Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

2.8Km    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.

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park (속초 설악해맞이공원)

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park (속초 설악해맞이공원)

2.9Km    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.

Sokcho Culture Center (속초문화회관)

3.0Km    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.

Museum X (뮤지엄엑스)

Museum X (뮤지엄엑스)

3.5Km    2025-02-04

338 Jungang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Museum X combines media art and digital technology to offer unique experiences where art, technology, and play intersect. The museum consists of four distinct content zones showcasing virtual reality, artificial intelligence, holograms, and games. Visitors can explore a fantasy playground with echo and beats, embark in a multidimensional journey through light, sound, and waves, and interact with a humanoid robot that creates portraits through conversation.

Yeongnangho Lake (영랑호)

3.6Km    2022-12-21

140, Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2690

Yeongnangho Lake is a deep and large lake with a circumference of 7.8 km, an area of about 1.2 km2, and a depth of over 8 m, formed by the development of coastal dunes. The source water originates from the Jangcheoncheon Stream, passing through the lake, and goes to the East Sea via the waterway under the Yeongnanggyo Bridge. The lake is adjacent to the areas of Jangsa-dong, Yeongnang-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, and Geumho-dong. The pleasant trail is also established around the lakeside, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms, azaleas, and reeds. According to Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), the name of the lake comes from Silla’s hwarang (elite warrior group in Silla) member named “Yeongnang.” After training at Geumgangsan Mountain, Yeongnang passed this lake on the way to get to the martial arts competition. As he was so taken by the splendid landscape, however, he forgot about the competition and stayed here for a long time. As the old record says, Yeongnangho Lake boasts outstanding scenery. Beombawi Rock, in particular, evokes visitors’ admiration as one of the Eight Sights of Sokcho. The rock, which resembles the shape of a tiger crouching down, has an aura of mystery. The nearby tourist attractions also include Gwaneumam Rock, which is known for the strange rocks and bizarre stones, Bogwangsa Temple, and the Wetland Eco Park, which is located in the west of the lakeside.

Yeongnangho Lake Beombawi Rock (범바위)

Yeongnangho Lake Beombawi Rock (범바위)

3.6Km    2025-10-28

140 Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located close to Yeongnangho Lake, the Beombawi Rock is one of the 8 Scenic Views of Sokcho. Its name comes from its shape, which resembles a tiger, beom in Korean. From the top of the Rock, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the East Sea, Seoraksan Mountain, Ulsanbawi Rock, and Yeongnangho Lake Lake all at once.  

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Decision to Leave (2022)"
The filming location of Gireumbong Peak in Gusosan Mountain is a fictitious location where a mysterious death occured. Beombawi Rock has a shape that looks like a crouching tiger, showing its magnificent stance. From Beombawi Rock, one can overlook the refreshing scenery of Yeongnangho Lake. Contrary to the movie's portrayal, it's not 138 stories high; it's about a 5-minute walk from the entrance to the Beombawi Rock.

Hansongjeong Garden (한송정가든)

Hansongjeong Garden (한송정가든)

4.0Km    2025-01-20

452-4, Nohak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
82-33-636-7750

Hansongjeong Garden is owned by a first-rate chef who only uses carefully selected ingredients. The owner-chef won the Grand Prize in the SIFE Seoul International Culinary Competition 2007 and received a bronze medal for his work at the Gangwon Tour Service Competition. He also has a patent on Eolgari Nangmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles with Eolgari Kimchi).

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

4.2Km    2024-12-19

33 , Jangsahanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-632-7676

The Helios Motel in Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, is on the northernmost part of the East Sea coast, and from it residents can watch glorious sunrises and sunsets over the ocean - hence the name Helios, the ancient Greek sun god. The motel has both western-style and Korean-style rooms - with some rooms giving views of Seoraksan Mountain - and provides an excellent laundry service. The location is convenient for downtown Sokcho, Deungdae Beach and Jangsa-dong. Nearby attractions include Yeongrang Lake, Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory, and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.

Jangsahang Port (장사항)

4.5Km    2025-01-31

58 Jangsahanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Jangsahang Port is one of the representative ports of Sokcho. Visitors can experience boat fishing and visit various seafood restaurants to enjoy freshly caught raw fish and other sea food. Each summer, the Jangsa Fishing Experience Village hosts the Squid Catching Festival, attracting many visitors to this place. During the festival, visitors can experience the fun of squid catching with their bare hands and participate in various squid-themed experiences such as squid tasting, squid ink calligraphy, and squid storytelling. 

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

5.5Km    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.