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

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 Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.

Abai Village
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Cheongho-dong

Cheongho-dong might not have many top sights, but Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cheongho-dong
Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort

3.5 out of 5
266 Jungang-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,947 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P4,947
P5,441 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (818 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort
Sea Cruise Hotel

Sea Cruise Hotel

3.5 out of 5
273, Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
The price is P2,740 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P2,740
P3,014 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Friendly staff and very quiet!! Nice and clean."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Sea Cruise Hotel
Ramada Sokcho Hotel

Ramada Sokcho Hotel

4 out of 5
106, Daepohanghuimang-gil, Sokcho, Gangwon-do
The price is P4,082 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,082
P4,490 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Hotel is located on the beach front and had a room with ocean view, perfect!!"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Ramada Sokcho 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

3.5 out of 5
109 Expo-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Sokcho. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay at Le Collective Sokcho Central. Space was clean, great communication and easy self check-in. Located within walking distance to the lakeside. Cafes nearby and close to bus stops. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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 a garden. Popular attractions Sokcho Beach and Dongmyeong Port are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"It is an excellent accommodation right next to Sokcho Beach, perfect for a family trip. The only downside is that it is not a hotel, so coffee or beverages are not provided."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 Dongmyeong Port and Sokcho Beach are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (73 reviews)
"If you’re looking for something convenient and easy, this place might be your spot. However they charged for parking and mattress have plastic wrap and very uncomfortable. Otherwise it’s not too bad."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

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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