Summer Season: Time to go to Sokcho

Summer is coming: temperatures are surpassing 30 degrees, everyone is wearing shorts, and the school year is coming to an end. It is time to go somewhere for summer break, and the one place in Korea that comes to mind is Sokcho.

Sokcho is one of Korea’s most famous tourist attractions during the summer. With its dazzling beaches and the breathtaking harmony with the environment, it is not only a wonderful place to visit, but a fabulous place to take pictures and make unforgettable memories. Due to its popularity, it is frequently chosen for graduation or school trips in Korea, or excursions with friends and family. As someone who has witnessed the allure of Sokcho, I hope to share the many ways to enjoy its beauty.

Sokcho Beach

To catch a glimpse of the wonderful scenery of the ocean and city of Sokcho, there is one thing you can’t miss: the Sokcho Eye! Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel [속초아이 대관람차] is a large ferris wheel located at Sokcho Beach, offering a greater level of the ocean view, providing a wide perspective of the surroundings, namely Seorak Mountain. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, the ferris wheel — around 22 stories high — allows people to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views.

Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel

After taking in the panoramic view of the clear, blue water from the sky, it is time to enjoy the view of the sea on the ground. Sokcho Yeonggeumjeong [영금정], is a pavilion located on a cliff by the sea. The name comes from how the waves crashing against the rocks sound like geomungo [거문고], a traditional Korean instrument. Unlike the Sokcho Eye Ferris Wheel that is famous for watching the scenery at noon, this place is a popular tourist attraction for watching the sunrise over the East Sea. With both of these locations providing an amazing view of the Land of the Morning Calm, it is such a must-see spot when planning a visit to Sokcho.

Yeonggeumjeong

Yet, Sokcho is not just famous for its beautiful locations, but is also a popular destination for its food. Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, also known as Sokcho Jungang (Central) Market, is a place you must visit if you are a foodie. There are so many things to see and eat in this large place. In this market, one of the most well-known foods is Manseok Chicken. With such a fresh taste and crispy texture, the shop always has a long line — still, you should try it once as it is known for its scrumptious taste.

Manseok Chicken

Since Sokcho is a city on the coast, it is also famous for seafood, especially mulhoe (cold raw fish soup). Another place that is often visited is Sokcho Hangari Mulhoe [속초 항아리 물회]. Known as one of the top three mulhoe restaurants, Sokcho Hangari Mulhoe is famous for three reasons: the taste, convenience, and high quality. With a variety of dishes on the menu, tourists can enjoy both cold and hot food according to their preference. A keypoint of this restaurant is that they serve the food in a hangari, which is a traditional Korean bowl. Providing delicious flavor inspired by the East Sea and displaying Korean culture is what makes this place highly recommended.

Sokcho Hangari Mulhoe

Sokcho is such a beautiful and exciting place to visit with numerous tourist attractions for all ages. As summer comes around, it is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the beaches of Korea, while exploring the nature it offers. If you are planning on an exciting and unique break, one that is different from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, Sokcho is the place for you.

Works Cited

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“뮤즈오라의 여행하는 삶 : 네이버 블로그.” Naver.com, 2025, blog.naver.com/polymathedu/223278179206. Accessed 19 June 2025.

“트립어드바이저.” 트립어드바이저, 2021, www.tripadvisor.co.kr/Attractions-g317129-Activities-Sokcho_Gangwon_do.html. Accessed 21 June 2025.

Image Citation: 

블로그국가대표의 . “속초 중앙시장 먹거리 주차장 만석닭강정 속초관광수산시장.” 네이버 블로그 | 국가대표의 여행일기, 2023, m.blog.naver.com/suk4408/223073981669. Accessed 21 June 2025.

“강원-속초-항아리물회-001.” 공유마당, 2020, gongu.copyright.or.kr/gongu/wrt/wrt/view.do?wrtSn=13276426&menuNo=200018. Accessed 21 June 2025.

고미리레 .. | 블로그. “속초 일출 명소 영금정 속초 가볼만한곳 해돋이 정자.” 네이버 블로그 | 고미리레 의 세상 탐험 여행 블로그, 2021, m.blog.naver.com/mortareg/222604282619. Accessed 21 June 2025.