page_title: Sokcho
section_title: Tourism
hierarchical_section_title: Sokcho / Tourism
caption_attribution_description: English: Sokcho from Mount Gwongeumseong in Seoraksan National Park
context_page_description: Sokcho is a city in Gangwon-do province, South Korea. It is located in the far northeast of Gangwon-do. The city is a major tourist hub, and a popular gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park. Sokcho is home to the few lakes: Yeongrangho and Cheongchoho that are naturally created by the East Sea.
context_section_description: Seoraksan National Park is located in the vicinity of Sokcho, and attracts many domestic and international tourists. The city itself is known for the beach, natural hot springs and golf courses, as well as its fine fishery products.
  The nearby Yeongrangho lake is renowned for its beauty. The reflection of Seoraksan and its Ulsanbawi are particularly popular. There are a number of well-preserved Buddhist temples in the area around Sokcho. The main building of the Sinheungsa temple (Geukrakbojeon) is a major tourist destination (originally built in the 15th century). Also notable is the Hyangseongsaji samcheung seoktap, a three-storey pagoda of 4.3 metres. It dates from 652 and is located at the site of the Hyangseongsa temple.
  Yeonggeumjeong, a pavilion built on the shores of Sokcho, is popular for its magnificent views of the sunrise, as well as for hearing the sound of the sea. It is thought that the pavilion was built at this location for sonic reasons.
  Marina Yacht is located in Cheongchoho Lake Park and it provides a yacht tour on a wide expanse of the East Sea. The yacht sailing begins and ends at Cheongcho Marina passing Seorakdaegyo Bridge, Dongmyeonghang Port, Jodo in order. Marina Yacht rents boats to people who have a boat driving license. The place also operates a café.
  Yeongrangho Hwarangdo Experience Center is held various experience programs, horse riding members recruitment, and annual World Knight Championship. The center contributes to the transmission of traditional horseback martial art and popularization, and vitalization of horse riding.
  Abai village near Seoraksan was originally set up as an area to house North Korean refugees in Sokcho due to the separation of the two Koreas. Consequently, many of the population have relatives in North Korea. The village has seen increased tourism due to the popularity of the Korean Drama Autumn in My Heart on KBS
  In July 2016, Sokcho became one of the few locations in South Korea where Pokémon Go could be played due to government restrictions on mapping data. Players flocked to the city, causing bus tickets to sell out.
  In 1999, Gangwon International Tourism Expo was held.
  Today, a number of tourists are also attracted by the closeness to the DMZ.
  Sokcho used to have its own airport, linking the city to Seoul. Currently, the city is served by the Yangyang International Airport.
  
  The opening of KTX Kyung Kang line has made it convenient for travelers to visit Gangwon-Do province which is only an 86-minute train ride that starts from Seoul and tons of attractions.
caption: View of Sokcho from Seoraksan
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