9 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Sokcho

Sinheungsa Temple has stood at its perch atop Seoraksan Mountain overlooking the ocean for over 1,000 years. The temple is situated in a national park surrounded by mountain peaks with scenery that is particularly stunning in colorful fall and snowy winter. 

Passing through the temple gate, you’re greeted by a grand bronze Buddha which was the largest in Asia at the time of its casting. The temple itself is a masterpiece of intricate woodcarving and painting. On the grounds, you'll also find a millennia-old Buddhist temple bell called bumjong and a 3-story stone pagoda at the Hyangseongsa Temple Site. 

Ulsanbawi Rock is South Korea's most famous rock, standing guard a short distance from Sokcho. The road to the summit is one of Seoraksan’s mountain trails, and it takes about 4 hours to get there and back. Start from Seorak-dong Small Park, passing Heundeulbawi along the way. 

The trail, which gets steeper as it goes, will be challenging for inexperienced hikers but offers rewarding views. When you reach the summit at 873 meters above sea level, you’ll get spectacular views of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea. If you prefer a shorter hike, travel first to Heundeulbawi and start your trek from there.

The Cheonbuldong Valley trail starts at Biseondae and runs for almost 5 miles to the Daecheongbong Peak of Seoraksan. The name "Cheonbuldong" comes from the shape of the rock formations on both sides of the valley, which are thought to look like 1,000 statues of the Buddha.

Cheonbuldong Valley is a popular destination for those in search of colorful fall foliage. Along the trail are many scenic vistas, such as Waseondae, Biseondae, Guimyeonam, Oryeon Falls, and Yangpok. The trip to Yangpok Shelter and back takes about 6 to 7 hours.

While the delicate stream of water in the Biryong Waterfall tumbling 16 meters down the rockside is a lovely sight to see, the trail would be worth hiking even without it. Located within Seoraksan National Park, Biryong is the second of 3 waterfalls along the trail. The path is not too challenging, with rest areas along the way, and is the kind of hike you want to pack a picnic for and just enjoy the scenery. 

The hike to Biryong Waterfall and back takes around 3 hours. If you have the energy to take on the near-vertical additional half a mile or so leading to the third waterfall, the views from the observation deck are well worth it. 

For those who want the mountain views without the strenuous climb, a cable car offers the easiest route up Seoraksan. It runs from Seoraksan Small Park to Gwongeumsong Fortress, which is 700 meters above sea level. This is an exceptionally popular spot for local tourism, and during peak season it tends to get crowded, so avoid weekends and expect some waiting time to board the car.

From the cable car station at the top, it’s a 15-minute walk to Gwongeumsong Fortress. The fortress itself is long gone, but the site offers an amazing position to observe the surrounding scenery: Ulsanwabi Rock, Towangseong Falls, and the East Sea all come into view. 

One of the country’s most popular stretches of coastline, Sokcho Beach is famous for its fine sand and clean, clear water. Looking out from the shore, Jodo Island and the jagged peaks of Seoraksan Mountain break the horizon. The beach is a summertime dream, with carnival games, a Ferris wheel, and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

The beach is within walking distance from the Sokcho bus terminal and is well-equipped with facilities and restaurants. Proximity to amenities plus shallow waters for swimming make it a favorite spot for local families. 

Abai Village is a small settlement of North Korean refugees in Sokcho, popular with visitors to the city for its unique history and cuisine. One attraction of the village is the means of reaching it, an unusual man-powered boat called a gaetbae. There’s no driver of the boat: travelers power it themselves. 

The main thing to do here is eat. The residents set up stalls serving North Korean dishes in a lunchtime marketplace, and restaurants specialize in stuffed squid, fish, and snow crab. A trail of murals painted on the walls of homes and businesses throughout the village tells the heartbreaking story of the refugees and the lives they left behind. 

The Yeonggeumjeong Pavillion stands on a rocky outcrop off the coast of Dongmyeong-dong. Loved by locals for its serene atmosphere, the pavilion offers panoramic views of the ocean and the coastline. This spot is particularly romantic at sunrise and on moonlit evenings. 

Each night the ornate red pavilion and the bridge leading to it are illuminated. While you may see a few other visitors here, it’s generally a nice spot to have a quiet moment by yourself or with a loved one.