What to See in Sokcho (Other than Seoraksan), Sokcho, South Korea

Most tourists go to the city of Sokcho in the province of Gangwon on a day trip, not to visit the city itself, but to go to Seoraksan National Park especially in autumn. I decided to stay two days and one night in Sokcho for two reasons: one, to explore Sokcho City; and two, to have a good night's sleep and start my hike early at Seoraksan National Park the following day (the aim was to start the hike before the busloads of tourists arrive).

Get yourself to Seoul Express Bus Terminal. If you are taking the subway in Seoul, take the subway to Seoul Express Bus Terminal Station. Take exit 1 to proceed to the bus terminal. The bus ride from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal will take 2.5 hours and the bus ticket will cost more or less 17900 krw (depending on the type of bus). You can reserve a ticket online or just buy a ticket on the day at the terminal.

I stayed at With U Hotel & Guesthouse just across Sokcho Bus Terminal. Although there are city buses, I decided to walk the 1.6 kilometers to Abai Village because it was such a beautiful sunny day and I figured I needed to warm up my legs for the Seoraksan hike I was planning to do the next day. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).