Geumganggul Cave (금강굴)

5.4Km 2019-11-27

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Hollowed into the rocks of Seoraksan Mountain, about 600 meters above sea level, you will find Geumganggul Cave. This 23 square meters cave was once used as a place of worship, and contains a stone sitting Buddha and some earthenware. The route up the cave is quite steep, and visitors must walk across a few bridges and up concrete stairways. However, you will be rewarded with a captivating view of Cheonbuldong Valley.

The hiking trail from Seorakdong to Geumganggul Cave, which also passes by Biseondae, is 3.6 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Biseondae Rock (비선대)

5.4Km 2021-04-09

1091, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Biseondae Rock is a large rock located in the Cheonbuldong Valley of Seoraksan Mountain. The rock blended with a giant surrounding rocky wall creates a mysterious atmosphere. When it rains, water flows down through the rock and forms a small waterfall. The stream of water winding around the rock is considered the magnificent view, which is similar to that of the Manpokdong Valley in Geumgangsan Mountain. When the season changes, its landscape boasts different scenery: full-blown flowers in spring, green and refreshing trees in summer, colorful autumnal leaves in autumn, and white snowy view in winter. Due to such a mysterious landscape, Biseondae Rock bears a legend in which Taoist hermit called Magoseon enjoyed scenery of this place and ascended to heaven. The name of Biseondae, meaning the rock (dae) where a Taoist hermit (seon) flew up (bi) to the sky, originates from this legend.

Kensington Resort Seorak Beach (켄싱턴리조트 설악비치)

5.5Km 2025-03-16

4800, Donghae-daero, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-631-7601

Kensington Resort Seorak Beach is surrounded by mountains and ocean as well as creeks and fields. Due to its location by the beach, visitors can enjoy the view of the ocean as well as Seoraksan Mountain in the backdrop. Visitors can play in the sand and the water at the beach in front of the resort. The rooms provide cozy yet modern feel with various concepts to meet all the needs. Subsidiary facilities include banquet hall, education classroom, seawater sauna, singing room, nightclub, local specialty store, arcade and more.

Seoraksan Gwongeumseong Fortress (설악산 권금성)

5.6Km 2024-02-28

1091 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7700

Gwongeumseong Fortress is a stone castle from the Goryeo dynasty and is located 800 meters above sea level in Seoraksan National Park. From a distance, Gwongeumseong Fortress looks like a rising peak, while up close, the expansive stone floor and remnants of castle walls become visible. Visitors can access the fortress via hiking trails or by taking a cable car. From the fortress, visitors can enjoy the majestic view of Seoraksan Mountain and the blue waters of the East Sea.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

5.6Km 2025-01-21

8-28 Yeonggeumjeong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

It is No. 1 of Sokcho’s Eight Sights. This white lighthouse creates a picturesque view along with the surrounding blue sea. Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory was originally just a lighthouse, but now, it is opened to the public and plays a role of an observatory. Walking up along the wooden deck trail among the bamboo grove leads you to the observatory, which offers an open view of the deep blue East Sea, the Cheongchoho Lake, which is home to migratory birds, and the magnificent scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Viewed from the high tower, the East Sea unfolds its boundless ocean and sometimes it looks like a calm lake but can become an energetic ocean full of vitality. Built in 1957, Sokcho Lighthouse still lights up for ships at night. The bright light and sound of the beacon, which has been in service since the lighthouse’s establishment, can show the waterway to a boat, which is about 35 km away from the lighthouse. Right next to the observatory, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion is situated.

Café ONE FINE DAY (어느멋진날카페)

5.6Km 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.

Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan Mountain) (신흥사(설악산))

5.6Km 2024-03-12

1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7044

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple located in Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho. It belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded as Hyangseongsa Temple by the monk Jajang in the Shilla dynasty (A.D. 652). Within the temple grounds, cultural heritage sites such as Geungnakbojeon Hall, a wooden structure from the mid-Joseon period, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Hyangseongsa Temple Site. The temple offers a templestay program where visitors can experience temple life firsthand. Participants can engage in various activities such as Buddhist ceremonies, Buddhist prayer, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern and rosary making.

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

5.7Km 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.

Yeonggeumjeong (영금정)

5.7Km 2022-12-21

35, Dongmyeonghang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2689

Yeonggeumjeong refers to the area covering the shore by the Sokcho Lighthouse in Sokcho-si City. The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). At the end of the 50m-long bridge built over a rocky peninsula is a pavilion offering a view of the East Sea.

Sokcho Eye (속초해수욕장 대관람차(속초아이))

5.7Km 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.

Geumganggul Cave (금강굴) - Area information - Korea travel information