Goseong Unification Observatory (고성 통일전망타워) - Area information - Korea travel information

Goseong Unification Observatory (고성 통일전망타워)

18.5Km    2025-03-26

481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-682-0088

The Goseong Unification Observatory stands as the northernmost observatory in South Korea. It provides panoramic views of the DMZ, the East Sea, and North Korea's Geumgangsan Mountain. Established as a symbol of hope for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, it features an exhibition hall dedicated to educating visitors about the Korean War (1950-1953). Due to its location near the DMZ, visitors must bring an ID, such as a passport or foreigner resident card, for entry.

DMZ Peace Trail (Goseong A/B Course) (DMZ 평화의 길(고성 A/B코스))

18.5Km    2024-03-18

481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

The DMZ Peace Trail is a trekking path created with the hope of fostering peace in the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This trail offers views of the renowned Geumgangsan Mountain and the Haegeumgang Islets. To access the trail, visitors must first register their visit at the Goseong Visitor Registration Center, confirm their identity, and then acquire a visitor pass at the Jejin Checkpoint. After these steps, visitors can proceed to the Unification Observatory, which is the starting point of the trail.
[Course A] Unification Observatory → Geumgang Access Gate → Geumgangsan Observatory → Unification Observatory (2.7km on foot + 5.2km by car)
[Course B] Unification Observatory → Anho Checkpoint → Geumgangsan Observatory → Unification Observatory (7.2km by car)

Sadonjip (사돈집)

18.5Km    2024-02-16

8 Yeongnanghaean 1-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
033-633-0915

Sadonjip, known for its haejang guk (hangover soup), features freshly caught moray eel from the East Sea. It's a popular destination for breakfast, attracting visitors from across Korea who come to savor the mulgomtang (spicy moray eel stew), especially on weekends. The restaurant operates until its supply of moray eel runs out for the day. Another popular dish on the menu is gajami jorim (braised plaice). The restaurant is also ideally situated for those interested in exploring local attractions, with the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory located nearby.

Chodangbonjeom (초당본점)

18.6Km    2024-04-08

440, Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Chodangbonjeom is a bean curd restaurant that's been in business for over 50 years and is located on the way to Seoraksan National Park (about 7.9 km). Bean curd hot pot and soft bean curd are the signature dishes here. Unlike regular bean curds, soft bean curds are not pressed in a mold, thus have a smoother, more delicate texture. Bean curd hot pots made with bean curd, various vegetables, and sauce are available along with many other dishes, so visitors can order based on their preferences. This restaurant is also famous for its side dishes. Sokcho's famous stuffed squid (squid stuffed with various vegetables and glass noodles) and potato pancakes made with pan-fried mashed potatoes go well with the main dish. Spicy soft bean curd stew is recommended to those who like spicy food. 

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

18.7Km    2024-02-16

7 Subok-ro 259beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

This indie bookstore in Sokcho serves a dual purpose as both a café and accommodations. An indie bookstore refers to a store independent of large distribution networks or capital, curated according to the owner’s personal tastes. Housing nearly 1,000 books, it offers a cozy space for visitors to relax and enjoy reading. Its prime location on Sokcho’s Soho Street places it amidst an array of charming cafés and restaurants, enhancing its appeal as a destination for book lovers and casual visitors alike.

Seoraksan Botanical Garden (설악산 자생식물원)

18.7Km    2025-02-04

164 Baramkkonmaeul-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Seoraksan Botanical Garden is a miniature version of Seoraksan Mountain. The garden features a wide range of plants, from rare species native to the mountain to more common wildflowers. It includes a water plant garden connected to the Sabang Dam, a rock garden with rare plants, a maze garden perfect for children, and greenhouses. Forest trails, walking paths, and stepping stones add to its charm, making it an ideal year-round destination.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

18.7Km    2025-01-21

8-28 Yeonggeumjeong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

It is No. 1 of Sokcho’s Eight Sights. This white lighthouse creates a picturesque view along with the surrounding blue sea. Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory was originally just a lighthouse, but now, it is opened to the public and plays a role of an observatory. Walking up along the wooden deck trail among the bamboo grove leads you to the observatory, which offers an open view of the deep blue East Sea, the Cheongchoho Lake, which is home to migratory birds, and the magnificent scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Viewed from the high tower, the East Sea unfolds its boundless ocean and sometimes it looks like a calm lake but can become an energetic ocean full of vitality. Built in 1957, Sokcho Lighthouse still lights up for ships at night. The bright light and sound of the beacon, which has been in service since the lighthouse’s establishment, can show the waterway to a boat, which is about 35 km away from the lighthouse. Right next to the observatory, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion is situated.

Seednoir (시드누아)

18.7Km    2024-02-16

38 Baramkkonmaeul 1-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

This sizable bakery café in Sokcho is known for its spacious and airy interior, which is adorned with a variety of plants. The high ceilings contribute to the open and luminous ambiance. One of the café's most striking features is the spectacular view of Seoraksan Mountain’s Ulsanbawi Rock and the surrounding green fields, visible through a window wall. Additionally, the café offers an extensive selection of baked goods and beverages, including its signature item, the Nutty Cube.  

Yeonggeumjeong (영금정)

18.9Km    2022-12-21

35, Dongmyeonghang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2689

Yeonggeumjeong refers to the area covering the shore by the Sokcho Lighthouse in Sokcho-si City. The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). At the end of the 50m-long bridge built over a rocky peninsula is a pavilion offering a view of the East Sea.

Seorak Pine Resort (설악파인리조트)

19.0Km    2025-03-16

14, Gwangwang-ro 408beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-5800