Hotels in Sokcho

Sokcho: Gateway to Seoraksan on the East Sea

Sokcho sits on the northeastern coast of Gangwon Province, South Korea, roughly 230 km east of Seoul. The city faces the East Sea on one side and borders Seoraksan National Park — a 398 km² protected area designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982 — on the other. That geography defines everything about Sokcho: hikers arrive for trails like Ulsanbawi Rock and Biseondae, while seafood lovers head to Abai Village, a settlement established by North Korean refugees after the 1950–53 war, famous for squid and sundae sausage.

Where to Stay

Most hotels and guesthouses cluster near Sokcho Beach and the Expo Tower roundabout, putting guests within 10 minutes of both the bus terminal and park entrances. Budget motels line the streets east of Cheongcho Lake, a saltwater lagoon that separates the beach district from the city centre. Mid-range and resort-style properties concentrate along the beachfront road, offering East Sea views.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Express buses from Seoul's Dong Seoul Terminal run hourly and take approximately 2.5 hours.
• Best season: Late September to mid-October for autumn foliage in Seoraksan; summer (July–August) fills Sokcho Beach.
• Park entry: Seoraksan charges a 3,500 KRW admission fee; the Seorak cable car to Gwongeumseong adds a separate fare.
• Pack layers: Coastal evenings cool quickly even in summer.