TL;DR – Sokcho (속초) Highlights
- Relax on Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장) with mountain views in the background
- Enjoy coffee and panoramic ocean views from rooftop cafés
- Feast on fresh seafood: hwe (회, raw fish), braised stingray (가오리찜), and endless banchan (반찬)
- Stroll Sokcho’s night scene, including the seaside ferris wheel
- Hike Seoraksan National Park (설악산 국립공원) or ride the cable car for epic views
Beach Vibes in Sokcho (속초)
Sokcho (속초) is one of those rare places where the ocean and mountains feel like they’re side by side in conversation. Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장) is the city’s most famous stretch of sand, and with good reason—it’s wide, breezy, and easy to reach from downtown. In summer, locals and visitors flock here to swim, rent umbrellas, and snack on grilled squid from the vendors lined along the boardwalk. Off-season, it’s quieter but no less beautiful, with waves crashing dramatically against the shore.
One of my favorite parts of Sokcho Beach is how you can see Seoraksan (설악산) rising in the distance, giving you that classic Korea postcard scene—sea in the front, mountains in the back. Around the beach, you’ll also find small cafés, seafood stalls, and even bike rentals if you want to cruise along the coastline.
If you’re a fan of Korea’s big beaches like Haeundae in Busan, you’ll find Sokcho’s version more laid-back, but with its own unique charm and fewer crowds.
Rooftop Cafés with Ocean Views
Cafés in Sokcho (속초) know how to serve up a view. We stopped at one perched above the coast, where a rooftop terrace looked out over the rolling blue waves of the East Sea (동해). Sipping an iced latte with salty sea air in your hair is one of those small but unforgettable Sokcho moments.
It reminded me of the café-hopping charm in Suncheon—laid-back, unpretentious, and all about slowing down to enjoy the atmosphere.
Seafood Adventures: Hwe (회) & Braised Stingray (홍어찜)
If you’re in Sokcho, seafood isn’t optional—it’s a must. The city is famous for its hwe (회, raw fish), best experienced at Oeongchi Port (외옹치항), where rows of lively restaurants serve the freshest catch of the day. You can pick your favorite and dig into sashimi so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Check out the Oeongchi Port website to see all the options.
We also tried a mountain of banchan (반찬) and the fiery braised stingray (가오리찜)—a Sokcho specialty. Bold, rich, and unforgettable, it’s a dish that challenges your taste buds in the best possible way. If you want to try it yourself, here’s the braised stingray restaurant we visited.
Sokcho (속초) by Night
After dark, Sokcho takes on a new kind of charm. A ferris wheel lights up the sky by the beach, casting colorful reflections across the water. The waterfront is lively but relaxed, perfect for an evening stroll, grabbing snacks, or just enjoying the cooler night air.
Seoul nightlife has its energy (as I shared in my Seoul Nightlife Guide)—but Sokcho offers a slower, more scenic kind of magic after dark.
Day Trips: Seoraksan (설악산) National Park
One of the best reasons to base yourself in Sokcho (속초) is its closeness to Seoraksan (설악산), one of Korea’s most iconic national parks. Within a short bus or taxi ride from the city center, you can be at the park entrance and surrounded by granite peaks, crystal-clear streams, and lush valleys.
For hikers, there are trails for every level—from gentle riverside walks to the challenging climb up Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위), a steep trail with breathtaking panoramic views from the top. The cable car is another fantastic option if you want the views without the sweat, carrying you up to Gwongeumseong Fortress (권금성) where you can explore the rocky ruins and look out over Sokcho and the East Sea (동해).
Seoraksan is spectacular year-round: spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer is lush and alive with waterfalls, autumn turns the entire park into a fiery canvas of red and gold, and even winter offers its own beauty with snow-capped peaks. If you’re planning a Sokcho trip, carving out at least half a day for Seoraksan will make your visit unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Sokcho (속초) is more than just a coastal town—it’s a place where ocean breezes, mountain trails, and unforgettable meals all blend together. From rooftop coffees to seafood feasts and ferris wheels under the stars, Sokcho balances laid-back calm with plenty to discover.
If you’re ever looking to switch from Seoul’s neon buzz to something that’s both peaceful and pleasantly surprising, Sokcho is your answer. And if you like destinations that mix nature and quirky local spots, my weekend in Suncheon guide might be right up your alley—check it out for more inspiration.
