🗓️ Best time: Apr–May & Sep–Nov🗣️ Korean (한국어)💱 KRW (₩)⏱️ Suggested: 2–3 days🚄 KTX/bus from Seoul
Wedged between the granite peaks of Seoraksan and the deep blue East Sea, Sokcho is Gangwon Province's most rewarding coastal base. In a single day you can hike to a legendary rock formation, cross a lagoon on a hand-pulled raft ferry, watch the sunrise from a clifftop pavilion, and feast on squid sausage and sweet-glazed fried chicken straight from a buzzing fishery market. Here are the attractions and flavours that make Sokcho worth the trip.
This colossal ridge of six granite peaks is Seoraksan's signature hike, reached by a steep trail that climbs hundreds of metal steps in its final stretch. The summit delivers a sweeping panorama over the mountains, the city, and the East Sea beyond.
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Sinheungsa Temple
신흥사
A serene Buddhist temple founded over a thousand years ago at the foot of Seoraksan, it is guarded by a giant bronze Great Unification Buddha statue. Its halls mark the gateway to the Ulsanbawi and Biseondae hiking trails.
A long sweep of soft pale sand right beside downtown, Sokcho Beach pairs gentle East Sea swimming in summer with year-round seaside strolls. Behind it, lively cafes and seafood eateries make it a relaxed counterpoint to the mountains.
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Abai Village
아바이마을
Settled by North Korean refugees who fled south during the Korean War, this nostalgic neighbourhood preserves a vanished mid-century Korea and a famous regional cuisine. Narrow lanes lined with murals and family eateries gained fame as a Korean drama filming location.
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Galaetbae Raft Ferry
갯배
A flat, hand-pulled raft that crosses the narrow channel between downtown and Abai Village, the gaetbae is one of Sokcho's most charming traditions. Passengers grab a metal hook and help haul the cable across the water in a quick, memorable ride.
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Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market
속초관광수산시장
Formerly Jungang Market, this covered warren of stalls is the city's culinary engine, piled high with fresh seafood, dried fish, and street snacks. It is the spot to taste Sokcho's famous sweet-and-crispy dakgangjeong fried chicken.
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Daepohang Port
대포항
A working fishing harbour ringed by raw-fish restaurants and seafood stalls, Daepohang is where boats unload the day's catch. Visitors pick a fish from the tanks for sashimi or graze on fried shrimp and squid along the lively quay.
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Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion
영금정
A graceful pavilion set on a rocky outcrop reached by a short pedestrian bridge over the surf, Yeonggeumjeong is a beloved spot for watching the East Sea sunrise. Its name evokes the music-like sound of waves striking the surrounding rocks.
🍜 What to Eat in Sokcho
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Dakgangjeong
Sokcho's signature snack: bite-sized fried chicken tossed in a glossy sweet-and-spicy glaze, sold by the boxful at the Tourist & Fishery Market and beloved by locals and visitors alike.
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Abai Sundae
A hearty North Korean-style blood sausage stuffed with glass noodles, vegetables, and seasonings, a specialty brought to Abai Village by refugee families and still served there today.
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Ojingeo Sundae
A Sokcho twist on sundae where a whole squid is stuffed with noodles, tofu, and vegetables, then steamed and sliced, showcasing the city's deep love of squid.
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Mulhoe
A cold, refreshing bowl of raw fish or seafood in a chilled, tangy chili-vinegar broth, a perfect East Coast summer dish enjoyed near the harbours.
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Hoe (Fresh Sashimi)
Glistening slices of just-caught fish, often picked live from tanks at Daepohang and Dongmyeonghang ports, served with sides in waterfront raw-fish restaurants.
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Sundubu (Soft Tofu Stew)
Silky handmade soft tofu, traditionally set with East Sea water, is the pride of nearby Haksapyeong village and served in a comforting, savoury stew.
🚄 Getting There & Getting Around
Sokcho sits on Korea's northeast coast in Gangwon Province, roughly a two-and-a-half to three-hour express bus ride from Seoul. The fastest route is the intercity or express bus from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Terminal directly to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal. There is no direct train to the city itself, so buses are the standard choice. Within Sokcho, local buses, taxis, and the gaetbae raft ferry connect the downtown, the markets, and the beaches, while buses and taxis run to the Seoraksan National Park entrance about 20 to 30 minutes from the centre. The nearest airport with domestic flights is Yangyang International Airport, a short drive to the south.
💡 Insider Tips
Visit Seoraksan early in the day, especially in autumn foliage season, when trails and the cable car draw large crowds.
Wear sturdy shoes for the Ulsanbawi hike, which finishes with a long climb up steep metal staircases.
Carry small cash for the gaetbae raft ferry and market stalls, where card payment is not always available.
Combine Abai Village, the raft ferry, and the Tourist & Fishery Market into one easy walking loop around the harbour channel.
Two days is ideal: one for Seoraksan National Park and its hikes or cable car, and a second for the coast, Abai Village, the fishery market, and the seaside pavilions. A single packed day can cover the highlights if time is short.
What is Sokcho most famous for?
Sokcho is best known as the gateway to Seoraksan National Park and for its East Sea seafood culture, including the fishery market, Daepohang Port, and local specialties like dakgangjeong fried chicken and squid sundae.
Is Sokcho worth visiting from Seoul?
Yes. Despite being a few hours from Seoul by bus, Sokcho combines dramatic mountains, beaches, fresh seafood, and unique cultural sites like Abai Village, making it one of Korea's most rewarding short trips.
When is the best time to visit Sokcho?
Autumn is spectacular for Seoraksan's fall foliage, while summer is popular for the beaches. Spring brings mild hiking weather and winter offers crisp coastal views, so the city rewards visitors year-round.
