Abai Village (아바이 마을)

12.1Km 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.

Cheongchoho Lake Park (청초호 호수공원)

12.1Km 2024-04-08

140 Expo-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do40

Cheongchoho Lake Park is where the 1999 International Tourism & Culture Expo was held. Benches are scattered around the park for resting in the shade of trees. By the natural lake is a walking deck for enjoying tulips in spring, marinas in summer, chrysanthemums in fall, and snow in winter. From the top of the Expo Tower, one can see a panoramic view of Cheongchoho Lake, Cheongchoho Lake Park, the East Sea, and even Jodo Island. On the other side, Ulsanbawi Peak and Dalmabong Peak of Seoraksan Mountain come into view.

Do Hotel [Korea Quality] 두호텔 [한국관광 품질인증]

12.2Km 2023-06-27

139, Expo-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-631-7007, +82-10-4895-3515

The Do Hotel stands just in front of Cheongcho Lake Park in Sokcho, Gangwon-do. Thanks to this location, early-rising guests can watch the sunrise over Cheongcho Lake; and year-round, the lake and park make this a great spot for photos. There’s plenty of parking space, and guests can arrive or leave early in the morning if necessary. Tourist attractions such as Yeonggeumjeong, Daepo Port, Dongmyeong Port, and Seoraksan Mountain are all easy to get to.

Cheongchoho Lake (청초호)

12.4Km 2021-08-18

Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2690

Cheongchoho Lake, located in the center of Sokcho city, is a large natural lake with a circumference of 5 m and an area of 1.3 km2. The source water originates from the Misiryeong Valley of Taebaek Mountain Range and flows to the Cheongchocheon Stream and to this beautiful lake, and then continues to the adjacent sea. So, the lake is an intermediate stop between the river and the sea. Cheongchojeong Pavilion is located above the lake, offering an open view of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea. As it is situated at the end of the 75 m-long ocean bridge, you will feel standing in the middle of the lake and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Shining more at night, this pavilion is regarded as the best attraction for the beautiful night view in Sokcho. It also attracts visitors’ attraction with its sculptures of the blue and yellow dragons, which were established based on the local legend associated with Cheongchoho Lake. The trail built around the lakeside is equipped with a nighttime lighting system so that many people visit it at night and the benches for rest and appreciating the view. There are many attractions around the lake, such as Seokbong Ceramic Museum, bird sanctuary, etc. The Cheongchoho Lake Park was the venue of the International Travel Expo ’99 Kangwon and is known for its 73.4 m high Expo Tower Observatory.

Cheoksan Spatel ( (주)척산온천휴양촌)

12.5Km 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.

ARUNA (아루나)

12.6Km 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.

Ulsanbawi Rock Milky Way Photo Spot on Old Misiryeong Trail (미시령옛길 울산바위 은하수)

12.7Km 2024-03-18

5110 Donghae-daero, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Misiryeong Pass, historically a pathway connecting Inje to Sokcho, also serves as an observation point for viewing Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan Mountain. More recently, it has gained popularity as a photo spot for capturing the Milky Way. As a result, on clear nights, the parking lot is often filled with eager photographers.

Hani Lavender Farm (하늬라벤더팜)

12.7Km 2024-02-28

175 Kkotdaemaeul-gil, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-681-0005

The Hani Lavender Farm transforms into a sea of purple every June, as its lavender fields reach full bloom. During this time, the farm celebrates with a Lavender Festival, featuring concerts and workshops on making lavender sachets. Beyond lavender, the farm showcases other floral attractions such as rye fields and hydrangea gardens. Visitors can capture memorable photos against the stunning natural scenery and indulge in unique treats like lavender ice cream.

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

12.8Km 2024-02-28

288 Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2901

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.

Sokcho Marina (속초마리나)

12.8Km 2024-04-08

106 Cheolsae-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Marina is a great place to visit with family members in the maritime city of Sokcho. Looking at the East Sea is lovely, but sailing through the blue sea is even more enjoyable. Sokcho Marina has a 12-seater cruise yacht suited for family and friends as well as a sailing yacht where passengers can soak up the romantic mood. By the dock is Cafe Marina where one can enjoy the view of yachts anchored in the bay through the window. The cruise route starts from Cheongchoho Lake and passes by Seorakdaegyo Bridge and Sokcho Beach, and turns around Jodo Island, one of the eight scenic sights of Sokcho, before returning to the dock.

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