Naksansa Temple (낙산사) - Area information - Korea travel information

Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

5.8Km    2024-10-28

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2475

This ancient temple was built in the 11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla (671) by the Buddhist monk Uisang. Naksansa Temple is one of the foremost sights of Yangyang, and one of the most historic sites in the region. Along with Ganghwa’s Bomunsa Temple and Namhae’s Boriam Hermitage, it is said to be one of the three centers of the cult of Avalokitesvara in Korea. Its handsome view overlooking the East Sea has earned it a spot in the Eight Sights of Gwandong (eight famous sights in Yeongdong region of Gangwon-do), documented throughout the ages in many classic literature and poetry. Today’s Naksansa Temple is a product of many restorations and expansions, and has many examples of cultural heritage within its walls, including a 16 meter-tall statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. A mountain fire in 2005 resulted in the loss of 20 buildings, including the building that housed its bronze bell. The temple also operates templestay programs available through its website.

Uisangdae Pavilion (낙산사 의상대)

5.9Km    2024-12-26

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2447

This pavilion is located on a seaside cliff on the way from Yangyang’s Naksansa Temple to Gwaneumgul Cave of Hongnyeonam Hermitage. The word “dae” in Uisangdae refers to a building built at a vantage point for areas with beautiful scenery. Indeed, the view of the East Sea and the coast from Uisangdae Pavilion awarded its recognition as one of the Eight Sights of Yangyang, and a must-visit place for all visitors to Naksansa Temple. Jeong Cheol (pen-name: Songgang), a famed scholar and writer of the poem Song of Diamond Mountains, chose the pavilion as one of the Eight Sights of Gwandong, and the pavilion is today one of the popular sites for sunrise-viewing on the east coast of Korea. Together with Hongnyeonam Hermitage, it is designated as the Scenic Site No. 27 of Korea under the name “Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage of Naksansa Temple, Yangyang.” Uisangdae is named after Uisang, a respected Silla-era Buddhist monk who is said to have founded this temple in 671 (11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla), and many stories of his deeds can still be found in the temple. For instance, Uisangdae is said to be the site where he meditated before founding Naksansa Temple at its present site. Today’s pavilion was restored to its present hexagonal form in 1995.

Jangsahang Port (장사항)

6.0Km    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. 

Odaeyang Hoetjip (오대양횟집)

6.0Km    2020-06-29

58, Jangsahanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-8385

Odaeyang Hoetjip, located in Jangsahang Port is sure to satisfy the most discriminating of customers. It’s located conveniently close to Seoraksan Mountain, Waterpia, and other great tourist destinations.

Cheoksan Spatel ( (주)척산온천휴양촌)

6.2Km    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.

STAY OROSY (스테이 오롯이)

6.3Km    2024-02-16

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

This spacious café boasts a stunning view of Seoraksan Mountain and impresses with its expansive grass lawn and the inner courtyard nestled between its buildings. It offers numerous photogenic spots, including areas by traditional stone fences. Additionally, the café is equipped with a smartphone photo printer, allowing guests to print their pictures on the spot. A standout on the menu is the OROSY cream coffee, known for its sweet and soft cream topping, which represents the essence of STAY OROSY.  

Jeongin Hoesikdang (정인회식당)

6.4Km    2024-02-16

32 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Jeongin Hoesikdang, situated near Naksan Beach in Yangyang, specializes in mul hoe (cold raw fish soup) and saengseon jjigae (fish jjigae). It prides itself on using fresh fish, sourced from nearby ports and used within a day of purchase. The restaurant's signature dish is sanureok maeuntang (spicy rockfish stew). Other popular menu items include modeum mul hoe (assorted cold raw fish soup), seongge albap (sea urchin roe rice), and ojingeo hoe deopbap (raw squid bibimbap). Additionally, soups like gomchi tang (spicy moray eel stew) and haemul tang (spicy seafood stew) are also highly recommended. For guests interested in local attractions, the scenic Naksansa Temple and Naksanhaebyeon Beach are nearby.

Geumgangsan Daegehoetjip (금강산대게횟집)

6.4Km    2021-03-20

8-5, Haemaji-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-671-5207

A restaurant that sells a variety of seafood. The best menu at this restaurant is king crab. This seafood restaurant is located in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do.

Seorak Pine Resort (설악파인리조트)

6.5Km    2025-03-16

14, Gwangwang-ro 408beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-5800

Sokcho Museum (속초시립박물관·속초실향민문화촌)

6.7Km    2021-09-24

16, Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2973

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.