Sokcho

Travel Guide

Sokcho showing skyline, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Sinheungsa Temple showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and heritage architecture
Sinheungsa Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Sokcho featuring street scenes, nightlife and modern architecture
Sokcho showing rugged coastline and a coastal town

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 showing religious elements, a temple or place of worship and interior views

Seorak-dong

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Abai Village and surrounding area, you can visit Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Beach.

Abai Village
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 HK$403 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
HK$403
HK$444 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Jun - 12 Jun
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! (759 reviews)
"All good, except for the “Elevator” situation"

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Residence
Cassia Sokcho
Cassia Sokcho
5 out of 5
120 Daepohanghuimang-gil, Sokcho
The price is HK$1,139 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
HK$1,139
HK$1,253 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (289 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

Cassia Sokcho
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sea Cruise Hotel
3.5 out of 5
273, Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$340 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
HK$340
HK$380 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Jun - 16 Jun
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)
"Stayed at Sea Cruise Hotel and it was better than expected. The ocean view was amazing, and the room was clean and well-kept. Location was super convenient — easy access to restaurants, the beach, and main spots. Staff were friendly and helpful too. Would definitely consider staying again if I’m ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

Sea Cruise Hotel
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.
Le collective Sokcho Central
Le collective Sokcho Central
3 out of 5
109 Expo-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3-star residence in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Liked the privacy and laundry in the unit. Walking distance to the best naengmyun restaurant!!"

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Le collective Sokcho Central
Le Collective SokchoBeach
Le Collective SokchoBeach
4 out of 5
201 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Seorak Waterpia are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"The location with a direct view of the sea is really great"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Le Collective SokchoBeach
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 Seorak Waterpia are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (71 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 28 Oct 2023

Urbanstay Sokcho Deungdae Beach
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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