Abai Village (아바이 마을) - Area information - Korea travel information

Abai Village (아바이 마을)

Abai Village (아바이 마을)

9.8Km    2025-03-16

122-1 Cheongho-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located in Cheongho-dong, Abai Village bears a history of displaced people’s distress. The village was formed by refugees of the Korean War from North Korea, mainly from Hamgyeong-do Province. The word “abai” is a dialect of Hamgyeong-do that means a friendly old man like a grandfather. Visitors to Abai Village can get a sense of displaced people’s life and story, which fade away into a chapter of history. Although it has lost its original appearance now, old shacks without a gate still remain here and there. Mural paintings on the wall show the sentiment of nostalgia about their hometown and express sorrow and hard life of displaced people, who lived from hand to mouth by fishing and doing physical labor. The original houses built by refugees in the village were restored into the Refugee Village at the Sokcho Museum. Abai Village is also known as a filming location for the Korean TV drama Autumn in My Heart, attracting a lot of visitors and becoming a major attraction in Sokcho. The restaurant alley is packed with cafes and North Korean food restaurants serving local dishes such as Hamheung-style cold buckwheat noodles, stuffed squid, and North Korean-style sausage soup.

Sokcho Culture Center (속초문화회관)

9.9Km    2021-11-30

155, Beonyeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2080

Sokcho Culture Center is a cultural facility located in Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do. The main building houses a grand theater with fully-equipped lighting and sound systems, and practice rooms. The annex building has a small conference room, exhibition chamber, cultural room and administration offices.

ARUNA (아루나)

ARUNA (아루나)

9.9Km    2024-02-16

85 Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located on Sokcho’s Cheonghohaean-gil, ARUNA is renowned for its stunning ocean views and rooftop area. The first floor of the café features a large window wall on one side, offering expansive views of the sky and the East Sea. ARUNA’s selection of coffee beverages and desserts, including matcha, scones, and cookies, are well-received by visitors. Additionally, the café is conveniently located near several tourist attractions such as Sokchohaebyeon Beach, Sokcho Eye (Ferris Wheel), and Abai Village. 

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

10.0Km    2024-02-16

7 Subok-ro 259beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

This indie bookstore in Sokcho serves a dual purpose as both a café and accommodations. An indie bookstore refers to a store independent of large distribution networks or capital, curated according to the owner’s personal tastes. Housing nearly 1,000 books, it offers a cozy space for visitors to relax and enjoy reading. Its prime location on Sokcho’s Soho Street places it amidst an array of charming cafés and restaurants, enhancing its appeal as a destination for book lovers and casual visitors alike.

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

10.0Km    2024-11-28

190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Beach opened in 1976 and is one of Korea's representative beaches. It is close to Sokcho's downtown, and the express bus terminal is also within walking distance, so transportation is convenient. With clear sea water, shallow depth, and a gentle slope, Sokcho Beach attracts visitors from all over the country every summer. Especially during the high season in July and August, the beach is so cluttered that there's nowhere to walk. There are many restaurants and facilities near the beach. And there is a pine forest with a small park and a trail behind the beach. The sculptures installed throughout the sandy beach are a sight to see regardless of the season, so tourists continue to visit even after the holiday season. There are sculptures including the Korean initials "ㅅㅊ" symbolizing Sokcho, a large compass showing directions to countries around the world, and a dolphin sculpture. The large picture frame with the blue sea in the background and the Stairway to Heaven are the most popular photo spots here. The beach often serves as a venue for a variety of events like performances and festivals.

Café ONE FINE DAY (어느멋진날카페)

Café ONE FINE DAY (어느멋진날카페)

10.0Km    2024-02-16

54 Cheongho-ro 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Café ONE FINE DAY boasts a stunning view of Sokcho Beach, visible right before it. Both the first and second floors feature expansive window walls that offer unobstructed views of the beach, while the third floor provides a view of the Sokcho Eye. The café's signature menu includes the "Sokcho Eye corn latte," named after the Ferris wheel visible from the café, and the "Ferris wheel bread." Other popular offerings include fresh pineapple juice and the unique Cotton candy latte.

Sokcho Eye (속초해수욕장 대관람차(속초아이))

Sokcho Eye (속초해수욕장 대관람차(속초아이))

10.1Km    2025-02-04

2 Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located at Sokcho Beach, Sokcho Eye is a towering Ferris wheel standing approximately 65 meters tall, offering panoramic views of the blue sea, Seoraksan Mountain, and the city of Sokcho. Featuring 36 cabins, its charming, submarine-inspired circular design is truly eye-catching. Constructed entirely with transparent acrylic walls, it provides an unobstructed 360-degree view, ensuring a memorable experience from every angle.

Daepohang Port (대포항)

10.2Km    2022-12-21

64, Daepohang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-633-3171

Located on the southernmost point of Sokcho, Daephohang Port is known as a place to find quality fish with the rise of Seoraksan Mountain as a popular tourist destination. However, the port was a well-known port even before Sokcho existed. On a map of Korea that was published right after the Korean War, Daepohang Port can be found with other notable ports while the city of Sokcho is not indicated. With the opening of Sokcho and Sokcho Port in 1942, Daepohang Port became a secluded port visited by few fishing boats.

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park (속초 설악해맞이공원)

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park (속초 설악해맞이공원)

10.2Km    2025-01-21

3664 Donghae-daero, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Referred to as "Namulchi," Sokcho Seorak Sunrise Park is located in the area of National Highway 7, the main point toward Daepohang Port, Yangyang, and Seoraksan Mountain. The park is perfect for enjoying a sunrise trip. The park area includes Sunrise Plaza, Lover’s Road, Happy Road, Love Road, other various themed sculptures, symbolic sculptures of Seoraksan Mountain, and light fountains, making it a great place to take a walk.

Osaek Green Yard Hotel (오색탄산온천)

10.3Km    2023-10-27

34 Daecheongbong-gil, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Osaek Green Yard Hotel offers Holon Immunity Wellness, a health experience that focuses on Holon immunity, wellbeing, happiness, and fitness. The hotel is located in a forest at an altitude of 647 m, perfect for rest and relaxation. The hotel also uses natural mineral water with a 21.5-23% higher concentration of oxygen for speedy recovery. Guests can enjoy the view of Seoraksan National Park from their rooms.