Abai Village Ferry (아바이마을 갯배)

5.6Km 2022-12-21

39, Jungangbudu-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-2003

Gaetbae (boat without engine) is an exotic means of transportation to cross the Abai Village at the mouth of Cheongchoho Lake. It is a rapid means of traveling between downtown Sokcho and Abai Village along the 50 m-long waterway. This small barge-style boat without an engine can be run by pulling the wire manually. When fixing the solid steel wire on both sides of the waterway and pulling it hard with a hook, a boat moves forward slowly. As there is no boatman, passengers need to work together to move the boat. It takes about 5 min to cross the water by boat. This unique experience still attracts many tourists to Sokcho. Furthermore, it is known as the filming location for the Korean TV drama Autumn in My Heart, so many tourists from Japan and China visit the place.

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

5.6Km 2024-02-16

7 Subok-ro 259beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

This indie bookstore in Sokcho serves a dual purpose as both a café and accommodations. An indie bookstore refers to a store independent of large distribution networks or capital, curated according to the owner’s personal tastes. Housing nearly 1,000 books, it offers a cozy space for visitors to relax and enjoy reading. Its prime location on Sokcho’s Soho Street places it amidst an array of charming cafés and restaurants, enhancing its appeal as a destination for book lovers and casual visitors alike.

Dancheon Sikdang (단천식당)

5.7Km 2024-02-16

17 Abaimaeul-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
033-632-7828

Dancheon Sikdang specializes in abai sundae (North Korean sundae), a sundae dish from Hamgyeong-do Province of North Korea. Abai sundae is made by stuffing pork large intestines with seonji (blood) and sweet rice, followed by steaming. Currently operated by the third generation, the restaurant also offers dishes like myeongtae hoe naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw pollack), ojingeo sundae (stuffed squid), and gajami sikhae (salted and fermented plaice). It is located in Abai Village, an area established by war refugees from North Korea during the Korean War.

Seoraksan Ulsanbawi Rock (설악산 울산바위)

5.7Km 2024-02-28

1091 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3382

Ulsanbawi is a rock formation in Seoraksan Mountain that consists of six massive peaks, each reaching 900 meters above sea level. The name "Ulsanbawi" is derived from the shape of the peaks, which spread out like a fence, and it is located at the center of Seoraksan Mountain. This rock is celebrated for its unique shape, the scenic beauty surrounding it, and its hiking trails. It takes about three hours to reach the top of Ulsanbawi from Sogongwon Park.

Abai Village (아바이 마을)

5.8Km 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.

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

5.8Km 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.

Wan & Song House Restaurant (완앤송 하우스 레스토랑)

5.9Km 2024-02-16

57 Sajin 4-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Wan & Song House Restaurant, featuring a spacious garden, offers a unique fusion of Southeast Asian favorites with a Korean twist. Among its most popular dishes are sogogi ssalguksu (beef rice noodles), satae gukbap (beef shank and rice soup), noodle salad, taco rice, and Thai-style hangjeongsal deopbap (stir-fried pork neck with rice). The establishment is notable for its charming entrance, beautiful garden, and an inviting outdoor terrace. For those looking to explore the area, nearby attractions include Jangsa Port, Yeongnangho Lake, and Jangsahang Sea Forest Park.

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

6.1Km 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.

Museum X (뮤지엄엑스)

6.1Km 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.

ARUNA (아루나)

6.1Km 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.

Abai Village Ferry (아바이마을 갯배) - Area information - Korea travel information