Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

17.0Km 2024-11-28

190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Beach opened in 1976 and is one of Korea's representative beaches. It is close to Sokcho's downtown, and the express bus terminal is also within walking distance, so transportation is convenient. With clear sea water, shallow depth, and a gentle slope, Sokcho Beach attracts visitors from all over the country every summer. Especially during the high season in July and August, the beach is so cluttered that there's nowhere to walk. There are many restaurants and facilities near the beach. And there is a pine forest with a small park and a trail behind the beach. The sculptures installed throughout the sandy beach are a sight to see regardless of the season, so tourists continue to visit even after the holiday season. There are sculptures including the Korean initials "ㅅㅊ" symbolizing Sokcho, a large compass showing directions to countries around the world, and a dolphin sculpture. The large picture frame with the blue sea in the background and the Stairway to Heaven are the most popular photo spots here. The beach often serves as a venue for a variety of events like performances and festivals.

Sokcho Eye (속초해수욕장 대관람차(속초아이))

17.0Km 2025-02-04

2 Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located at Sokcho Beach, Sokcho Eye is a towering Ferris wheel standing approximately 65 meters tall, offering panoramic views of the blue sea, Seoraksan Mountain, and the city of Sokcho. Featuring 36 cabins, its charming, submarine-inspired circular design is truly eye-catching. Constructed entirely with transparent acrylic walls, it provides an unobstructed 360-degree view, ensuring a memorable experience from every angle.

Castle at Hwajinpo (화진포의 성(김일성별장))

17.3Km 2025-01-10

280 Hwajinpo-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3677

The Castle of Hwajinpo was the summer retreat for Kim Ilsung, former leader of North Korea, and his family from 1948 to 1950. Photos of the family on vacation there show Kim Jungil as a young boy of six years. The building was constructed entirely of stone in 1938 by a German architect for the Sherwood Hall missionary family, and features a basement level and two above-ground floors. The house is now open to the public, with an exhibition of how the house was used by the Kim family, faithfully recreated from photographic research.

Hwajinpo History & Security Museum (화진포역사안보전시관)

17.4Km 2021-07-20

33, Iseungmanbyeoljang-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3677

Next to Hwajinpo Lake and a dense forest of pine trees lays Hwajinpo History and Security Museum. Its premier location near amazing ecological sites makes the museum a popular destination to pay a visit. The museum holds goods used during warfare and other historical remains of former presidents. Various government officials had private villas in the area including former president Syngman Rhee.

Villa of Rhee Syngman (이승만별장(고성))

17.4Km 2025-01-15

33, Iseungmanbyeoljang-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-682-0500

During the 1950's, three leaders, namely Kim Ilsung, Rhee Syngman and Lee Ki-poong had summer houses built around the lake of Hwajinpo. The villa of Rhee Syngman, Korea's first president, was built in 1954 but fell into a state of disuse by 1961. It was not repaired until July of 1997 by the army, and was fully restored in 1999, opening as an exhibition hall.

Villa of Lee Ki-poong (이기붕별장)

17.6Km 2022-09-08

300-1, Hwajinpo-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3677

The villa of Lee Ki-poong is located between the villas of Rhee Syngman and Kim Ilsung on the shores of Hwajinpo Lake. The villa was originally built by foreign missionaries in the 1920s. It was used as vacation villa by the Northern communist party's executives before the Korean War broke out, and was turned into a private residence by Lee, the Vice-president to President Rhee, and his wife Maria Park after the cease-fire agreement.

Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan Mountain) (신흥사(설악산))

17.7Km 2024-03-12

1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7044

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple located in Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho. It belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded as Hyangseongsa Temple by the monk Jajang in the Shilla dynasty (A.D. 652). Within the temple grounds, cultural heritage sites such as Geungnakbojeon Hall, a wooden structure from the mid-Joseon period, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Hyangseongsa Temple Site. The temple offers a templestay program where visitors can experience temple life firsthand. Participants can engage in various activities such as Buddhist ceremonies, Buddhist prayer, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern and rosary making.

Kensington Hotel Seorak (켄싱턴호텔 설악)

17.8Km 2021-03-03

998, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-4001

Kensington Hotel Seorak is located a 5-minute's drive from Seoraksan National Park and 25-minute's drive away from Sokcho's major tourist destinations such as Cheongchoho Lake, Sokcho Beach, and Daepohang Port. Within the hotel, visitors can freely use the business center and receive currency exchange and laundry service through the front desk. The hotel is equipped with 108 rooms; some of the rooms offer a gorgeous view of Seoraksan Mountain.

Cheonbuldong Valley (천불동계곡)

17.9Km 2021-04-09

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

As one of the Ten Sights of Seoraksan Mountain, the Cheonbuldong Valley is also called Seorakgol Valley, being a representative valley of the mountain. Along the valley covering about 7 km from Biseondae Rock to Daecheongbong Peak, visitors can enjoy the splendid scenery of various attractions including Waseondae Rock, Munjudam Pool, Ihodam Pool, Gwimyeonam Rock, Oryeon Falls, and Cheondang Falls. It has all magnificent views of Seoraksan Mountain. The Cheonbuldong Valley is also regarded as one of Korea’s top 3 valleys along with Chilseon Valley of Jirisan Mountain and Tamna Valley of Hallasan Mountain. It offers beautiful seasonal views every year, and among them, the autumnal foliage is considered the best scenery of the valley. Its colorfully-tinged autumnal leaves are in harmony with rocks in fantastic shapes, attracting many hikers in autumn.

Geumganggul Cave (금강굴)

17.9Km 2019-11-27

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Hollowed into the rocks of Seoraksan Mountain, about 600 meters above sea level, you will find Geumganggul Cave. This 23 square meters cave was once used as a place of worship, and contains a stone sitting Buddha and some earthenware. The route up the cave is quite steep, and visitors must walk across a few bridges and up concrete stairways. However, you will be rewarded with a captivating view of Cheonbuldong Valley.

The hiking trail from Seorakdong to Geumganggul Cave, which also passes by Biseondae, is 3.6 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장) - Area information - Korea travel information