Sokcho Oeongchi Badahyanggiro Trail (속초 외옹치 바다향기로) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sokcho Oeongchi Badahyanggiro Trail (속초 외옹치 바다향기로)

10.1Km    2023-02-03

585-5, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Badahyanggiro is a unique, 1.74-kilometer-long coastal trail that runs from Sokcho Beach to Oeongchi Port. It is mainly divided into the Sokcho Beach section (850 meters) and the Oeongchi section (890 meters), with each having its own vibes. If you are looking to take a light walk along the beach, the Sokcho Beach section is a perfect choice and, if you wish to enjoy views of the dynamic landscape, the Oeongchi section is recommended. The Oeongchi section was restricted to civilian access for several decades so it holds fabulous scenery that has not been damaged by people for a long period of time. It is also famous as a filming spot for K-dramas. The blue sea seems to continue endlessly along the trail that features both a wooden deck path and a dirt road, and the sounds of crashing waves add a sense of refreshment to the scene. The water is so pure and clean that you can clearly see the sea floor. The Oeongchi section consists of four themed courses including the Bamboo Meditation path, Sky Deck path, National Security Experience path, and Rock Observation path. The coastline barbed-wire fences installed on the National Security Experience path are what remain from the original fences set up after the submarine infiltration incident by armed Communist guerillas in 1970. It is also fun to watch rocks of strange shapes form on the coastline including Gulbawi Rock and Jinebawi Rock.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

10.3Km    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.

Kensington Resort Seorak Beach (켄싱턴리조트 설악비치)

10.3Km    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.

Yeonggeumjeong (영금정)

10.3Km    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.

Seoraksan Daecheongbong Peak (설악산 대청봉)

10.3Km    2024-02-29

1 Daecheongbong-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2883

Standing at 1,708 meters above sea level, Daecheongbong is the highest peak of Seoraksan Mountain. It is the third highest peak in South Korea, after Hallasan Mountain (1,950 meters) and Jirisan Mountain (1,915 meters). The peak is a home to a variety of alpine species, including dwarf pine, Korean rosebay, and Erman's Birch, and its summit offers breathtaking views. The shortest of Seoraksan's hiking trails is the Osaek course (Osaek-Seorak Falls-Daecheongbong), which takes about four hours.

Baekdamsa Temple (백담사)

Baekdamsa Temple (백담사)

10.9Km    2021-05-03

746, Baekdam-ro, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-462-6969

Located within Seoraksan Mountain, Baekdamsa Temple was built by Monk Ja Jang (590~658) during the reign of Queen Jindeok (647-654), 28th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was burnt down and moved several times until 1957 when it was rebuilt to the current location. There are various treasures and hermitages in the temple. Many famous people have visited the temple including Manhae Han Yong-un, a strong independence activist and poet. There are countless number of rock towers in front of the temple by the creek where visitors come to stack stones while praying for their wishes.

Osaek Green Yard Hotel (오색탄산온천)

11.0Km    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.

Baekundonggyegok Valley (백운동계곡)

11.1Km    2019-12-05

Baekdam-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-462-2554

Baekundonggyegok Valley flows 5 km from the valley of Deoktaesan Mountain and Seongaksan Mountain. There are oak trees and maple trees growing in thick clusters and clean waters flowing nearby.
Baekundonggyegok Valley stands between the seven brother stones and Yongdampokpo Falls, and starting from this point to Gwuiddegicheong Peak is Baekundonggyegok Valley. The rocks are connected in a long line and ponds can be seen here and there. On each side of the valley there are rock walls, which make for some unforgettable scenery. Baekundonggyegok Valley maintains its natural beauty and majesty, which attracts many hikers. Especially from the middle point where Jikbaekun and Gokbaekun combine to make the Gugokgyegok Valley the most magnificent scenery of Baekundonggyegok Valley can be seen. The largest waterfall of Baekundonggyegok Valley, called Baekunpokpo Falls, is about 30 meters high. The upper part of the waterfall has rocks lined up in a long line. The landscape of Seoraksan Mountain seen from this point is the representative landscape of the mountain.

Osaek Greenyard Hotel (오색그린야드호텔)

Osaek Greenyard Hotel (오색그린야드호텔)

11.2Km    2024-12-12

34 Daecheongbong-gil, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-670-1004 / +82-33-670-1000

Osaek Greenyard Hotel not only has accommodations, but also runs hot springs facilities and immunity-boosting programs, making it a place for healthful rest. The hotel was chosen as one of the nine 'Recommended Wellness Tourist Sites in 2020' by the Korea Tourism Organization. Sitting in a forest in Seoraksan Mountain (647 meters above sea level), the hotel is dedicated to promoting health through clear air, naturally occurring hot springs in Seoraksan Mountain, and various wellness programs. The highlights of the hotel are the two different hot springs: the high-temperature alkali spring naturally emerging from the mountain's Osaengnyeong (Hangyeryeong) Pass (650 meters above sea level); and the 27-degree Celsius carbonated spring, developed by the hotel, drawn from 470 meters underground. Soak yourself in the hot spring, then lie on the 50-degree Celsius stone bed for a detoxifying thermal therapy (called Rock Wave Bath). This will allow you to enjoy leisure hours while boosting your immunity. There are four types of guest rooms, ranging from a standard room for two guests, to the Osaek Suite for six. The wellness packages are also intriguing. The One Day Healing Package offers different types of hot springs, hot jjim (sauna) yoga programs, and healthy meals. The Holon Immunity Boosting Wellness Package features accommodations, hot springs, and healing programs. Visitors can choose among various packages depending on their preference.

EL Hotel (이엘호텔)

EL Hotel (이엘호텔)

11.4Km    2024-12-19

3347 , Donghae-daero, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-673-3737

El Hotel on Jeongam Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon-do, has a great view over the beach and the East Sea. All guestrooms have beds and the Premier Suite and Family Suite also come with spacious living rooms. Each room has a vista, but the ocean view rooms are understandably the most popular. The 7th floor lounge restaurant also has a great sea view;  breakfast is served here in the morning, while in the evening it becomes a pub. Nearby tourist sites include Naksansa Temple, Naksan Beach, and Sokcho Daepo Port.