Abai Village (아바이 마을)

9.9Km 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.

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

10.0Km 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.

ARUNA (아루나)

10.1Km 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.

Seoraksan Daecheongbong Peak (설악산 대청봉)

10.1Km 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)

10.2Km 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.

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

10.2Km 2024-11-28

190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Beach opened in 1976 and is one of Korea's representative beaches. It is close to Sokcho's downtown, and the express bus terminal is also within walking distance, so transportation is convenient. With clear sea water, shallow depth, and a gentle slope, Sokcho Beach attracts visitors from all over the country every summer. Especially during the high season in July and August, the beach is so cluttered that there's nowhere to walk. There are many restaurants and facilities near the beach. And there is a pine forest with a small park and a trail behind the beach. The sculptures installed throughout the sandy beach are a sight to see regardless of the season, so tourists continue to visit even after the holiday season. There are sculptures including the Korean initials "ㅅㅊ" symbolizing Sokcho, a large compass showing directions to countries around the world, and a dolphin sculpture. The large picture frame with the blue sea in the background and the Stairway to Heaven are the most popular photo spots here. The beach often serves as a venue for a variety of events like performances and festivals.

Café ONE FINE DAY (어느멋진날카페)

10.3Km 2024-02-16

54 Cheongho-ro 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Café ONE FINE DAY boasts a stunning view of Sokcho Beach, visible right before it. Both the first and second floors feature expansive window walls that offer unobstructed views of the beach, while the third floor provides a view of the Sokcho Eye. The café's signature menu includes the "Sokcho Eye corn latte," named after the Ferris wheel visible from the café, and the "Ferris wheel bread." Other popular offerings include fresh pineapple juice and the unique Cotton candy latte.

Sokcho Eye (속초해수욕장 대관람차(속초아이))

10.3Km 2025-02-04

2 Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located at Sokcho Beach, Sokcho Eye is a towering Ferris wheel standing approximately 65 meters tall, offering panoramic views of the blue sea, Seoraksan Mountain, and the city of Sokcho. Featuring 36 cabins, its charming, submarine-inspired circular design is truly eye-catching. Constructed entirely with transparent acrylic walls, it provides an unobstructed 360-degree view, ensuring a memorable experience from every angle.

Wan & Song House Restaurant (완앤송 하우스 레스토랑)

10.4Km 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.

Hotel Maremons (호텔 마레몬스)

10.5Km 2017-10-20

3705, Donghae-daero, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-630-7000

Hotel Maremons is located in the tourist city Sokcho, a city of a thousand historical and cultural heritages. Each of the hotel’s 148 guestrooms offers a panoramic view of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea. Daepo Port and Haemaji Park are situated nearby and on clear days guests can watch a beautiful sunrise from the comfort of their rooms. Hotel Maremons offers a variety of rooms and facilities for those hosting seminars and party events. The hotel amenities make a stay here convenient and comfortable.

Abai Village (아바이 마을) - Area information - Korea travel information