Abai Village view from bridge

The latest edition of the Winter Olympics, held earlier this year in Pyeongchang, introduced the region of Gangwon-do to the world. This region, one of the most popular holiday destination for Koreans, is home to beautiful mountains, beaches and temples and, of course, its own regional specialties.

Man powered boat

The city Sokcho, one of the jewels of Gangwon-do, is probably the best base for visiting the Seoraksan National Park. A city with a well defined identity. Next to white sanded beaches and delicious food there are also many landmarks of historical interest.

Abai Village in the Cheongho-dong neighbourhood of Sokcho, developed during the Korean War, when thousands of North Korean refugees sought shelter in this area and then decided to settle there at the end of the war. The word 'Abai' comes from the Hamgyeong-do dialect meaning 'aged person' and the village was given this name because many elderly people fled to Cheongho-dong during the Korean War. A village of fishermen that has kept its unique atmosphere intact over the years. Small fishing boats deliver fresh catch daily to the numerous restaurants (most of them family ran) of the area for you to taste.

Abai Village alley

Fishing boats docked

Photo spot of filming statue

Walking around the colourful  alleys while surrounded by sea breeze was like reviving a recent past, where nothing has changed much.

Ojingo Sundae and Abai Sundae

Ojingo Sundae and Abai Sundae

A must-to-try food is without any doubt the ojingo sundae (squid stuffed with a mixture of tofu, vegetables and squid). The Abai Village was also featured in the popular drama "Autumn in My Heart". This contributed to the increase popularity of the Cheongho-dong neighbourhood that is now visited by hundreds of people every day, lining in long queue to take the small boat "Gaetbae" (operated by manpower) to cross the canal to Sokcho downtown, just as the lead actress of the drama. To get to Abai Village get on board of bus No. 1, 7 or 9 from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal.

Art installation on Sokcho Beach

Sokcho Beach is together, with Seoraksan National Park and Abai Village, another popular landmark of Sokcho.

The beach is know for its white sand (a long strip of about 2 km long), its clear water and the adjacent pine forest. Sokcho beach attracts many people who enjoy the beautiful view and the relaxed atmosphere. It is also a great place to rest after a day of hiking on Seoraksan Mountain or for a romantic evening walk at sunset.

Sokcho Beach is very easily accessible from the Sokcho Express Bus terminal: exit the station then immediately turn left and go straight for 500 m (about 8 minutes walk).

Signpost on Sokcho Beach

Tip! the beach boulevard has many fish restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the sea: don't miss the delicious hwaleo hoe (fresh sashimi).

View from the beach

Sokcho can be reached by bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. We booked the tickets online on the KOBUS website. Tickets starts from 13,800 won (one way ticket).

Sea from the beach

Abai Village

More Information

Sokcho beach

More Information

Statue at the park entrance

Seoraksan National Park, designated as nature reserve in 1965, is one of the most visited national parks of Korea and it can be enjoyed all year round. Each season guarantees a beautiful and unique landscape.   No hiking experience? Do not worry! The park includes many trails for any level of expertise so you can admire the scenic views from different peaks (the highest peak, Daecheongbong Peak is located 1,708 m above ground), and also visit the numerous landmarks of the park. There is also a cable car (10,000 won round trip) to connect the entrance of the park to Gwongeumseong Fortress, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding rock formations and East Sea. A short walk from the park entrance leads to the Sinheungsa Temple with a 10 m high bronze statue of the Buddha.

Buddha statue

Stream whil e hiking falls cours

Yukdampokpo Falls

Suspension bridge

Having only a day available for hiking, we opted for the Towangseongpokpo Falls and Ulsanbawi Rock courses: walking surrounded by the beautiful ridges, admiring the gentle falls and the many trees species along the trails made us feel becoming one with nature. If you have more days available for hiking, Jujeongol Valley and Seorakdong  routes (one way duration 3h40min and 6h40min respectively) could be great options. “I am a Gangwon local and I have walked across all the trails of the National Park, and one of my favourites is the Jujeongol Valley trail: a slow pace course with beautiful sceneries and temples for people of all age to enjoy” says local guide Chung Jiwon.

Biryongpokpo Falls

View from waterfall observatory

You can reach Seoraksan Park Entrance from Sokcho Express and Intercity Bus terminals by bus 7 or 7-1 (45 min ride)  or by taxi (20 min ride, around 12,000 won) Entrance fee for the park is 3,500 won for adult, 1000 won for kids aged 14-19 and 500 won for children aged 8-13. Trails are open from 3:00 AM during Summer Season (April-October) and from 4:00 AM during Winter Season (November-March)

Towangseongpokpo Falls view from observatory

Gwongeumseong Fortress

Tip! Start your hike in early hours of the morning. During autumn foliage period especially the trails can get very crowded and traffic jams on the roads to the park are common.

Seoraksan

More Information

Hotel entrance

Amaranth Hotel, opened in 1994, has earned the "Good Stay" certification for the quality and comfort of their rooms and service to their guests. Strategically located between the Seoraksan and downtown Sokcho is a  great option for business travellers and families alike to experience what the region has to offer. Elegant and comfortable rooms, available in traditional Korean style with floor heating (ondol) or a Western style with queen size bed with a comfortable and high quality mattress.  Each room has a small balcony with a stunning view of Seoraksan: from our window we could admire the Ulsanbawi Rock and having our breakfast sitting at at table on the balcony was a great way of starting our day of exploration.  

Hotel room 1

Hotel room 2

Hotel restaurant

If you arrive with your own car the hotel offers also a spacious parking facility in front of the hotel.

How to get to the hotel: bus 22 from Sokcho Express Bus terminal + bus 3 or 3-1 or bus 3-1, 30-3 from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal

Taxi: 10 min ride from Sokcho Express and Intercity Bus Terminals (cost around 5,000 won), 15 min ride from Seoraksan Park entrance (around 7,000 won).