Uisangdae Pavilion (낙산사 의상대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Uisangdae Pavilion (낙산사 의상대)

5.8Km    2024-12-26

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2447

This pavilion is located on a seaside cliff on the way from Yangyang’s Naksansa Temple to Gwaneumgul Cave of Hongnyeonam Hermitage. The word “dae” in Uisangdae refers to a building built at a vantage point for areas with beautiful scenery. Indeed, the view of the East Sea and the coast from Uisangdae Pavilion awarded its recognition as one of the Eight Sights of Yangyang, and a must-visit place for all visitors to Naksansa Temple. Jeong Cheol (pen-name: Songgang), a famed scholar and writer of the poem Song of Diamond Mountains, chose the pavilion as one of the Eight Sights of Gwandong, and the pavilion is today one of the popular sites for sunrise-viewing on the east coast of Korea. Together with Hongnyeonam Hermitage, it is designated as the Scenic Site No. 27 of Korea under the name “Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage of Naksansa Temple, Yangyang.” Uisangdae is named after Uisang, a respected Silla-era Buddhist monk who is said to have founded this temple in 671 (11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla), and many stories of his deeds can still be found in the temple. For instance, Uisangdae is said to be the site where he meditated before founding Naksansa Temple at its present site. Today’s pavilion was restored to its present hexagonal form in 1995.

Helios Motel (헬리오스모텔)

5.9Km    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.

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone (척산온천지구)

6.0Km    2024-02-28

288 Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2901

Cheoksan Hot Springs Zone, located in Sokcho, is a village dedicated to hot spring tourism. Key attractions like Cheoksan Spa & Hotel, Cheoksan Hot Spring Bath, and Footbath Park have been sequentially built to shape the area as it is known today. It offers a unique expereince where visitors can soak in warm hot springs while viewing the snow-capped Seoraksan Mountain, expecially during the cold winter months. Situated just a 10-minute drive from Seoraksan Mountain, this village serves as an ideal relaxation spot after a day of hiking.

Jangsahang Port (장사항)

6.1Km    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. 

Cheoksan Spatel ( (주)척산온천휴양촌)

6.4Km    2024-12-19

327, Gwangwang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Opened in 1985, Cheoksan Spatel is a natural hot springs with strong alkaline water at 53℃, formed 4000 m below sea level. The water is said to be highly effective in the removal of impurities and treatment of skin conditions. Rooms available include both bedrooms and ondol (under-the-floor heating system) rooms. Each room has a small bath supplied with hot springs water in the bathroom. Guests are also offered a single-use ticket to the hot springs area.
There are plenty of onsite facilities as well, from the hot springs area with many different types of baths to ladies-only spa therapy at Spa Healing Center, walking paths through a pine grove, and an observation deck with a view of Seoraksan Mountain’s Ulsan Peak. Other attractions, such as Sokcho Museum, Seoraksan Botanical Garden, and Cheongchoho Recreation Area, is reachable by car in 10 min.

Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장)

6.6Km    2024-12-27

59 Haemaji-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-670-2518

Naksan Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yangyang, located in Joseon-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. Since its opening in 1963, it has attracted more than 1 million visitors each year, its reputation being rivaled only by the Gyeongpodae Beach on the east coast of Korea. The 4 kilometer-long sand beach contrasts magnificently with the lush pine trees of the area. The water is less than 1.5 meter deep, making it a good place for all ages. Naksanhang Port marks one end of the beach, behind which Naksan Mountain, the location of Naksansa Temple, can be found. The other end has a lake formed at the delta of Namdaecheon Stream, which originates from Seoraksan Mountain. Many cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, and accommodations cater to the needs of the visitors. The beach sees considerable traffic in winter as well, when it serves as a popular venue for sunrise-watching, particularly for the New Year’s Day festival.

Seorak Pine Resort (설악파인리조트)

6.7Km    2025-03-16

14, Gwangwang-ro 408beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-635-5800

Sokcho Museum (속초시립박물관·속초실향민문화촌)

6.9Km    2021-09-24

16, Sinheung 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-639-2973

The Sokcho Museum is a cultural experience center where visitors can learn about and experience Sokcho’s history, culture, and natural environment, covering from prehistoric times to modern times. It displays artifacts related to regional tradition and culture, the fishing village culture, and the culture of the displaced people who took refuge during the Korean War.

The museum is divided into four sections: Exhibition Hall 1, which introduces Sokcho’s natural environment and cultural characteristics; Exhibition Hall 2, displaying the aspects of a fishing village and life of the Korean War refugees; Exhibition Hall 3, which provides diverse cultural experiences for children; and the Balhae History Hall with materials and artifacts related to the ancient Balhae Kingdom. The museum also has a reproduction of Cheongho-dong Alley, where the Korean War refugees from North Korea settled adn lived, and Sokcho Station building that was demolished in 1978.

Forest Museum (숲박물관)

6.9Km    2024-12-23

3054 Misiryeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Forest Museum is a scenic forest path connecting the Sokcho City Museum and the National Mountain Museum. Its well-maintained trails are lined with diverse trees and flowering plants, including Asiatic liverworts, peonies, pasque flowers, bridal wreath, Flowering Cherry, and Korean Azaleas. The area is adorned with flowers blooming throughout the seasons. It also features a children's playground, a water garden, and serene rest areas with pergolas, outdoor tables, and scenic spots for relaxation.

Cho Won Resor tel / 초원리조텔

7.4Km    2025-03-31

19 , Cheongbong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7169

Chowon Resortel stands at the entrance to Seoraksan National Park - surrounded by majestic peaks, pine-clad valleys and pure mountain air. Room rates are competitive, and the hotel is particularly popular with small group hikers. Guestrooms are either standard single rooms,  condominium-style studios, or condominium apartments, and are always kept clean. Barbecue facilities can be hired. A short walk will take you to the Seoraksan Information Center. It’s 10 minutes on foot to Sinheungsa Temple, while the famous Heundeul Bawi (‘Swaying Rock’) is a 70 minute hike away.