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For many Koreans, Sokcho in Gangwon Province is a popular travel destination with plenty to offer. Especially during the hot summer months, travelers flock to Gangwon-do to enjoy both the mountains and the sea. Today, I'd like to introduce some of the places I personally enjoyed while exploring Sokcho.
Sokcho Expo Tower
Address: 72 Expo-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
If you're visiting Sokcho for the first time, I recommend starting your trip by heading up the Sokcho Expo Tower. This 74-meter high tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Take the elevator to the top, and you'll be able to see Sokcho's towns, beaches, and the beautiful Cheongcho and Yeongnang lakes.
Cheongcho Lake
Address: Cheongho-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Cheongcho Lake is located right near the Sokcho Expo Tower. This lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially after a meal. One of the reasons to visit Cheongcho Lake is that many of Sokcho's must-see attractions are clustered around it, making it a great starting point for exploring the area.
Seorak Hyanggi Road
Address: 3-4 Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
This is a bridge created for pedestrians to enjoy a scenic walk before taking the Seorak Cable Car. The long bridge allows you to take in the natural surroundings, and there is even a slightly bouncy section in the middle. The path is flat, making it an easy walk while you enjoy the views.
Seoraksan Mountain
Address: 1085 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Seoraksan is one of the most famous mountains in Korea. If you take the cable car, it only takes about 5 minutes to reach a certain height. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk up the stairs to the peak, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery.
Sokcho Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion
Address: 43 Yeonggeumjeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion is renowned for its stunning sunrise views. If you plan to stay more than a day in Sokcho, I highly recommend visiting this spot in the morning to start your day with a beautiful sunrise. Interestingly, Yeonggeumjeong is also a great place to watch the sunset. Experiencing both the sunrise and sunset here gives you a full sense of Sokcho's beauty.
Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory
Address: 8-28 Yeonggeumjeong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Near Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, you'll find the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory. Like the Expo Tower, this spot offers a refreshing view of the surroundings. From here, you can see Yeonggeumjeong, the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel, and the nearby beaches.
Sokcho Beach
Address: Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Sokcho Beach is a popular destination known for its beautiful coastline and the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel. If you want, you can enjoy some water activities here. The beach is well-equipped with showers, storage facilities, free parasol zones, and first-aid stations, making it a convenient place for a fun day at the beach.
Sokcho Central Market and Tourist Fish Market
Address: 12 Jungang-ro 147beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
The main reason to visit this market is to experience the local food. Visitors can enjoy a variety of unique dishes here. The market is famous for its dried squid, seasoned fried chicken (dakgangjeong), and sulbbang (sweet rice flour bread). Even for Koreans, this market offers a chance to try unique foods, making it a great place for a memorable culinary experience.
Famous Local Dishes
One of the most famous dishes in Sokcho is makguksu, a refreshing cold noodle dish. If you're not familiar with Korean cuisine, cold noodles might seem unusual, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. However, if you're curious, it’s worth trying at least once. Other popular dishes include potato pancakes, dumpling soup, boiled pork (suyuk), and buckwheat crepes (memiljeonbyeong).
In Conclusion
I hope this guide to Sokcho in Gangwon-do, South Korea, has given you some ideas for places to visit. I can confidently say that you won’t regret visiting these spots. If you love both the mountains and the sea, I highly recommend a trip to Sokcho.