Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

2.5Km    2025-01-21

8-28 Yeonggeumjeong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

It is No. 1 of Sokcho’s Eight Sights. This white lighthouse creates a picturesque view along with the surrounding blue sea. Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory was originally just a lighthouse, but now, it is opened to the public and plays a role of an observatory. Walking up along the wooden deck trail among the bamboo grove leads you to the observatory, which offers an open view of the deep blue East Sea, the Cheongchoho Lake, which is home to migratory birds, and the magnificent scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Viewed from the high tower, the East Sea unfolds its boundless ocean and sometimes it looks like a calm lake but can become an energetic ocean full of vitality. Built in 1957, Sokcho Lighthouse still lights up for ships at night. The bright light and sound of the beacon, which has been in service since the lighthouse’s establishment, can show the waterway to a boat, which is about 35 km away from the lighthouse. Right next to the observatory, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion is situated.

Café Woody (카페우디)

Café Woody (카페우디)

2.5Km    2024-02-16

163 Yeongnanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located on Yeognnanghaean-gil in Sokcho, Café Woody offers a captivating ocean view. Designed with timber, it evokes the cozy ambiance of forest cabins. Spanning both the first and second floors of the building, the café features terraces on each level, providing visitors with a delightful spot to enjoy their beverages while taking in views of the East Sea. Café Woody’s standout offerings include its signature heugimja latte (black sesame latte) and almond cream latte. 

Museum X (뮤지엄엑스)

Museum X (뮤지엄엑스)

2.6Km    2025-02-04

338 Jungang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Museum X combines media art and digital technology to offer unique experiences where art, technology, and play intersect. The museum consists of four distinct content zones showcasing virtual reality, artificial intelligence, holograms, and games. Visitors can explore a fantasy playground with echo and beats, embark in a multidimensional journey through light, sound, and waves, and interact with a humanoid robot that creates portraits through conversation.

Wan & Song House Restaurant (완앤송 하우스 레스토랑)

Wan & Song House Restaurant (완앤송 하우스 레스토랑)

2.8Km    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.

Oeongchihaebyeon Beach (외옹치해변)

2.8Km    2025-02-04

596-2 Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Oeongchihaebyeon Beach is a small white sand beach with a length of 400 meters and a x_width of 50 meters, located between Sokchohaebyeon Beach and Daepohang Port. If you want to enjoy the peaceful waters of Sokcho, this is the place to go. The beach is open for swimming in the summer, and you can easily buy and enjoy freshly prepared raw fish from the nearby Oeongchi Port. Facilities such as restrooms and parking area are available.

Sokcho Oeongchi Badahyanggiro Trail (속초 외옹치 바다향기로)

2.9Km    2023-02-03

585-5, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Badahyanggiro is a unique, 1.74-kilometer-long coastal trail that runs from Sokcho Beach to Oeongchi Port. It is mainly divided into the Sokcho Beach section (850 meters) and the Oeongchi section (890 meters), with each having its own vibes. If you are looking to take a light walk along the beach, the Sokcho Beach section is a perfect choice and, if you wish to enjoy views of the dynamic landscape, the Oeongchi section is recommended. The Oeongchi section was restricted to civilian access for several decades so it holds fabulous scenery that has not been damaged by people for a long period of time. It is also famous as a filming spot for K-dramas. The blue sea seems to continue endlessly along the trail that features both a wooden deck path and a dirt road, and the sounds of crashing waves add a sense of refreshment to the scene. The water is so pure and clean that you can clearly see the sea floor. The Oeongchi section consists of four themed courses including the Bamboo Meditation path, Sky Deck path, National Security Experience path, and Rock Observation path. The coastline barbed-wire fences installed on the National Security Experience path are what remain from the original fences set up after the submarine infiltration incident by armed Communist guerillas in 1970. It is also fun to watch rocks of strange shapes form on the coastline including Gulbawi Rock and Jinebawi Rock.

Hotel Amaranth [Korea Quality] / 호텔 아마란스 [한국관광 품질인증]

Hotel Amaranth [Korea Quality] / 호텔 아마란스 [한국관광 품질인증]

3.1Km    2020-09-11

55, Oncheon-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-5252

The hotel was named “amaranth,” meaning “unfading flower or legendary flower,” hoping that it will be an excellent hotel that maintains its high quality for guests at all times. This medium-sized business and family hotel offers clean and pleasant rooms as well as a view of the beautiful scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Each room has a small terrace that offers an open view of Ulsanbawi Rock on its right. Guests will find relaxation and peace amid the quiet stillness of the environment, along with clean hotel facilities. Since it is adjacent to the Cheoksan Spa Area of Sokcho, Gangwon-do, guests can reach the mountains, hot springs, sea, and lake within 5~15 minutes by car. It also takes only five minutes to get to Sokcho IC. Hotel Amaranth has acquired certifications such as Accommodation Sanitation Evaluation by Korea Quality in order to provide guests with the ultimate comfort and safety during their stay.

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

3.1Km    2024-12-19

33 , Jangsahanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-632-7676

The Helios Motel in Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, is on the northernmost part of the East Sea coast, and from it residents can watch glorious sunrises and sunsets over the ocean - hence the name Helios, the ancient Greek sun god. The motel has both western-style and Korean-style rooms - with some rooms giving views of Seoraksan Mountain - and provides an excellent laundry service. The location is convenient for downtown Sokcho, Deungdae Beach and Jangsa-dong. Nearby attractions include Yeongrang Lake, Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory, and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.

Daepohang Port (대포항)

3.3Km    2022-12-21

64, Daepohang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-633-3171

Located on the southernmost point of Sokcho, Daephohang Port is known as a place to find quality fish with the rise of Seoraksan Mountain as a popular tourist destination. However, the port was a well-known port even before Sokcho existed. On a map of Korea that was published right after the Korean War, Daepohang Port can be found with other notable ports while the city of Sokcho is not indicated. With the opening of Sokcho and Sokcho Port in 1942, Daepohang Port became a secluded port visited by few fishing boats.

Jangsahang Port (장사항)

3.3Km    2025-01-31

58 Jangsahanghaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Jangsahang Port is one of the representative ports of Sokcho. Visitors can experience boat fishing and visit various seafood restaurants to enjoy freshly caught raw fish and other sea food. Each summer, the Jangsa Fishing Experience Village hosts the Squid Catching Festival, attracting many visitors to this place. During the festival, visitors can experience the fun of squid catching with their bare hands and participate in various squid-themed experiences such as squid tasting, squid ink calligraphy, and squid storytelling.