Coastal Beauty, Fresh Seafood, and Mountain Adventures in One Trip
If you’re looking for a destination in South Korea where mountains meet the sea, Sokcho should be at the top of your list. Unlike the busy urban beaches of Busan, Sokcho offers a quieter, more balanced travel experience — combining dramatic mountain landscapes, fresh seafood markets, and peaceful coastal walks.
This guide goes beyond the usual travel introduction. You’ll find real travel tips, cost breakdowns, itinerary suggestions, seasonal advice, and common mistakes to avoid — everything you need to plan efficiently.
Why Visit Sokcho?
Sokcho is a coastal city in Gangwon Province, located about 2–2.5 hours from Seoul. What makes it unique is its proximity to Seoraksan National Park, one of Korea’s most famous mountain parks.
In one day, you can:
- Hike granite peaks in the morning
- Eat fresh seafood for lunch
- Watch the sunset at the beach
- Explore traditional villages in the evening
Few places in Korea offer this level of diversity within such short travel distances.
How to Get to Sokcho (Cost & Time Breakdown)
🚍 By Express Bus (Most Practical Option)
- Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal
- Travel time: 2 hours 20–40 minutes
- Cost: 18,000–25,000 KRW (one way)
- Frequency: Every 20–40 minutes
Tip:
Leave before 8:00 AM on weekends to avoid traffic delays.
🚗 By Car
- Travel time: Around 2 hours (no traffic)
- Toll + fuel estimate: 25,000–35,000 KRW
- Parking: Most tourist areas charge 2,000–5,000 KRW
Driving gives you flexibility, especially if visiting multiple coastal spots.
2-Day Practical Sokcho Itinerary
Day 1 – Mountains and Sunset Views
Morning: Seoraksan National Park
Start early at Seoraksan National Park.
Entry Fee: Free
Cable Car: Around 15,000 KRW round trip
Important Tip:
Arrive before 8:30 AM on weekends. After 10:00 AM, the cable car waiting time can exceed 1 hour.
If you’re moderately active, consider hiking to Ulsanbawi Rock instead of taking the cable car. It’s more physically demanding but offers a more rewarding view.
Estimated visit time: 3–4 hours.
Afternoon: Abai Village
Visit Abai Village, known for North Korean refugee heritage and local specialties.
Must-try dish: Abai Sundae (Korean blood sausage variation)
Average meal cost: 10,000–18,000 KRW
Walk across the small hand-pulled ferry for a unique local experience.
Estimated visit time: 1.5 hours.
Evening: Sokcho Beach
End your day at Sokcho Beach.
Best sunset time:
- Spring/Fall: 6:30–7:30 PM
- Summer: Around 7:30 PM
The beach is less crowded than Busan and offers a relaxing atmosphere.
Day 2 – Markets and Coastal Seafood
Morning: Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market
Explore Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market.
What to try:
- Fried chicken (Dakgangjeong)
- Fresh sashimi
- Sweet Korean pancakes
Budget: 15,000–30,000 KRW per person
Tip: Many vendors accept cards, but some smaller stalls prefer cash.
Lunch: Daepo Port Seafood
Head to Daepo Port for seafood.
Average seafood set:
- 2 people: 60,000–90,000 KRW
- Includes raw fish, shellfish, side dishes
Local Tip:
Prices are negotiable at some stalls. Compare 2–3 shops before choosing.
Where to Stay in Sokcho
1️⃣ Sokcho Beach Area
Best for ocean views
Average price: 120,000–250,000 KRW per night
2️⃣ Downtown / Market Area
Best for food lovers
Average price: 80,000–150,000 KRW
3️⃣ Near Seoraksan
Best for hikers
Average price: 90,000–180,000 KRW
If visiting during autumn foliage season (October), book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
Seasonal Travel Guide
🌸 Spring (April–May)
- Mild weather
- Good hiking conditions
- Fewer crowds than summer
🌊 Summer (July–August)
- Peak beach season
- Hotel prices increase 30–50%
- Very crowded on weekends
🍁 Autumn (October)
- Best time for foliage at Seoraksan
- Cooler air and clear skies
- Highly recommended
❄ Winter (December–February)
- Quiet atmosphere
- Lower accommodation prices
- Some hiking trails may close due to snow
Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Arriving at Seoraksan late in the morning
→ Long waiting times
❌ Booking hotels last minute during peak seasons
→ Higher prices or fully booked
❌ Assuming all market vendors accept cards
→ Bring some cash
❌ Visiting only the beach and skipping the mountains
→ You’ll miss Sokcho’s biggest highlight
Estimated Budget (2 Days / 1 Night)
| Category | Cost (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 40,000–60,000 |
| Accommodation | 100,000–180,000 |
| Food | 60,000–120,000 |
| Activities | 15,000–30,000 |
| Total | 215,000–390,000 |
Budget varies based on seafood choices and hotel type.
Is Sokcho Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy:
- Nature
- Fresh seafood
- Relaxed coastal cities
- Mountain hiking
Then Sokcho offers one of the most balanced travel experiences in South Korea.
Unlike larger tourist cities, it still feels authentic and less commercialized — especially outside peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
Sokcho is not just a beach town. It is a destination where mountains, seafood culture, and local traditions meet in one compact and accessible location.
With proper planning — arriving early at popular attractions, booking accommodations ahead during peak seasons, and exploring both the coast and the mountains — you can experience the best of what this city has to offer in just two days.
If you’re planning a Korea itinerary, Sokcho deserves a strong spot on your list.
