Seorak Special Tourist Zone (설악 관광특구)

18.3 Km 7795 2020-03-25

Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-249-2775

Seorak Special Tourist Zone is a vast zone included in 3 administrative districts, encompassing the entirety of Seoraksan Mountain. In this zone, visitors have various ways to enjoy Seoraksan Mountain and the natural environment of the East Sea region.

Sokcho, which occupies the largest area in the zone, comes first when talking about Seoraksan National Park. Tourists can appreciate the picturesque scenery of the sea and coastal lakes as well as the mountain scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Hikers can climb the mountain or ride a cable car. Sokcho Beach is a hot spot that attracts young people who fill the place with energy and life all through the summer.

Abai Village, which appeared in several TV dramas for its unique atmosphere, and Sokcho Jungang Market offer local specialties, such as abai sundae (Korean sausage) and dak gangjeong (glazed fried chicken bites).

Goseong, which is bordered by Seoraksan Mountain and Geumgangsan Mountain, is part of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that offers a unpolluted, beautiful landscape around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Hwajinpo Beach near Hwajinpo Lake, which is a lagoon, and Songjiho Beach near Songjiho Lake are the best places to spend a peaceful vacation. At Hwajinpo Lake, tourists can visit the summer house used by the first South Korean President Syngman Rhee and Castle of Hwajinpo, visited by the former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung before the division of the Korean Peninsula. Lastly, although it is a relatively small part of Seorak Special Tourist Zone, Yangyang has resources for mountain tourism and maritime culture, such as Seoraksan National Park and Naksan Provincial Park. Naksan Beach, Naksansa Temple and Hajodae are popular tourist sites. It is also famous as a district producing high quality pine mushroom.

* Current State of Seorak Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sokcho-si and parts of Goseong and Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
2) Area: 138.2k㎡(Sokcho 104.9k㎡, Goseong 30.5k㎡, Yangyang 2.8k㎡)

* Tourist Attractions
Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho Beach, Naksan Provincial Park, Hwajinpo Lake, Songjiho Lake, Hajodae Pavilion, Naksansa Temple, Osaek Mineral Spring, etc.

Yangyang Dongho Beach (동호해변(양양))

18.6 Km 36613 2021-07-27

141-26, Dongho-ri, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-670-2787

This relatively small beach is located in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. It is 500 meters in length and 55 meters in x_width, and has an average depth of 1.2 meters. The beach is particularly known for its soft and fine sand, often considered to be the best on the east coast. Despite its excellent scenery and clear water, the beach is relatively obscure and peaceful. It is only open during the daytime between July and August. The pine trees surrounding the beach are protected areas, and visitors are prohibited from entering. Surfing is another draw of the beach, and the surf shop offers lessons and equipment rentals. Scuba diving is also available on site. An interesting insight into the folk tradition is “anchovy flinging,” a traditional method of catching anchovies that involve about 70 people working together to pull a big net from the sea to land. This experience is offered free of charge during the opening of the beach, and requires payment for periods outside the vacation season. Prior reservation is required through the official website. The beach enjoys excellent access from Yangyang International Airport and a 20-min ride from Yangyang city center. Dongho-ri Beach Campground, Seoraksan Mountain, and Osaek District can be found nearby.

Stay Gajin [Korea Quality] / 스테이가진 [한국관광 품질인증]

18.9 Km 0 2022-04-06

168, Gajinhaebyeon-gil, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-631-5455

Stay Gajin is a pension located on Gajinhaebyeon-gil in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, facing the East Sea. Nestled between Gajin Port and Gonghyeonjin 2(i)-ri Beach, all of the nine guest rooms at Stay Gajin are ocean view rooms. A noticeable feature that captures the attention as soon as one walks into the guest room is the full wall window that reveals an open view of the East Sea. Since there are no entertainment facilities or other accommodation facilities around Stay Gajin, you can fall asleep peacefully while listening to the soothing sound of waves. In the morning, you can enjoy the luxury of waking up to the glorious sunrise in the East Sea. There is one guest room on the first floor, and it can accommodate up to four guests. On the second floor, there are four guest rooms, all of which are for two guests only. The fours guest rooms on the third floor which are the most popular guest rooms in Stay Gajin, are two-story rooms. The kitchen and living room are on the first floor, and the second floor is decorated as the bedroom area. The room is basically for two people, but it is big enough for up to four guests. Every guest room has its own kitchen where guests can cook, and a bathtub where they can enjoy lower-body bathing with a view of the sea. There is also a rooftop area reserved for guests and a cafe on the premises for food and beverages. Guests have great access to the nearby beach across the street from Stay Gajin. It is not a popular beach, so it does not attract many visitors; guests can enjoy a quiet outing like a private beach.

Seoraksan Daecheongbong Peak (설악산 대청봉)

19.0 Km 30864 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.

Osaek Green Yard Hotel (오색탄산온천)

19.9 Km 37133 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.

Seorak Special Tourist Zone (설악 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information