Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Whispering Birch Forest) (원대리 자작나무 숲(속삭이는 자작나무 숲)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Whispering Birch Forest) (원대리 자작나무 숲(속삭이는 자작나무 숲))

Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Whispering Birch Forest) (원대리 자작나무 숲(속삭이는 자작나무 숲))

17.9Km    2025-10-23

760 Jajangnamusup-gil, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

Wondae-ri Birch Forest near Inje-eup is an exemplar of natural eco-tourism, established by planting 690,000 birch trees across 138 hectares from 1974 to 1995. Today, 25 hectares of this expansive area serve as a forest experience center tailored for children. Two main trails are available: the Wonjeong Forest Trail, with an 80-minute walking time, and the shorter Wondae Forest Trail, taking about an hour to traverse. The trails lead hikers through a dense forest of birch trees, some over two decades old, whose stark white trunks reach skyward, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This forest not only offers a journey through its unique ecosystem but also provides aesthetic pleasure and educational opportunities, securing its status as a distinguished eco-tourism site in Inje-gun.
In winter, the snow-blanketed landscape alongside the stark white birches creates a picturesque tableau, making it a favored spot for photography. For families, especially those with children, the forest is a treasure trove of educational fun, with activities available at the Children’s Forest Experience Center, including Forest Classroom and Indian House, fostering a connection with nature.

Note: Some areas may close temporarily to prevent forest fires and preserve the ecosystem, so please check availability before visiting.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
This location was the romantic date spot for Jin-ah (played by Son Ye-jin) and Joon-hee (played by Jung Hae-in) in the TV series "Something in the Rain." It also served as the setting for a sorrowful farewell for Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Ju Ji-hoon) in "Kingdom 2." Both scenes, filmed in winter, highlighted the stunning beauty of the snow-covered landscape.

Seoraksan Botanical Garden (설악산 자생식물원)

Seoraksan Botanical Garden (설악산 자생식물원)

18.4Km    2025-02-04

164 Baramkkonmaeul-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Seoraksan Botanical Garden is a miniature version of Seoraksan Mountain. The garden features a wide range of plants, from rare species native to the mountain to more common wildflowers. It includes a water plant garden connected to the Sabang Dam, a rock garden with rare plants, a maze garden perfect for children, and greenhouses. Forest trails, walking paths, and stepping stones add to its charm, making it an ideal year-round destination.

Gohyangjip (고향집)

Gohyangjip (고향집)

19.3Km    2025-10-29

115 Jochimnyeong-ro, Girin-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – variety show “Green Bean, Red Bean: Reap What You Sow”
Gohyangjip, which the cast raved about, offers healthy, flavorful dishes made with natural ingredients. They loved it so much they visited twice, with Lee Kwang-soo praising the food as so delicious that it made him feel “nervous.”

Cheoksan Spatel ( (주)척산온천휴양촌)

Cheoksan Spatel ( (주)척산온천휴양촌)

19.4Km    2024-12-19

327, Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Opened in 1985, Cheoksan Spatel is a natural hot springs with strong alkaline water at 53℃, formed 4000 m below sea level. The water is said to be highly effective in the removal of impurities and treatment of skin conditions. Rooms available include both bedrooms and ondol (under-the-floor heating system) rooms. Each room has a small bath supplied with hot springs water in the bathroom. Guests are also offered a single-use ticket to the hot springs area.
There are plenty of onsite facilities as well, from the hot springs area with many different types of baths to ladies-only spa therapy at Spa Healing Center, walking paths through a pine grove, and an observation deck with a view of Seoraksan Mountain’s Ulsan Peak. Other attractions, such as Sokcho Museum, Seoraksan Botanical Garden, and Cheongchoho Recreation Area, is reachable by car in 10 min.

Seorak Plaza Country Club (설악프라자컨트리클럽)

Seorak Plaza Country Club (설악프라자컨트리클럽)

19.4Km    2022-08-12

1111, Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Seorak Plaza Country Club is located in the beautiful environment of Sokcho on Korea's eastern coast. The Mountain View Course showcases Seoraksan National Park, while the Sunrise View Course overlooks the East Sea.

Hanwha Resort Seorak Waterpia (한화리조트 설악 워터피아)

Hanwha Resort Seorak Waterpia (한화리조트 설악 워터피아)

19.4Km    2024-02-28

111 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Hanhwa Resort Seorak Waterpia is a theme park where visitors can enjoy both hot spring baths and water parks. Using natural hot spring water, Seorak Waterpia is divided into a spa zone and a water zone. Its main facilities include indoor saunas, swimming pools, and a rooftop spa, with the outdoor sauna being the most popular. The park is open all year round and offers a variety of attractions.

Hanwha Resort Seorak (한화리조트 설악)

Hanwha Resort Seorak (한화리조트 설악)

19.4Km    2025-03-16

111, Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Hanwha Resort Seorak features breathtaking views of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea. Guests can relax at the spa or enjoy playing a round of golf.

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

19.4Km    2024-02-28

288 Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone, located in Sokcho, is a village dedicated to hot spring tourism. Key attractions like Cheoksan Spa & Hotel, Cheoksan Hot Spring Bath, and Footbath Park have been sequentially built to shape the area as it is known today. It offers a unique expereince where visitors can soak in warm hot springs while viewing the snow-capped Seoraksan Mountain, expecially during the cold winter months. Situated just a 10-minute drive from Seoraksan Mountain, this village serves as an ideal relaxation spot after a day of hiking.

Seorak Pine Resort (설악파인리조트)

Seorak Pine Resort (설악파인리조트)

19.5Km    2025-03-16

14, Gwangwang-ro 408beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Museum (속초시립박물관·속초실향민문화촌)

Sokcho Museum (속초시립박물관·속초실향민문화촌)

19.8Km    2021-09-24

16, Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

The Sokcho Museum is a cultural experience center where visitors can learn about and experience Sokcho’s history, culture, and natural environment, covering from prehistoric times to modern times. It displays artifacts related to regional tradition and culture, the fishing village culture, and the culture of the displaced people who took refuge during the Korean War.

The museum is divided into four sections: Exhibition Hall 1, which introduces Sokcho’s natural environment and cultural characteristics; Exhibition Hall 2, displaying the aspects of a fishing village and life of the Korean War refugees; Exhibition Hall 3, which provides diverse cultural experiences for children; and the Balhae History Hall with materials and artifacts related to the ancient Balhae Kingdom. The museum also has a reproduction of Cheongho-dong Alley, where the Korean War refugees from North Korea settled adn lived, and Sokcho Station building that was demolished in 1978.