KR · Gangwon · 38.21°N 128.59°E

sokcho

East Sea fishing town with fresh crab, a busy seafood market and Seoraksan next door.

Best time
Autumn for Seoraksan's colours, and winter for snow crab. July and August are beach season, when holidaymakers from Seoul fill the town.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Incheon, about 6.5 hours. Express buses from Seoul take about 2.5 hours. You can also take the KTX to Gangneung and a bus up the coast.
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KR · Gangwonsokcho38.21°N 128.59°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,East Sea fishing town with fresh crab, a busy seafood market and Seoraksan next door.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSokchoKR, Gangwon
KLsokcho
≈ 4,761 km from KL, as the crow flies
Geumgang Bridge, Sokcho, South Korea

Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A fishing city on Korea's east coast, squeezed between the sea and the peaks of Seoraksan. It's known for seafood, a lively central market and a village founded by refugees from the North after the Korean War.

Makan

  1. DakgangjeongCrispy fried chicken in a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze. The central market is famous for it.Map ↗
  2. Ojingeo sundaeSquid stuffed with rice and vegetables, sliced and pan-fried. Abai Village's speciality.Map ↗
  3. Snow crabSteamed whole at the harbour restaurants, best in winter and spring.Map ↗
  4. MulhoeRaw fish in an icy, spicy broth, a summer favourite on the east coast.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Sokcho's central marketThe big market in town, known for sweet fried chicken, seafood and snack stalls.Map ↗
  2. Abai VillageSettled by refugees from North Korea, and reached on a little hand-pulled ferry across the harbour.Map ↗
  3. Daepo PortA busy little harbour lined with seafood stalls and restaurants.Map ↗
  4. Sokcho BeachA city beach close to town, good for sunrise.Map ↗
  5. SeoraksanThe national park entrance is about half an hour away by bus.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Combine it with Seoraksan and Gangneung for a few days on the east coast.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.