Sokcho is a costal city located in the north-eastern part of the province of Gangwon-do. The beautiful Soerak-san National Park may be reached from the city of Sokcho. Because of its proximity to both the East Sea and Mt. Seoraksan, the city is a particularly popular tourist destination. The city provides a variety of recreational opportunities to all of its guests, since it is located in an area that is bordered by a number of scenic beaches, mountains, hot baths, lakes (Cheongchoho, Yeongnangho), and streams. During the summer months, the majority of the beaches that run along the East Sea are swarmed with visitors.
Main Tourist Attractions of Sokcho, South Korea
Seorak Waterpia
A water park is exactly what Seorak Waterpia is, as suggested by its name. The park, which is located in the Seorak Hanhwa Resort on Mt. Seoraksan, makes use of the pure mineral waters that come from Choeksan. The mountain strata that were deposited during the Mesozoic period provide a source for the region’s water supply. The water has a significant quantity of essential salts and anions, which are both useful in the treatment of ailments. The amusement park has cutting-edge amenities such as a steam room, a spa, pools with man-made waves, and stream features.
Naksansa Temple
This temple may be found around 12 kilometres to the south of the main city of Sokcho. It is on the way to Yangyang International Airport, which is convenient given its location. This temple is one of the very limited number of Korean temples that was designed to look out over the ocean when it was constructed. Within this temple is a statue of the goddess of compassion who is known as “Gwaneum,” and she is fashioned of white stone.
Abai Village
The name “Cheongho-do Village” is most often referred to by its nickname, “Abai Village.” It was during the Korean War that a large number of elderly individuals from North Korea made the decision to make this hamlet their home; as a result, the town was given the name Abai, which means “an aged person.” The community exudes an air of uncomplicatedness and peace across its environs.
Gwon-geunseong
On the lower slopes of Dol Mountain, which is a component of Mt. Seoraksan, you’ll find Gwon-geumseong. It is possible to see the ruins of a castle that is also known as the Toto Castle or the Mt. Onggeumsan Castle. King Gojong, a member of the Goryeo dynasty, was the one responsible for its construction. One has the option of taking the cable car up to the castle in order to reach it. Beautiful vistas of the sea and the city of Sokcho may be seen in the distance when one stands on the plateau.
Sokcho Beach
The Sokcho Beach may be reached on foot from the city’s main bus terminal thanks to the location of the beach. This lovely beach offers its guests the opportunity to experience the splendour of nature by providing them with pristine seas and soft, white sand. It also provides its guests with the option to participate in other sports, such as fishing, swimming, or just unwinding on the beach. From the beach, one can also get a good look of Mt. Seonarksan and the thick canopy of pine trees that are lined up in a row.
Biryong Waterfall
Biryong, which literally translates to “flying dragons,” is the inspiration for the waterfall’s name. Within the boundaries of Outer Seorak National Park is where you’ll find the waterfall. One may reach the waterfall by following a broad route that winds through the bamboo grove. The height of the waterfall, which is around 150 feet, gives it the appearance of a dragon that is flying from heaven.
Sinheungsa Temple
The Buddhist master teacher Jajangyulsa is credited with building the historic temple of Sinheungsa in the year 652 A.D. Sinheungsa is located in South Korea. After then, the temple was destroyed and then reconstructed many times. One may find various Buddhist statues inside the confines of the temple, four of which belong to different monarchs, and one can also find a stupa. There is also a Hyangseongsaji stone tower that is three stories tall and was constructed in the traditional manner of the Shilla dynasty.
Cheonbuldong Valley
The Cheonbuldong Valley, which is located in the Seorak Mountains, is also sometimes referred to as the Seorak Valley. The name “Cheonbuldong valley” comes from the fact that numerous of the valley’s peaks have the appearance of statues of Buddhist monks; this is how the valley got its name. A stroll around the valley may take one to many lovely sites, such as the summits of the surrounding mountains and the waterfalls they flow into.
Ulsan Bawi Rock
It is thought that the Ulsan Bawi Rock, which is comprised of six granite peaks, is the biggest single rock that can be found anywhere in all of Orient region. It is about 3,117 feet in height, and it is encircled on all sides by cliffs. However, there is a metal bridge that helps people go to the top, so one should not worry about it being too high for them to reach. The tranquil beauty of Mount Seorak, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir may be seen from the top of Ulsanbawi Rock.
Seorak Sunrise Park
As suggested by the name of the park, visitors come from all around to get a glimpse of the sunrise, which seems to emerge from the deep cover of pine trees. One may locate the Jamboree Memorial Tower and an open theatre inside the park, in addition to a great deal of other exciting locations. At addition, there are around thirty sculptures that are lined up along the coast in this park.
Daepohang Port
The port of Daepohang can be found to the south of Sokcho and is well-known for the many raw fish restaurants and businesses that can be found there. One may indulge in the deliciousness of raw fishes here, in addition to visiting the fish market, which offers a wide variety of fishes, including eels, flounders, and many other types of fish that live in saltwater. This is often regarded as one of the spots that tourists just cannot miss, particularly for those individuals who are really fond of fish meals.
Cheongchoho Lake
Because it is located in the midst of the city, Cheongchoho Lake can be seen from everywhere in the Sokcho downtown area. It is a lagoon that is about 5 kilometres in diameter and has subsurface connections with the East Sea. The Expo Tower, Expo World, and the Expo Excursion streamer can all be seen from this area, which is next to the lake.
Yeongnangho Lake
The Yeongnangho Lake was formerly a lagoon and then developed into a natural lake. During the Shilla dynasty, it is reported that a man named Yeongnang, who was travelling with a companion at the time, discovered this lake by accident and bestowed the name “Yeongnang Lake” onto it. Beombawi Rock, which is claimed to resemble a tiger and is located close to the lake, is one of the many more noteworthy locations in the area.
Seorak Park Hotel Casino
The casino at the Seorak Park Hotel, which is also part of the Seorak Park Hotel, is of the highest calibre found anywhere in the world. The casino fills a big area and provides patrons with a wide variety of gaming options, including Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, the Big Wheel, and many more. The hotel markets the gaming facility to guests by advertising the location as being “nearly like visiting Las Vegas.” This helps the hotel advertise the casino facility. However, only those from other countries are permitted to enter.
Seorak Plaza Country Club
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Korea, which is noted for its encouragement of a variety of activities. An outstanding golf course can be found in the countryside and is located inside the Seorak Plaza Country Club. The club, which is located at the base of Mount Seoraksan, offers the most spectacular views of the mountain to both its guests and the golfers who play there.
Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory
The Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory is a structure that is white in colour. From this building, one may enjoy the breathtaking grandeur of the Seoraksan Mountains, the East Sea, and the whole of the city of Sokcho. The views of the ocean are among the most beautiful and captivating. In addition, visitors will have the chance to take in breathtaking views of the dawn from the observatory.
Seoraksan National Park
The designation of Seoraksan National Park as Korea’s fifth national park was recently bestowed to the park. High peaks, a plethora of waterfalls, and deep forest covers made up of pine and hardwood trees provide visitors with the opportunity to see nature at its most spectacular. This park is made up of three sections: the outside, the interior, and the southern one. The park has challenging paths that hikers may use to reach its different summits. Those who want to take their time and appreciate the park’s natural splendour may take use of the cable car services.
