Sokcho boasts exceptional scenery in November, when autumn is at its peak. The city extends from the deep-blue waters of the East Sea to the steep slopes of Seoraksan National Park, which are ablaze with fall colors. Of course, Sokcho offers more than just majestic peaks and vast beaches. From seaside walking paths, bustling markets and the historic Abai Village to the towering Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel, Sokcho has enough charms to fill many days and nights. 

Seoraksan National Park in autumn (Photo courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization)

▶ Seoraksan National Park, ripe with fall colors

Seoraksan National Park spans Sokcho as well as the counties of Inje-gun, Goseong-gun and Yangyang-gun, all in Gangwon-do Province. Topping out at 1,708 meters above sea level, Seoraksan Mountain was designated Korea’s fifth national park in 1970. Also, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. Seoraksan’s 30 or so peaks include Daecheongbong (the highest), Socheongbong, Jungcheongbong and Hwachaebong.

The fastest and easiest way to enjoy Seoraksan from Sokcho is by taking the Seoraksan Cable Car. Departing from Seoraksan Small Park (nearby the park information center), the cable car reaches Gwongeumseong Fortress (800 meters high) in just 10 minutes. Also known as Seoraksanseong Fortress, Gwongeumseong is where legend claims a fortress was built by two generals, one surnamed Gwon and the other surnamed Kim, to defend against invasions during the Goryeo Dynasty (935-1392). However, the fortress walls here have long ceased to exist.

A 10-minute hike from the cable car station leads up to a fantastic spot for views of the Nojeokbong and Janggunbong peaks, Manmulsang Rocks, Jeohangnyeong Pass, Towangseongpokpo Falls and Ulsanbawi Rock. The weather up here is unpredictable, but on a clear day, you can see all the way to downtown Sokcho and the East Sea. It’s truly the sort of place where you can imagine immortals and fairies residing.

Views of Ulsanbawi Rock (Photos courtesy of Getty Images Korea) 

About five minutes down a steep path from the cable car station is Allagam Hermitage and a lone pine tree that’s about 800 years old. Extending dramatically from a precarious cliff, this unmissable natural wonder draws gasps of amazement. Because it resembles a dancing crane, this ancient tree is known as Muhaksong (Dancing Crane Pine).

When autumn reaches its peak, Seoraksan’s slopes unfold like a red carpet, with crimson maple leaves creating an enchanting panorama. The spectacular views at this beloved tourist destination draw crowds of visitors from across the country and beyond.

▶ Yeongnanho Lake, dwelling place of a Silla Hwarang

Autumn at Yeongnangho Lake (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

Sokcho’s two lakes formed when enough sand accumulated to enclose them from the sea. The northern lake, Yeongnangho, is encircled by an 8-kilometer path that takes about two hours on foot or about an hour by bike. (Individual bikes, tandem bikes and large covered tricycles and quadricycles that can comfortably seat three to six adults can be rented at multiple locations around the lake.)

Yeongnangho Lake Sky Path offers amazing views. (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

The lake was named after Yeongnang, a Hwarang warrior of the Silla period (57 BCE-935 CE). According to Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), when Yeongnang was returning to Gyeongju for a martial arts competition after training at Geumgangsan (the Diamond Mountains), he discovered this lake and, captivated by its beauty, stayed for a long while. The lake remains just as beautiful today. It’s famous for cherry blossoms in spring and offers spectacular views of misty sunrises and delicate sunsets. In November 2021, a 400-meter-long bridge was built across the lake, with a circular plaza in the middle. Called Yeongnangho Lake Sky Path, it offers views of Seoraksan’s peaks, Ulsanbawi Rock and the East Sea. Many visitors come to take “trick photos” – it looks like they’re floating on water.

▶ Abai Village, just a ferry ride away

The gaetbae ferry connecting Abai Village and downtown Sokcho (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.) 

Abai Village is a settlement established by refugees from the North Korean province of Hamgyeong-do who were unable to return after the Korean War. “Abai” comes from their original dialect and is a friendly way to address an elderly man, like saying “grandfather.” 

The area got its name after these displaced people built homes and settled on what was empty, sandy land. As a refugee settlement, the village is also a symbolic space representing division and the hope for reunification. While its appearance has changed over time, murals throughout the village offer glimpses into the lives and living conditions of those who first took up residence there. Old restored houses from Abai Village can be seen in the Sokcho Museum.

The village is full of popular tourist-friendly restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

The village was once isolated on a small island in the middle of the city but can now be reached by car via bridges at opposite ends. In the past, to reach Sokcho’s downtown from the village, people had to board a gaetbae – a simple flat-bottom ferry without an engine – to cross the narrow waterway that links Cheongchoho Lake to the sea. The village rose from obscurity to become one of Sokcho’s iconic tourist spots after appearing in “Autumn in My Heart,” a K-drama with a peak viewership of 42.3 percent of Korean households in 2000. Now, the small village is always crowded with domestic and international tourists eager to experience the gaetbae and taste famous local foods like ojingeo-sundae (squid stuffed with minced pork or beef, tofu and mung bean sprouts) and Abai-sundae-gukbap (Abai blood sausage and rice soup).

▶ Sokcho Eye, a kaleidoscope of lights

The Sokcho Eye has become a local landmark. (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

To see Sokcho in its entirety, hop on the Sokcho Eye, the only beachside Ferris wheel in Korea. It will lift you 65 meters into the air – as high as a 22-story building.

The Ferris wheel’s cabins are larger and more comfortable than one might expect. They can accommodate up to six people and are all equipped with Bluetooth speakers, allowing passengers to choose their own soundtrack and set a unique mood for the 15-minute ride.

A view from a cabin of the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

As the 36 brightly painted cabins begin to rotate, the large windows offer panoramic views of Sokcho’s refreshing sea, clear sky and colorful cityscape.

While riding the Sokcho Eye is one way to enjoy the city, admiring its colorful appearance from afar is another option. At night, dazzling LED performances make the area even more spectacular than during the day.

The Sokcho Eye after dark (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

The Sokcho Eye is right beside Oeongchi Beach and the Sokcho Oeongchi Badahyanggi-ro Trail. This walkway was opened to citizens in 2018 after being off limits for 65 years (ever since the Korean War) to guard against North Korean infiltrations. Now Sokcho’s signature walking path, it reveals natural wonders that have been hidden and preserved behind barbed wire. The walking path takes less than 20 minutes to complete and is flat, so people of all ages can comfortably enjoy the crashing of waves, dense pine trees and open sea.

Sokcho Oeongchi Badahyanggi-ro Trail’s “Sea Scent Path” (Photo courtesy of Kim Byeong-gu, hongcomm.)

Sokcho offers year-round appeal with its natural wonders, culinary delights, diverse attractions and memorable experiences.