Sokcho

Sokcho is the eastern gateway to Korea's most dramatic mountain wilderness — Seoraksan National Park — combined with a charming port town famous for stuffed squid, fresh seafood, and a unique refugee village that preserves the flavors of North Korea.

Must-Visit Places

• Seoraksan National Park — One of Korea's most breathtaking national parks, with jagged granite peaks, lush valleys, and crimson autumn foliage. Take the cable car to Gwongeumseong for panoramic views.
• Sokcho Beach — A clean, uncrowded beach right in town, backed by the dramatic Seoraksan silhouette.
• Abai Village — A poignant refugee settlement founded by North Korean refugees after the Korean War, with unique North Korean food culture.
• Naksansa Temple — A cliff-perched Buddhist temple overlooking the East Sea, with a stunning 15-meter bronze Avalokitesvara statue.
• Daepo Port — A working fishing port with the freshest seafood restaurants in town.

Food & Dining

• Ojingeo Sundae (Stuffed Squid) — Sokcho's star dish: whole squid stuffed with glass noodles, vegetables, and pork, then steamed.
• Dakgalbi — Spicy stir-fried chicken with chewy rice cakes. Sokcho and neighboring Chuncheon are the dakgalbi capitals of Korea.
• Abai Sundae — North Korean–style blood sausage from Abai Village, made thicker and heartier.
• Memil Makguksu — Buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth, a regional specialty of Gangwon Province.

Must-Buy Shopping

• Dried Ojingeo (Squid) — Sokcho's most iconic product. Vacuum-packed dried squid from the market.
• Myeolchi (Dried Anchovy) — Premium East Sea anchovies, excellent quality here.
• Pine Mushroom (Songyi) Products — Gangwon Province's prized pine mushrooms in oils, sauces, and dried forms.
• Mountain Herbs & Wild Greens — Dried gondre, gosari, and other Seoraksan mountain vegetables.