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grayscale photo of a bird on a building - Photo by Daniel Bernard

Explore the Seaside Beauty of Sokcho, South Korea - A Travel

About Sokcho, South Korea

Sokcho, South Korea is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a unique experience beyond the typical tourist attractions. From the beautiful Seoraksan National Park, to the picturesque Sokcho Beach, there's something for everyone. Explore the local markets for delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this coastal city.

Sokcho is a charming coastal city located in the northeastern part of South Korea, known for its picturesque beaches and stunning natural scenery. The city is situated near the Seoraksan National Park, which is one of the country's most popular national parks and attracts millions of visitors each year.

One of the most popular attractions in Sokcho is the Sokcho Beach, a wide, sandy beach that stretches for over a kilometer along the coast. The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as surfing and kayaking.

Another must-see attraction in Sokcho is the Seoraksan National Park, which features stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and waterfalls. The park is home to several peaks, including the highest peak in the Taebaek mountain range, which is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Visitors can also explore the park's many temples and shrines, which are scattered throughout the park and offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

In addition to its natural attractions, Sokcho is also known for its delicious seafood. The city is home to several fish markets and restaurants where visitors can sample fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, sashimi, and seafood stews.

For those interested in history and culture, Sokcho is home to several museums and historic sites. The Sokcho City Museum offers exhibits on the city's history and culture, while the Abai Village, a traditional fishing village, offers a glimpse into the country's traditional way of life.

Overall, Sokcho is a hidden gem of South Korea that is well worth a visit. With its stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage, Sokcho offers something for everyone.

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Popular Stays in Sokcho, South Korea

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Sokcho, South Korea

The hotel is 22 km from Sokcho city centre, South Korea. Some of the attractions around the hotel include Sokcho Beach, Weongchi, Sorak Hamaji Park and Mount Cheongdae. This hotel is characterised by a combination of modern comfort and traditional elements of Sokcho, making it a distinct accommodation option. Guests travelling on business can make use of the well-equipped conference and banquet room for various business meetings and seminars. Hotel guests can experience the latest leisure and sports facilities on site, such as the golf course and the tennis courts. The hotel offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests.
Thank you for choosing our Ramada Gangwon Sokcho. Ramada is a global upper midscale hotel brand with over 820 properties located in over 50 countries worldwide. Most Ramada hotels feature free wired and wireless high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, business services, fitness facilities and upgraded bath amenities. Many properties have an on-site restaurant / lounge, while other sites offer a complimentary continental breakfast. You do your thing, leave the rest to us
Stop at Lotte Resort Sokcho to discover the wonders of Sokcho-si. Featuring a satisfying list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. All the necessary facilities, including free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, are at hand. Comfortable guestrooms ensure a good night's sleep with some rooms featuring facilities such as separate living room, internet access – wireless (complimentary), whirlpool bathtub, balcony/terrace, television. Access to the property's water park, sauna will further enhance your already satisfying stay. Friendly staff, great facilities, and close proximity to all that Sokcho-si has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Lotte Resort Sokcho.

Things to do in Sokcho, South Korea

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Sokcho, South Korea

Are you hiking lover? Then, how about hiking in Seoraksan National Park? When you join the tour in October, you can see beautiful mountains. Mt. Seoraksan is the highest in the Taebaeksannmaek Mountain Range and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a place that you can definitely find lots of outdoor activities to make it worthwhile for an extended stay.
Discover the beauty of Seoraksan Mountain on our sightseeing tour – a treat for nature lovers! Just a short two-hour ride from Seoul, the adventure begins at Sogongwon. Hop on the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress, and enjoy a quick 10-minute hike to the summit for stunning views of Naeseorak and Ulsan Rock. Visit Sinheungsa Temple, home to an impressive giant Buddha, and soak in the tranquil park surroundings. Next, unwind at Naksan Beach, one of Korea's best, before a scenic one-hour trek along the Jujeongol trail. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Join us for a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, discovering the hidden gems of Seoraksan
Most of the visitors to South Korea consider exploring the DMZ and tend to choose Gyeonggi-do routes that are mostly commercial but this tour would likely be much more private and less crowded. Furthermore, this is an hour's drive away from the MT Seoraksan so if you plan to visit the Seoraksan, you would be able to enjoy two attractions on one itinerary. Additionally, on the way back, you can enjoy North Korean cuisine for lunch and grab a chance to observe Korean traditional architecture. This area used to be a North Korean territory before the Korean War.
The DMZ is considered a main landmark for visitors to South Korea and Most visitors tend to choose the Seoul route which is very crowded and complicated to visit. You can visit the DMZ on the edge of East Korea while disembarking at the Sokcho cruise terminal. It will be customized for the Sokcho cruise travelers. A local English-speaking guide with knowledge and experience will make your tour perfect and unforgettable.

Why People Love Sokcho, South Korea

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Sokcho, South Korea

M
Meg_S
5
Apr 2024
The whole experience was absolutely incredible and one I will never forget. James gave us such a phenomenal history of Korea and important context for everything we saw, ate, and did. It was the best part of our whole trip and we are so grateful.
F
F7404RZandreasg
4
Sep 2023
Great and cute guide! Was a really long day so come prepared. At seoraksam I would advise you to take the cable car for great views
Egemen İ
5
Aug 2023
The experience was amazing and our guide was very kind. I especially fell in love with the Garden of Morning Calm. Strongly recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sokcho

What are some popular activities to do in Sokcho?

Sokcho is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and national parks. One popular activity is visiting Seoraksan National Park, which offers stunning views and hiking trails for all skill levels. Another popular activity is visiting the Sokcho Beach area, which has a variety of water sports and activities available. Additionally, the Abai Village and Sokcho Traditional Market offer a glimpse into the local culture and cuisine.

What are some must-see attractions in Sokcho?

Aside from Seoraksan National Park, other popular attractions include the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory, which offers a great view of the city and surrounding area. The Sokcho Expo Tower is also a popular attraction, with a variety of exhibits and interactive displays. The Naksansa Temple is another popular attraction, with stunning views and a rich history. Finally, the Daepo Port Fish Market is a great place to try some fresh seafood and experience the local culture.

What are some good places to eat in Sokcho?

Sokcho is known for its fresh seafood and local cuisine. Some popular restaurants include Daepo Fish Market, which offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, and the Sokcho Traditional Market, which offers a variety of local specialties. Other popular restaurants include Haejin Sikdang, which offers traditional Korean food, and Seorak Chodang, which offers a mix of Korean and Japanese cuisine.

Where are some good places to stay in Sokcho?

There are a variety of accommodation options in Sokcho to fit any budget. Some popular options include the Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano, which offers stunning views and luxurious amenities, and the Kensington Hotel Seorak, which offers modern rooms and a variety of amenities. Other popular options include the Goodstay Smile Resort & Guesthouse, which offers budget-friendly rooms and a great location, and the Benikea Hotel Mountain & Ocean, which offers comfortable rooms and a variety of amenities.

When is the best time to visit Sokcho?

The best time to visit Sokcho depends on your preferences. The summer months of June through August are the busiest, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. The fall months of September through November offer cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. The winter months of December through February offer skiing and winter sports. Finally, the spring months of March through May offer blooming flowers and mild temperatures.

What are some hidden gems in Sokcho?

While Seoraksan National Park and the Sokcho Beach area are the most well-known attractions, there are a few hidden gems worth exploring. One is the Cheongcho Lake, which offers a peaceful setting for hiking and picnicking. Another is the Uisangdae Pavilion, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. Finally, the Yeongnangho Lake offers a variety of water sports and activities in a picturesque setting.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Sokcho?

Sokcho hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. One popular event is the Sokcho Snow Crab Festival, which takes place in February and offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Another popular event is the Sokcho International Film Festival, which takes place in August and showcases a variety of Korean and international films. Additionally, the Sokcho Beach Break Festival is a popular music festival that takes place in the summer months.

What are some family-friendly activities in Sokcho?

Sokcho offers a variety of family-friendly activities. One popular option is visiting the Teddy Bear Farm, which offers a variety of fun and interactive exhibits for children. Another popular option is visiting the Seorak Waterpia, which offers a variety of water rides and activities. Additionally, the Sokcho Aquarium and the Seorak Cinerama are popular attractions for families with children.

What is the transportation like in Sokcho?

Sokcho is easily accessible by bus or car, with several major highways passing through the city. Additionally, there is a local bus system that serves the city and surrounding area. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city. Finally, for those looking to explore the surrounding area, there are several rental car agencies located in the city.

What are some tips for traveling to Sokcho?

Some tips for traveling to Sokcho include packing comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring, bringing a waterproof jacket for rainy weather, and learning a few basic Korean phrases to help with communication. It's also a good idea to bring cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards. Finally, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and attractions.