Abai Village Ferry (아바이마을 갯배)

723.5842803658927m 44806 2022-12-21

39, Jungangbudu-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-2003

Gaetbae (boat without engine) is an exotic means of transportation to cross the Abai Village at the mouth of Cheongchoho Lake. It is a rapid means of traveling between downtown Sokcho and Abai Village along the 50 m-long waterway. This small barge-style boat without an engine can be run by pulling the wire manually. When fixing the solid steel wire on both sides of the waterway and pulling it hard with a hook, a boat moves forward slowly. As there is no boatman, passengers need to work together to move the boat. It takes about 5 min to cross the water by boat. This unique experience still attracts many tourists to Sokcho. Furthermore, it is known as the filming location for the Korean TV drama Autumn in My Heart, so many tourists from Japan and China visit the place.

Cheongchoho Lake (청초호)

786.7976747161811m 18371 2021-08-18

Cheongchohoban-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2690

Cheongchoho Lake, located in the center of Sokcho city, is a large natural lake with a circumference of 5 m and an area of 1.3 km2. The source water originates from the Misiryeong Valley of Taebaek Mountain Range and flows to the Cheongchocheon Stream and to this beautiful lake, and then continues to the adjacent sea. So, the lake is an intermediate stop between the river and the sea. Cheongchojeong Pavilion is located above the lake, offering an open view of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea. As it is situated at the end of the 75 m-long ocean bridge, you will feel standing in the middle of the lake and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Shining more at night, this pavilion is regarded as the best attraction for the beautiful night view in Sokcho. It also attracts visitors’ attraction with its sculptures of the blue and yellow dragons, which were established based on the local legend associated with Cheongchoho Lake. The trail built around the lakeside is equipped with a nighttime lighting system so that many people visit it at night and the benches for rest and appreciating the view. There are many attractions around the lake, such as Seokbong Ceramic Museum, bird sanctuary, etc. The Cheongchoho Lake Park was the venue of the International Travel Expo ’99 Kangwon and is known for its 73.4 m high Expo Tower Observatory.

Dancheon Sikdang (단천식당)

848.2337362510569m 24897 2024-02-16

17 Abaimaeul-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
033-632-7828

Dancheon Sikdang specializes in abai sundae (North Korean sundae), a sundae dish from Hamgyeong-do Province of North Korea. Abai sundae is made by stuffing pork large intestines with seonji (blood) and sweet rice, followed by steaming. Currently operated by the third generation, the restaurant also offers dishes like myeongtae hoe naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw pollack), ojingeo sundae (stuffed squid), and gajami sikhae (salted and fermented plaice). It is located in Abai Village, an area established by war refugees from North Korea during the Korean War.

Abai Village (아바이 마을)

948.3296411604254m 42432 2021-04-09

122-1, Cheongho-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2690

Located in Cheongho-dong, Abai Village bears a history of displaced people’s distress. The village was formed by refugees of the Korean War from North Korea, mainly from Hamgyeong-do Province. The word “abai” is a dialect of Hamgyeong-do that means a friendly old man like a grandfather. Visitors to Abai Village can get a sense of displaced people’s life and story, which fade away into a chapter of history. Although it has lost its original appearance now, old shacks without a gate still remain here and there. Mural paintings on the wall show the sentiment of nostalgia about their hometown and express sorrow and hard life of displaced people, who lived from hand to mouth by fishing and doing physical labor. The original houses built by refugees in the village were restored into the Refugee Village at the Sokcho Museum. Abai Village is also known as a filming location for the Korean TV drama Autumn in My Heart, attracting a lot of visitors and becoming a major attraction in Sokcho. The restaurant alley is packed with cafes and North Korean food restaurants serving local dishes such as Hamheung-style cold buckwheat noodles, stuffed squid, and North Korean-style sausage soup.

Sokcho Expo Tower (속초 엑스포타워)

1.1 Km 32859 2019-09-20

72, Expo-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-637-5083

Sokcho Expo Tower in the area of Cheongchoho Lake, Joyang-dong, is an observatory tower set in a park surrounded by mountains and lakes.

The tower is 73.4m in x_height and can accommodate up to 100 visitors at once. From the observation platform, visitors can enjoy a complete view of the Sokcho area, including Ulsanbawi Rock and Daecheongbong Peak in Seoraksan Mountain, the East Sea and downtown Sokcho. The view around sunset is especially picturesque and the migratory bird habitat of Cheongchoho Lake is also located near the tower.

Sokcho Marina (속초마리나)

1.1 Km 0 2024-04-08

106 Cheolsae-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Marina is a great place to visit with family members in the maritime city of Sokcho. Looking at the East Sea is lovely, but sailing through the blue sea is even more enjoyable. Sokcho Marina has a 12-seater cruise yacht suited for family and friends as well as a sailing yacht where passengers can soak up the romantic mood. By the dock is Cafe Marina where one can enjoy the view of yachts anchored in the bay through the window. The cruise route starts from Cheongchoho Lake and passes by Seorakdaegyo Bridge and Sokcho Beach, and turns around Jodo Island, one of the eight scenic sights of Sokcho, before returning to the dock.

Chungchosoo Mul Hoe (청초수물회)

1.2 Km 12284 2024-02-16

12-36 Expo-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
033-635-5050

Situated by Cheongchoho Lake in Sokcho, Chungchosoo Mul Hoe is renowned for its Haejeon mul hoe (cold raw fish soup with sea cucumber and abalone). The unique soup base is crafted by blending beef bone broth with traditional sauces, which is then aged for flavor enhancement. This rich soup is combined with an assortment of ingredients such as sliced raw fish, abalone, sea cucumber, sea squirt, octopus, and flying fish roe. Other popular menu items include seop guk, a mussle-based soup; seonggeal bibimbap, a sea urchin roe bibimbap; and ojingeo sundae, a specialty dish where a squid is stuffed with beef and vegetables.

Perfect Days (완벽한 날들)

1.2 Km 0 2024-02-16

7 Subok-ro 259beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

This indie bookstore in Sokcho serves a dual purpose as both a café and accommodations. An indie bookstore refers to a store independent of large distribution networks or capital, curated according to the owner’s personal tastes. Housing nearly 1,000 books, it offers a cozy space for visitors to relax and enjoy reading. Its prime location on Sokcho’s Soho Street places it amidst an array of charming cafés and restaurants, enhancing its appeal as a destination for book lovers and casual visitors alike.

Sokcho Culture Center (속초문화회관)

1.3 Km 13695 2021-11-30

155, Beonyeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2080

Sokcho Culture Center is a cultural facility located in Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do. The main building houses a grand theater with fully-equipped lighting and sound systems, and practice rooms. The annex building has a small conference room, exhibition chamber, cultural room and administration offices.

ARUNA (아루나)

1.3 Km 0 2024-02-16

85 Cheonghohaean-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Located on Sokcho’s Cheonghohaean-gil, ARUNA is renowned for its stunning ocean views and rooftop area. The first floor of the café features a large window wall on one side, offering expansive views of the sky and the East Sea. ARUNA’s selection of coffee beverages and desserts, including matcha, scones, and cookies, are well-received by visitors. Additionally, the café is conveniently located near several tourist attractions such as Sokchohaebyeon Beach, Sokcho Eye (Ferris Wheel), and Abai Village.

Abai Village Ferry (아바이마을 갯배) - Area information - Korea travel information