Sokcho walking tour & city guide
A seaside fishing town at the foot of Seoraksan's granite peaks.
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Sokcho is a small port city on Korea's northeast coast, squeezed between the East Sea and the dramatic granite mountains of Seoraksan National Park. It is a favorite getaway for hikers, beach lovers and food fans, famous for its seafood markets.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan, just outside the city, is one of Korea's most beautiful national parks, with jagged peaks, waterfalls and Buddhist temples. A cable car rises to the Gwongeumseong fortress ruins for sweeping views, and the giant bronze Buddha at Sinheungsa Temple greets visitors near the entrance. In autumn, the park's foliage is spectacular.
Abai Village and the waterfront
Abai Village was settled by refugees from the north during the Korean War, who hoped to return home one day. It became famous as a filming location for a popular drama, and visitors cross the narrow channel on the Gaetbae, a small ferry pulled across by hand on a cable.
Sokcho Beach, right next to town, is popular in summer and at night, and the Yeonggeumjeong pavilion, perched on rocks above the sea, is a great spot for sunrise.
Markets and food
Sokcho Jungang Market is famous throughout Korea for its dakgangjeong, sweet and crispy fried chicken sold in boxes, and for squid sundae. The waterfront fish market lets you choose fresh fish and seafood to eat on the spot. Sokcho is about two to three hours from Seoul by express bus.
Top sights in Sokcho
- 1
Seoraksan National Park
Dramatic granite peaks, temples and waterfalls.
- 2
Abai Village
A refugee village reached by a hand-pulled ferry.
- 3
Sokcho Beach
A city beach popular day and night.
- 4
Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion
A seaside pavilion on the rocks.
- 5
Sinheungsa Temple
A temple with a giant bronze Buddha.
- 6
Sokcho Jungang Market
A famous food market.
Food markets & where to eat in Sokcho
Sokcho Jungang Market
Famous for boxes of dakgangjeong fried chicken.
Sokcho Fish Market
Fresh seafood by the harbor.
Abai Village restaurants
North Korean-style dishes like squid sundae.
Beachfront cafés
Coffee with views of the East Sea.
Food to try in Sokcho
Dakgangjeong
Crispy fried chicken in a sweet, sticky glaze.
Ojingeo sundae
Squid stuffed with rice and vegetables.
Mulhoe
A cold, spicy raw fish soup.
Grilled seafood
Clams and shellfish grilled at the table.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Sokcho
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in SokchoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Sokcho.
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