Experience the best of Sokcho

Sokcho sits on the east coast of South Korea, in Gangwon Province, between the East Sea and the jagged granite peaks of Seoraksan. The town grew around its harbour, and fishing boats still land squid, crab and pollock at the port. A long sandy beach runs along the shore, and Cheongchoho lake lies just inland of the town centre.

Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve a few kilometres west, has waterfalls, hot spring valleys, hiking trails and a cable car to the ruins of Gwongeumseong fortress. Sinheungsa temple holds a huge bronze Buddha, and Abai Village, settled by refugees from the north, is reached by a small ferry pulled along a cable. Gangneung lies farther south along the coast.

The central market is famous for dakgangjeong, sweet crispy fried chicken, and Abai village for squid sundae, squid stuffed with rice and vegetables. Fresh snow crab and raw fish are served by the harbour, and pollack soup is a local winter dish. Autumn leaves turn the mountains red and gold in October, and winters are snowy.