Things To Do
in Sokcho
Sokcho sits on the northeast coast of South Korea, facing the East Sea and serving as the gateway to Seoraksan National Park. The city blends a working fishing port with sandy beaches, markets, and a relaxed seaside vibe. Fresh seafood, dramatic coastal scenery, and access to rugged mountains make it a favorite for nature lovers.
Surrounding landscapes range from pristine beaches to towering granite peaks, all just a short journey from the city center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Sokcho's vibrant traditional market, where you can sample local delicacies like fresh fish cakes and sweet tteok. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere as vendors call out their wares and locals haggle for the best prices. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Sokcho Expo Tower for panoramic views of the city and coastline.
After lunch at a quaint seaside café, explore the historic charms of the Old Sokcho Lighthouse. This area offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to learn about the town's maritime history. Spend some time at the adjacent Sokcho Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
As the sun begins to set, head to the bustling Cheongchoho Lake area, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. The illuminated fountains and art installations create a picturesque backdrop for an evening out. Conclude your day with a delicious meal at a local seafood restaurant, savoring the catch of the day.
Kick off your day by heading to the beautiful Sokcho Beach, known for its clean sands and clear waters. Spend your morning soaking up the sun, swimming in the waves, or trying your hand at beach volleyball with locals. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing coconut from a nearby vendor to keep you energized.
In the afternoon, dive into some exciting water sports! Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the stunning coastline from a different perspective. Afterward, relax on the beach with a good book or indulge in some beachside snacks from the various food stalls.
As evening draws near, take a scenic walk along the beach during golden hour, where the sunset paints the sky in vibrant hues. Enjoy a beachfront dinner at one of the many restaurants offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Conclude your beach day with a bonfire or a stroll under the stars along the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🚌Public transit ride | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee shop drink | $3-5 |
| 🎟️Cinema or cultural venue ticket | $8-15 |
| 🏨One-night mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Seoraksan National Park
- Excellent seafood and coastal scenery
- Walkable city center with markets and beaches
- Seasonal outdoor activities and photo opportunities
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Crowds during peak season in summer
- Some tourist areas feel commercialized in markets
- Coastal humidity can be high in summer
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeong-haseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "얼마에요? (Eolmayeyo?)" - How much is this?
- "메뉴 주세요 (Menu juseyo)" - Please give me a menu
- "죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "화장실이 어디에요? (Hwajangsil-i eodieyo?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "추천해 주시겠어요? (Chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?)" - What do you recommend?
- "맛있어요 (Masisseoyo)" - Delicious
Places to Visit in Sokcho
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy shoreline with pastel horizons and fishing boats gliding across the calm water.
Colorful, pastel-hued houses along a sheltered harbor, with boats and masts creating striking silhouettes.
Industrial harbor framed by the sea, ideal for dramatic morning or evening wide shots.
Cliffside views, white-sand beach, and a historic temple perched above the coastline.
Panoramic mountain vistas, sharp ridgelines, and expansive valleys from the fortress area.
Food in Sokcho
Sokcho Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Silky soft tofu often served with light dipping sauces; best found in Chodang-style tofu houses near Sokcho.
Must-Try!
Charcoal-grilled squid brushed with a savory glaze, commonly enjoyed with dipping sauces and sides.
Fresh sashimi platter sourced from Sokcho Port, best experienced with crunchy kimchi and gochujang.
Spicy seafood stew with vegetables and firm white fish, a comforting coastal staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling harbor-side market offering fresh seafood, twigim (fried snacks), hotteok, and bindaetteok.
Fish stalls and stalls serving ready-to-eat grilled seafood with sea breeze views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite language; a slight bow is polite when greeting or thanking someone, especially elders.
Stand in lines patiently and avoid loud behavior in public transit and markets.
Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional spaces; speak softly in temples and public spaces.
Respect private fishing areas, ask before photographing people, and avoid blocking narrow walkways.
Safety
Tipping in Sokcho
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Korean dining and service contexts; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated in some places, while hotels may include a service charge.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with blooming coastal flora; layer up for cooler mornings and evenings.
Warm to hot and humid with sea breezes; frequent rain and occasional typhoons; plan early beach trips and outdoor activities.
Comfortable temperatures and vivid foliage around Seoraksan; ideal for hikes and scenic drives.
Cold with wind from the East Sea; snow in higher elevations and mountain trails; coastal areas are brisk but beautiful.
Sokcho at Night
Hiking in Sokcho
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Challenging granite stair climb with expansive summit views.
Long, rewarding high-altitude hike with alpine scenery.
Coastal and river valley scenery with distinctive rock formations.
Scenic shoreline path linking beaches, temples, and viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Sokcho by plane.
Closest airport to Sokcho with domestic and some international flights; typically 60-90 minutes by road.
Major international hub; reachable to Sokcho via express bus or train and then local transit, roughly 2.5-3 hours by road.
Another major hub for domestic and some international flights; about 3 hours by road with transfer options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Korean residents with a growing influx of tourists and seasonal workers.
Common in markets, guesthouses, and hiking areas around Seoraksan.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular along the Yangyang coast; best in warm months with favorable swells.
Seoraksan National Park trails attract hikers and runners of various levels.
Common in local parks and community facilities.
Coastal fishing and pier fishing around Sokcho.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sokcho.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for tofu dishes (such as Chodang tofu), bibimbap with vegetables, and vegetable banchan; always confirm that sauces are free of fish sauce or anchovy broth.