--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Sokcho, South Korea | Wimup" description: "The 10 best things to do in Sokcho, ranked and mapped. Ulsanbawi, Sinheungsa, the Seorak cable car, the Abai Village ferry, the fish market and where to eat." url: https://wimup.com/city/sokcho type: City guide updated: 2026-10-25 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Sokcho Sokcho, South Korea · Asia · By Wimup Editorial, 12 min read Sokcho is a fishing port of about 83,000 people on the East Sea, in Gangwon State, two and a half hours from Seoul by expressway bus. The granite peaks of Seoraksan rise behind it, and the Outer Seorak entrance at Sogongwon is a city bus ride from the harbour. ## Quick answer Give Sokcho three days. Spend the first in Outer Seorak: Sinheungsa, then the climb to Ulsanbawi, or the cable car to Gwongeumseong if your legs say no. On the second, pull the Gaetbae ferry to Abai Village for sundae, walk the fish market, and watch the sun come up at Yeonggeumjeong the next morning. Keep the third for Yeongnangho, Sokcho Beach and Naksansa down the coast. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** May · Jun · Sep · Oct - **Ideal length:** 3 days - **Budget per day:** $60–130 - **Language:** Korean - **Getting around:** City buses 7 and 7-1 to Seoraksan, taxis, on foot downtown - **Tourism board:** [↗ Website](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Sokcho ### 1. Climb to the top of Ulsanbawi Hike · Seoraksan Sogongwon, Seorak-dong, Sokcho Six granite peaks in a wall above Outer Seorak, reached by 3.8 km of trail from Sogongwon and close to 900 steel steps at the end. The summit looks over Sokcho to the sea, and it is the climb that defines the park. - **Time:** 4 to 5 hrs return - **Cost:** No park entry fee - **Best at:** Early morning, weekdays - **Tip:** Start before 9am in October; the final stairs jam with hikers by late morning Links: [Korea National Park Service](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 2. See Sinheungsa and its bronze Buddha Temple · Seoraksan Sogongwon, Seorak-dong, Sokcho The Seon temple at the foot of Outer Seorak, ten minutes on foot from the bus stop. Its seated bronze Buddha is 14.6 m tall and faces the entrance road, and every main trail on this side starts past it. - **Time:** 45 min - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Early, before the tour buses - **Tip:** See it on the way back down, when the morning crowd has moved up the trails ### 3. Ride the Seorak cable car to Gwongeumseong Cable car · Seoraksan Sogongwon, Seorak-dong, Sokcho A 1.1 km line that lifts you to about 700 m in five minutes, then a short scramble to the rocky top of Gwongeumseong. It is the easy way to a summit view of Seorak's ridges. - **Time:** 1.5 hrs - **Cost:** Return ticket, on-site sales only - **Best at:** First cars of the day - **Tip:** Tickets are sold on the day at the station; autumn queues can run to hours, so buy one first and hike while you wait Links: [Website](https://www.sorakcablecar.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 4. Pull the Gaetbae ferry to Abai Village Neighbourhood · Cheongho-dong, Sokcho An engineless raft that passengers haul by steel cable across a 50 m channel from downtown to the sandbar settled by refugees from Hamgyong Province in the Korean War. Eat Abai sundae once you land. - **Time:** 1.5 hrs with lunch - **Cost:** A coin fare each way - **Best at:** Lunchtime - **Tip:** Take a turn on the cable; the crossing is a few minutes and the boat runs back and forth all day Links: [VisitKorea](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=70424&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 5. Eat through the Tourist and Fishery Market Market · Jungang-dong, Sokcho Sokcho's central market, known to most visitors as Jungang Market, with dakgangjeong counters at street level and a raw-fish hall downstairs. Come hungry and graze rather than sit down. - **Time:** 1 to 2 hrs - **Cost:** Pay per stall - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** Shop hours vary stall by stall, so the dakgangjeong boxes travel well if you want to eat later ### 6. Watch the sunrise from Yeonggeumjeong Viewpoint · Yeonggeumjeong-ro, Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho A pavilion on a rock outcrop at Dongmyeong Harbour, joined to the shore by a footbridge, facing due east over the water. Pair it with the lighthouse observatory on the hill behind. - **Time:** 45 min - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Sunrise - **Tip:** Check the sunrise time the night before; in summer it comes before 5:30am ### 7. Walk to Biseondae and Geumganggul Hike · Seoraksan Sogongwon, Seorak-dong, Sokcho A flat valley walk along the Cheonbuldong stream to the smooth rock shelf of Biseondae, then a steep climb of stairs to Geumganggul, a cave shrine about 600 m up. Stop at Biseondae for an easy day. - **Time:** 3 to 4 hrs return - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Autumn colour - **Tip:** The last stretch to the cave is all steps; Biseondae alone is a gentle walk for any age Links: [Korea National Park Service](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 8. Circle Yeongnangho to Beombawi Lake walk · Yeongnang-dong, Sokcho A lagoon of about 7.8 km around, cut off from the sea by dunes, with a waterside path and Beombawi, the tiger rock, on its shore. Climb the rock for the sea, the lake and Seoraksan in one view. - **Time:** 2 hrs on foot - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Cherry blossom in April - **Tip:** The deck sections ban bikes and kick scooters; walk it, or ride the road side ### 9. Spend an evening on Sokcho Beach Beach · Joyang-dong, Sokcho The town beach, a long sweep of sand a short walk from the express bus terminal, with the 65 m Sokcho Eye wheel at its northern end. Walk south on the Oeongchi coastal trail for the rocks. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Free; Sokcho Eye ticketed - **Best at:** Dusk - **Tip:** Ride the wheel after dark for the lights of the harbour and the beach ### 10. Take the coast road to Naksansa Temple · Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang A seaside temple 30 minutes south in Yangyang, founded by the monk Uisang, with the Uisangdae pavilion and the Hongnyeonam hermitage on the cliffs below. City bus 9-1 runs there from Sokcho. - **Time:** Half a day - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Morning light on the sea - **Tip:** Walk down to Hongnyeonam; the hermitage is built over a sea cave Links: [Website](https://www.naksansa.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Best restaurants in Sokcho Five tables for the dishes Sokcho is known for, from cold raw-fish soup to grilled mackerel. 1. **88 Saengseon** (Grilled fish · Jungang-dong): Assorted fish grilled at the table on the wharf behind the central market. 2. **Bongpo Meoguri Jip** (Mulhoe · Yeongnang-dong): The best-known mulhoe house in town: raw fish in an icy, spicy broth. 3. **Cheongcho Sumulhoe** (Mulhoe · Cheongho-dong): The other mulhoe name locals give, with a seafood version loaded with abalone. 4. **Dancheon Sikdang** (Northern dishes · Abai Village): Abai sundae, squid sundae and pollock naengmyeon in Abai Village. 5. **Mansuk Dakgangjeong** (Takeaway · Jungang Market): The market's famous takeaway, sweet and sticky fried chicken by the box. ## Best markets & ports in Sokcho Three harbours where the catch is sold, fried and served. 1. **Daepo Port fried food alley** (Street food · Daepo-dong): Stalls frying shrimp, crab and vegetables by the harbour, ten minutes south by car. 2. **Daepo Port raw fish street** (Raw fish · Daepo-dong): The largest of Sokcho's raw-fish ports: pick from the tanks, eat upstairs. 3. **Dongmyeong Port live fish centre** (Raw fish · Dongmyeong-dong): The harbour market under the lighthouse, next to Yeonggeumjeong. ## More Seoraksan hikes from Sokcho Four more routes, from a stroll to the 1,708 m summit. 1. **Heundeulbawi and Gyejoam** (Easy · Outer Seorak · Sogongwon): The rocking rock and a cave hermitage, the easy first half of the Ulsanbawi trail. [KNPS](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 2. **Biryong Falls and Towangseong** (Moderate · Outer Seorak · Sogongwon): A gorge walk to a waterfall, then steep stairs to a lookout over Towangseong Falls. [KNPS](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 3. **Daecheongbong via Osaek** (Hard · South Seorak · Osaek, Yangyang): The shortest route to the summit, steep from the first step, from the Yangyang side. [KNPS](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) 4. **Baekdam Valley** (Easy · Inner Seorak · Inje): Inner Seorak's stream of white boulders, reached from Yongdae-ri by shuttle bus only. [KNPS](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Best coast & lakes in Sokcho The second lagoon, a cliff path and the harbour north of town. 1. **Cheongchoho** (Lake walk · Gyo-dong): The downtown lagoon, about 4.2 km round, with the Expo Tower on its shore. 2. **Oeongchi Sea Fragrance Trail** (Coastal walk · Daepo-dong): A 1.74 km boardwalk round the rocks from Sokcho Beach to Oeongchi Port. 3. **Jangsa Port** (Harbour · Jangsa-dong): A small fishing harbour north of Yeongnangho, quieter than the ports in town. ## Best cafes & bookshops in Sokcho A shipyard turned cafe and the two bookshops that brought readers to town. 1. **Chilseong Shipyard** (Cafe · Gyo-dong): A boatyard opened in 1952 on Cheongchoho, now a cafe, bookshop and exhibition space. 2. **Dong-A Bookstore** (Bookshop · Geumho-dong): A family bookshop in Sokcho for generations, now a stop for readers from Seoul. 3. **Munwoodang Bookstore** (Bookshop · Gyo-dong): Founded in 1984 as a tiny neighbourhood shop, now a big, curated independent. ## Best viewpoints & museums in Sokcho Two towers over the town and the museum of the people who settled it. 1. **Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory** (Free · Yeonggeum-dong): A 28 m lighthouse on the hill above Yeonggeumjeong, with a deck over the sea. 2. **Expo Tower** (Small fee · Joyang-dong): A 73 m tower on Cheongchoho; go after dark for the town lights. 3. **Sokcho Museum** (Closed Mondays · Nohak-dong): The refugee story of the city, with an outdoor folk village of displaced northerners' houses. ## Best day trips from Sokcho Four trips north to the border and south into Yangyang. 1. **Goseong Unification Observatory** (About 1 hr north · Goseong): A lookout over the DMZ to North Korea's Kumgang coast, with the DMZ Museum behind it. 2. **Hwajinpo** (About 40 min north · Goseong): A lagoon and beach in Goseong, with the villa known as Kim Il-sung's on the headland. 3. **Osaek** (About 40 min south · Yangyang): A mineral spring and the southern trailheads of Seoraksan, in a valley in Yangyang. 4. **Hajodae** (About 40 min south · Yangyang): A pavilion on a rock headland on the Yangyang coast, south of Naksansa. ## Festivals & annual events in Sokcho (2026) - **New Year sunrise** (1 January): Crowds gather on Sokcho Beach and at Yeonggeumjeong before dawn to see the first sun of the year. - **Yeongnangho Cherry Blossom Festival** (April): Two days of stalls and stages under the blossom on the lake shore. The 2026 edition ran 11 and 12 April. - **Seorak Food Culture Festival** (May): Local food at Sokcho Expo Park over three days. The 2026 dates were 15 to 17 May. - **Displaced Persons Culture Festival** (June): The refugee heritage of Abai Village, at the Expo lawn and the village. The 11th ran 12 and 13 June 2026. - **Sokcho Summer Festival** (Late July to early August): Night stages and a food market on Sokcho Beach. The 2026 edition ran 31 July to 2 August. - **Beach season** (July and August): Sokcho Beach is staffed for swimming in high summer, when the town fills with families from Seoul. - **Seoraksan autumn colour** (Mid to late October): The maples turn top down. The Korea Forest Service forecast the 2026 peak for 20 October. - **Seorak Cultural Festival** (Late October): Sokcho's long-running city festival, held at Expo Park as the foliage peaks. ## Must-try dishes in Sokcho, South Korea - **Mulhoe**: Sliced raw fish in an iced, sweet and spicy broth, with noodles to finish. - **Ojingeo sundae**: Squid stuffed with rice and vegetables, sliced and pan-fried in egg. - **Abai sundae**: Pork intestine sausage packed with rice and blood, the Hamgyong way. - **Dakgangjeong**: Fried chicken in a sticky sweet glaze, sold by the box at the market. - **Hongge**: Red snow crab, steamed whole or mixed raw with spicy dressing. - **Saengseon gui**: A platter of mixed fish, grilled at the table on the wharf. - **Hoe naengmyeon**: Cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish, a dish of the northern refugees. - **Saeu twigim**: Battered fried shrimp from the stalls at Daepo Port. ## Sokcho transport & airports - **Express Bus Terminal** (Bus): By Sokcho Beach in the south of town. Buses from Seoul Express Bus Terminal take about 2 hours 30 via the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway and run through the day. [Express bus booking](https://www.kobus.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Intercity Bus Terminal** (Bus): North of the centre, near Abai Village. Dong Seoul buses arrive here, along with services up and down the coast to Goseong, Yangyang and Gangneung. [Intercity bus booking](https://txbus.t-money.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **City buses 7 and 7-1** (City bus): The way into Outer Seorak: both end at Sogongwon, 25 to 40 minutes from town. Pay with a T-money card for the lower fare; 7-1 runs more often and later. - **Airports** (Air): Yangyang (YNY), south of town, has a short list of domestic routes. Most visitors fly into Incheon (ICN) or Gimpo (GMP) and take a bus from Seoul. Sokcho has no passenger railway yet. ## Sokcho at a glance - **Country:** South Korea - **Region:** Gangwon State (Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province since 2023) - **Population:** About 82,800 (October 2022), across 105 km² of municipality - **Founded:** North Korean from 1945 to 1951; a city since 1963 - **Nickname:** The gateway to Seoraksan - **Language:** Korean - **Currency:** South Korean won (KRW) - **Time zone:** KST (UTC+9) - **Calling code:** +82 33 - **Airports:** Yangyang (YNY) for domestic flights, Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP) via Seoul - **Power:** 220V, 60Hz, type C and F plugs - **Emergency:** 112 police, 119 fire and ambulance ## Interesting facts - Sokcho sits north of the 38th parallel and was under North Korean control from 1945 until 1951. - Abai Village was built on a sandbar by refugees from Hamgyong Province during the Korean War. - Daecheongbong, at 1,708 m, is the third-highest peak in South Korea after Hallasan and Jirisan. - Seoraksan became a national park in 1970 and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1982. - The Gaetbae ferry has no engine: passengers haul it 50 m across the channel along a steel cable. ## Sokcho travel FAQ ### How many days do you need in Sokcho? Three. One for Outer Seorak (Sinheungsa and Ulsanbawi, or the cable car), one for the town (Abai Village, the market, the ports and Yeongnangho), and one for Naksansa, the DMZ observatory or a longer hike. ### How do you get from Seoul to Sokcho? By express bus. From Seoul Express Bus Terminal it is about 2 hours 30 to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal by the beach; Dong Seoul buses run to the intercity terminal. There is no train yet. ### When is the best time to see Seoraksan? October, for the maples, though it is also the most crowded month. The 2026 peak was forecast for 20 October. Late May and June are quieter, green and good for hiking; July and August are hot and wet. ### Can you see Seoraksan without a hard hike? Yes. The cable car lifts you to Gwongeumseong, Sinheungsa is ten minutes from the bus, and the valley walk to Biseondae is flat. Save Ulsanbawi and Daecheongbong for when you want a climb. ### What should you eat in Sokcho? Mulhoe, the iced raw-fish soup, and squid sundae are the two the town is known for. Add Abai sundae in Abai Village, a box of market dakgangjeong, grilled fish on the wharf and fried shrimp at Daepo Port. ## Nearby guides - [Seoul](https://wimup.com/city/seoul.md): South Korea · 10 picks - [Gyeongju](https://wimup.com/city/gyeongju.md): South Korea · 10 picks - [Jeonju](https://wimup.com/city/jeonju.md): South Korea · 10 picks - [All of Asia →](https://wimup.com/asia): 103 cities Part of the [South Korea guide](https://wimup.com/country/south-korea.md) · [Asia](https://wimup.com/asia.md) ## Sources - [Sokcho tourism board](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Climb to the top of Ulsanbawi: Korea National Park Service](https://english.knps.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Ride the Seorak cable car to Gwongeumseong (official site)](https://www.sorakcablecar.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Pull the Gaetbae ferry to Abai Village: VisitKorea](https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=70424&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Take the coast road to Naksansa (official site)](https://www.naksansa.or.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Express Bus Terminal: Express bus booking](https://www.kobus.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Intercity Bus Terminal: Intercity bus booking](https://txbus.t-money.co.kr/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.