwongeumseong Fortress |
Sinheungsa Temple
Sinheungsa Temple is located at the entrance of Seoraksan National Park, making it a convenient stop for travelers before or while waiting for the cable car. In the temple grounds stands a 14-meter-high Great Unification Buddha (Tongil Daebul), and you can enjoy the temple scenery set against Seoraksan Mountain.
The temple also features old pavilions and Buddha statues, making it worthwhile for a short visit. Even if you don't plan on hiking Seoraksan, it serves as a great short walking course in conjunction with the cable car.
|
| Sinheungsa Temple |
Seorak Waterpia
Seorak Waterpia is a resort complex where you can enjoy both hot springs and a water park in Sokcho. It features various indoor and outdoor hot spring baths using natural mineral water, as well as water park facilities like water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, making it especially popular with families.
It operates year-round, allowing for water fun in the summer and warm hot spring bathing in the winter. It is close to downtown Sokcho and has a large parking lot, making it easily accessible.
|
| Seorak Waterpia |
Information
- Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Extended hours in peak season)
- Admission Fee: Adult approx. 47,000 KRW (approx. $32.43 USD) / Child approx. 38,000 KRW (approx. $26.22 USD) (Varies by season & discounts)
- Highlights: Hot spring baths, water slides, family water activities
Recommended Sokcho Itineraries
Family Trip with Kids
- Recommended Course: Sokcho Beach → Sokcho Eye → Abai Village → Seorak Waterpia
- A relaxed schedule is best for kids. Spend the morning at the beach and on the Ferris wheel, have lunch in Abai Village, and finish the afternoon with hot springs and water play at Waterpia.
Couples & Friends Trip
- Recommended Course: Seoraksan Cable Car → Sinheungsa Temple → Cheongchoho Lake & Expo Tower → Daepohang Port → Yeonggeumjeong
- An itinerary focused on views and nightscapes is ideal. Enjoy Seoraksan Mountain and a city walk during the day, and savor the ocean scenery at Daepohang Port and Yeonggeumjeong in the evening for a fulfilling day.
Walking Trip (Downtown Focus)
- Recommended Course: Jungang Market → Cheongchoho Lake & Expo Tower → Oeongchi Badahyanggiro → Sokcho Beach
- If traveling without a car, sticking to the downtown area is best. You can enjoy an efficient walking trip by combining the market, lake, and coastal trail.
1-Night 2-Day Course
- Day 1: Seoraksan Cable Car & Sinheungsa Temple → Jungang Market → Cheongchoho Lake → Daepohang Port → Yeonggeumjeong
- Day 2: Sokcho Beach & Sokcho Eye → Abai Village → Finish at Oeongchi Badahyanggiro
2-Night 3-Day Course
- Day 1: Seoraksan & Sinheungsa Temple → Jungang Market → Cheongchoho Lake
- Day 2: Sokcho Beach & Sokcho Eye → Abai Village → Oeongchi Badahyanggiro → Yeonggeumjeong
- Day 3: Enjoy hot springs and water park at Seorak Waterpia before heading home
Sokcho is a destination where you can enjoy Seoraksan Mountain, the East Sea, traditional market foods, and hot springs all in one place. It's easy to plan an itinerary as you can explore the main attractions sufficiently even on a 1-night 2-day or 2-night 3-day trip. The 10 spots introduced in this article are must-visit courses for anyone traveling to Sokcho. With nature, the sea, markets, and hot springs all included, choosing based on your travel style will make for an even more enjoyable trip.
If your schedule is tight, it's good to focus on key attractions like the Seoraksan Cable Car, Sokcho Beach, and Jungang Market. If you have more time, you can include the Oeongchi Badahyanggiro and water park facilities for a wider range of experiences. Choices also vary depending on your travel companions. The Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel or Waterpia is great for kids, while the night view course at Yeonggeumjeong and Cheongchoho Lake is recommended for ab couples. For friends, focusing on the market and coastal walks is a great way to enjoy the trip fully.
7 Best Budget Hotels in Sokcho: Top Picks for Value & Location - GybeLife
Discover the 7 best budget hotels in Sokcho, South Korea. Find affordable accommodation with top picks for cleanliness, location, and value for money.
en.gybelife.com