Every serious hiker in Korea eventually makes it to Sokcho. This compact port city on the East Sea coast sits at the foot of Seoraksan National Park — a granite mountain range that makes the word “spectacular” feel inadequate. In October, the entire mountain face turns red, orange, and gold, and Koreans travel from every province to see it. Even in the other seasons, the rock faces and forest trails make Seoraksan the best hiking in the country.
But Sokcho is more than a mountain base camp. The city has a deeply interesting history as a settlement point for North Korean refugees, producing a unique food culture (abai sundae, squid stuffed dishes) that you can only find here. And the morning fish market, where the boats unload the night’s catch at 4 AM, is one of the most atmospheric scenes on the East Sea coast.
Getting Around Sokcho
Local Bus 7 connects Sokcho Bus Terminal to Seoraksan National Park entrance (Seorak-dong, 20 min, ₩1,500). Sokcho Beach and Abai Village are walkable from the city center (15-20 min). Taxis within the city: ₩3,000-6,000. For the park itself, the cable car (₩16,000 round trip) takes you to 1,109m in 5 minutes; trails continue from there.
Things to Do in Sokcho
Seoraksan National Park is Korea’s third-largest national park and arguably its most scenically dramatic. The granite peaks, including Daecheongbong (the summit at 1,708m), Ulsanbawi Rock, and Dinosaur Ridge, create a landscape unlike anything else in the country. There are 12 designated trails varying in difficulty from 1-hour strolls to full 8-hour summit challenges. Park entrance: ₩3,500/adult.
Ulsanbawi Rock — Six granite peaks rising together to 873m, visible from most of Sokcho. The trail (4.8km round trip, 3-4 hours) winds through forest before the final section of iron-chain ladders up the rock face. The views from the summit — Sokcho below, the East Sea beyond, and the rest of Seoraksan’s peaks surrounding you — are unforgettable. The best single hike in Seoraksan.
Seoraksan Cable Car — For those who want the mountain views without the climb, the cable car operates year-round from Seorak-dong (Gwongeumseong Station) to 1,109m. The 10-minute cable car ride reveals panoramic views; from the top, a short hike reaches the ruins of Gwongeumseong Fortress. ₩16,000/round trip.
Sinheungsa Temple — Dating from the 7th century (with later rebuilds), this mountain temple sits 3km into the park on the Ulsanbawi trail. The 14.6m bronze reclining Buddha and the forest setting make it one of Korea’s most atmospherically beautiful temples. Free to enter the park up to Sinheungsa; park entry fee applies for further trails.
Abai Village — Cross the narrow inlet from central Sokcho by the hand-pulled rope ferry (₩200 each way) and you arrive in Korea’s most unusual settlement. Established by North Korean refugees in 1950-53, the village has maintained its distinctive North Korean food culture for 70+ years. The restaurants here serve abai sundae (giant blood sausage), gajami (seasoned flatfish), and ojingeo gui (grilled squid) in a way you won’t find anywhere else. The village became famous when a popular K-drama (Autumn in My Heart) was filmed here.
Sokcho Fish Market — Every morning before dawn, Sokcho’s fishing fleet returns with the night’s catch. By 4-5 AM the market is in full swing: squid, crab, flounder, and sea cucumber laid on ice. By 7 AM the best items are sold. Even if you don’t buy anything, the atmosphere is extraordinary. The restaurants adjacent to the market serve hoe (raw fish) plates using the morning’s catch starting at 6 AM.
Where to Eat in Sokcho
Abai Village Restaurants — Abai sundae (large-diameter blood sausage) stuffed with squid, pork, and glass noodles. Uniquely North Korean-influenced. The original restaurants near the ferry landing have operated for decades. ₩10,000-15,000/portion.
Sokcho Seafood Market Restaurants — The freshest hoe (raw fish) in the region. Order a modeum hoe (assorted raw fish plate): flounder, squid, sea bass, and octopus. ₩30,000-50,000/person.
Cheondo Rest Area (near Seoraksan entrance) — Mountain hikers’ food: doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), bibimbap, and donut-shaped dak galbi. ₩8,000-12,000/dish. After a 4-hour Ulsanbawi hike, everything here tastes extraordinary.
Squid and Ojingeo Culture — Sokcho and surroundings are Korea’s squid heartland. Grilled squid on sticks at the beach market (₩4,000), squid ink rice (₩10,000), ojingeo sundae (₩12,000) — squid appears in every form here.
Where to Stay in Sokcho
Lotte Resort Sokcho (Luxury) — ₩220,000+/night. The flagship hotel on Sokcho Beach with mountain and ocean views. Best pool, spa, and restaurant facilities in the city.
Casa Blanca Hotel Sokcho (Mid-range) — ₩110,000-130,000/night. Good mid-range option with easy access to both the beach and the Seoraksan park entrance. Comfortable rooms.
Hotel Rooftop Sokcho (Mid-range Budget) — ₩85,000-100,000/night. Newer hotel near the bus terminal. Clean rooms, good for a 1-2 night hiking base.
Sokcho Hostel (Budget) — ₩28,000-35,000/dorm. Near the bus terminal, well-maintained, popular with hikers. Gear storage available.
Scott’s Pro Tips for Sokcho
1. Logistics & Getting There: The express bus from Seoul East Terminal (Dong Seoul) to Sokcho Terminal is the standard route (2.5 hours, ₩16,800, runs every 20-30 min). Alternatively, KTX to Gangneung then express bus to Sokcho (40 min, ₩5,300). There is no direct train to Sokcho. From Busan, buses run via Wonju (4 hours).
2. Best Time to Visit: October is peak season for autumn foliage — book accommodation 2-3 months ahead. May-June is excellent for spring hiking with wildflowers. Summer (July-August) brings good weather but beach crowds. Winter hiking is possible but requires experience and proper gear; some trails close.
3. Getting Around: Bus 7 from Sokcho Terminal to Seoraksan entrance (₩1,500, 20 min). The rope ferry to Abai Village costs ₩200. Within the park, everything is on foot. Taxis for beach/city area are ₩3,000-6,000.
4. Money & ATMs: Global ATMs at Sokcho Terminal and in the city center. Small restaurants at Abai Village and the fish market are sometimes cash-only. Keep ₩50,000-80,000 in cash per day.
5. Safety & Health: Seoraksan hiking safety is important — trails can be icy in autumn evenings, sudden fog occurs, and iron-chain ladder sections require grip. Register at the park trail register if doing long routes. Wear proper footwear. Sokcho Medical Center (+82-33-630-6000). Emergency: 112/119.
6. Packing Essentials: Sturdy hiking boots — essential for Seoraksan trails (not trail runners). Layers including a down or fleece for mountain summits. Trekking poles for steep sections. Rain jacket. Bring snacks and water from the city (park prices are high). Sunscreen for exposed ridge hikes.
7. Local Culture & Etiquette: Seoraksan is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — stay on designated trails and don’t disturb wildlife. The trail begins at a temple and many hikers treat the mountain with reverence; quiet on the approach to Sinheungsa is appreciated. At Abai Village, North Korean refugee culture deserves sensitivity — the residents’ history is recent, complex, and personal.