Sokcho

Travel Guide

Sokcho showing a coastal town, boating and skyline
Sinheungsa Temple which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship
Sinheungsa Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Sokcho showing modern architecture, nightlife and street scenes
Sokcho featuring a coastal town and rocky coastline

Sokcho Travel Guide Video

This city and countryside in the northeastern corner of South Korea offer natural beauty and historic significance.

The city of Sokcho lies in a peaceful setting between mountains and ocean, yet it is less than 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the heavily armed border between North and South Korea. These two extremes draw many visitors to the region. 

Some come to the area to visit the Unification Observatory in Gosoung, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) away in Tongilanbo Park. In 1945, after World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided into Communist-influenced North and U.S.-controlled South, roughly at the 38th Parallel. The Korean War created a Demilitarized Zone along that border, ensuring near-total separation of North and South Korea, in some cases separating families forever.  

Many Koreans hope for an eventual peaceful reunification. Another monument to this desire is the large bronze Buddha, Tongildaebul, near the Sinheungsa Temple inside Seoraksan National Park. The zen spirituality and the park’s tranquil surroundings provide a setting for peaceful meditation.

Others visit Seoraksan to enjoy the beauty and challenges of the outdoor location. Numerous mountain trails, from easy to very difficult, allow hikers and climbers to view mountains, waterfalls, diverse plant and animal life, dense forests, and even the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Autumn is a particularly beautiful time, with pleasant weather and colorful views as the leaves of the hardwood forest change to hues of yellow and red.

Sokcho offers appeal for all seasons. Extreme ice-climbers master the frozen Towangsung Waterfall while others enjoy winter with ice fishing on Lake Youngrang. Sokcho Beach has a summer festival and October brings the Seorak Cultural Festival. 

South of Sokcho is Gangneung, a city by the sea with a lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, and sunrise sea views. Visit in the fourth month of the lunar calendar to experience the sights and sounds of the Gangneung Danoje Festival.   

Manmade beauty harmonizes with a natural setting at Haslla Art World near Gangneung. Innovative designers have created outdoor art leveraging the natural beauty as well as unique indoor exhibits. The Haslla Art Museum Hotel is itself a work of art. The area also supports a community for artists in residence. 

Where to stay in Sokcho

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Daepo-dong

While visiting Daepo-dong, you might make a stop by sights like Daepo Port and Sokcho Beach.

Daepo-dong
Sinheungsa Temple featuring a temple or place of worship, interior views and religious elements

Seorak-dong

If you're spending some time in Seorak-dong, Seorak Cable Car and Sinheungsa Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Seorak-dong
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Abai Village

Though Abai Village might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cheongcho Lake and Dongmyeong Port.

Abai Village
Cassia Sokcho
Cassia Sokcho
5 out of 5
120 Daepohanghuimang-gil, Sokcho
The price is P8,662 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P8,662
P9,529 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Daepo Port and Sokcho Beach are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (230 reviews)
"all good"

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Cassia Sokcho
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sea Cruise Hotel
3.5 out of 5
273, Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
The price is P2,336 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P2,336
P2,569 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice and friendly"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

Sea Cruise Hotel
Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Residence
Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Residence
3.5 out of 5
266 Jungang-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
The price is P2,241 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
P2,241
P2,465 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 14 - Mar 15
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (735 reviews)
Excellent value
"Newer hotel, clean and spacious. Good location within walking distance to various tourist sites. Bus stop is close to the hotel. The only concern we had was that the elevators took so long to get to our floor. Other than that, it was a very nice stay."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2024

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urbanstay Sokcho Deungdae Beach
Urbanstay Sokcho Deungdae Beach
3 out of 5
11, Yeongnanghaean 8-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Daepo Port are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (69 reviews)
"Contactless check in is convenient. The luggage storage is on 2/F that we could drop luggage anytime. We booked studio type D with bay view. Facilities in-room was good in condition. We asked for assistance to call taxi when we left and the staff was very helpful. Location is excellent, just a minute's ..."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2023

Urbanstay Sokcho Deungdae Beach
Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano
Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano
3.5 out of 5
111, Misiryeong-Ro, Beon-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (723 reviews)
"It’s more like a b&b place rather than hotel. No big towel provided was not acceptable in winter time"

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2023

Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano
Le collective Sokcho Central
Le collective Sokcho Central
2.5 out of 5
109 Expo-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this residence in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Sokcho Expo Tower are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
쾌적하고 좋아요!
"투룸했는데 방도 넓고 거실도 있어서 가족들이랑 지내기 좋았어요. 어메니티(핸드워시, 페이스 클렌저, 샴푸, 컨디셔너, 바디워시)도 다 있어서 칫솔, 치약만 가져가시면 됩니다. 숙소도 청결하고 화장실도 2개 있어서 4명이서 쾌적하게 사용했습니다. 난방도 아주 잘 돼요! 식기는 도자기 컵 4개만 있고 다른건 없으니 수저, 접시 등은 따로 챙기셔야 해요. 주차장도 넓고 지하라 좋았습니다. 체크인/체크아웃도 모바일로 해서 편했어요."

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2025

Le collective Sokcho Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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