For explorers at heart, we went to discover Sokcho.
Korea isn’t known for beaches or even nature, but there truly are some beautiful outdoor locations.
Abai
This city is mainly known for its fishing port and for its unusual little neighborhood: Abai, where hundreds of homeless people took refuge during the Korean War.
This area became extremely popular after the Korean drama “Autumn in My Heart” was filmed here. In the drama, the lead actress’s mother had a supermarket in Cheongho-dong. Nearby the supermarket the lead actress often took a boat, which has now become a popular attraction for tourists.
Today, Sokcho is a popular destination for its panorama between the sea and mountains, its geographical position offers a good alternative for travelers wishing to go to the beach, without straying too far from the capital. From the Seoul bus terminal, allow only 2.5 hours of travel time for around 15 to 20 euros one way.
Don’t panic, no need to buy your ticket in advance. Coming to the station on the same day is enough. There are buses to Sokcho every 30 to 40 minutes throughout the day. If you wish to travel at night, inquire in advance at the station counter to check timetables.
Read more: Sokcho – Top 3 Must Visit Places
Arrival at Sokcho station which is very small, outside not even 200 meters you will find a tourist information point. We will tell you all there is to know about Sokcho. Ask about buses for your trips. It will always be cheaper than taxis!
Sokcho beach
Sokcho is one of the best beaches within the day-trip reach of Seoul.
Big and clean, the water is clear. You can rent an umbrella for the day. Especially during the summer, the sun can be dangerous, for your safety and comfort I would recommend it. Moreover, without an umbrella, you can’t really stay close to the swimming area (as it is reserved for people renting umbrellas). They cost $20, but $10 is returned when you return the umbrella ‘ticket’ at the end of the day.
For such a crowded place, the beach was extremely clean this is so satisfying!
There are lifeguards on duty, and you can swim within the first barrier.
If you want to enjoy more, then get out of town and go towards Naksan! Prettier, less crowded beaches await you! About 20 min by bus from Sokcho!
Sokcho traditional market.
Our trip was never completed without trying the local best dishes in the traditional market.
Placed in Sokcho City in South Korea’s Gangwon Province, the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (Jungang Market) is a quintessential Korean market specializing in fish, chicken, and fresh fruits. Locals come to shop for groceries, and even if you’re not planning to cook, the market is an entertaining place for a stroll.
You find a similar market in Busan.
Naksansa Temple
Moreover, a very beautiful temple is in Naksan. Naksansa is undoubtedly one of the prettiest in the country … located 4km north of Naksan Beach with its one thousand years historic temple, sacred treasures and cultural heritages its is one of my favorite temples. I was really impressed by the view. From the top a breathtaking scenic beauty of nature! The east sea awaits for you.
It is a temple built by Ui-Sang, the ambassador of the 30th King of Silla Period (57 BC~AD 935), and inside there is the Seven Floor Stone Tower, Dongjong, Hongyaemun, together with several other cultural assets.
Don’t miss the Uisangdae pavilion! Uisangdae is a pavilion built on top of a cliff by the sea and was built where Ui-Sang used to sit and meditate. Hongryeonam is known as a small Buddhist temple, built above a stone cave by Ui-Sang. Under the sanctuary floor, there is a 10cm hole, which you can peep through to view the sea. Past UisangdaePavillion, up the path on the hill at Sinseonbong, there is a stone statue of Buddha called Haesugwaneumsang. It is the largest of its kind in the Orient and can be seen from as far as Mulchi Harbor.
For the story, most of Buddha’s halls and pavilions in Naksansa were burnt to the ground by a catastrophic forest fire on the 5th of April, 2005. However, despite the disastrous conflagration, Naksansa, is gradually being reconstructed, with the strong support of the people and the Buddhists.
Seoraksan
Finally, right next to Sokcho, you will find Seoraksan Mountain. One of the most famous with Koreans since it is only 2 hours from Seoul …
For the more athletic, beautiful walks in perspective! There are courses for all levels! Beginners can also benefit from it. And for the lazier, there is always the cable car. If you are not athletic, I advise you to go to the Biryong Waterfall! One of the easiest walks. Only an hour from the main entrance, a relaxing discovery by the water …
Along the way, you can appreciate the magnificent landscapes …
And just at the entrance of the park, you can see a very imposing Buddha … So get ready for new adventures
