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Destinations Sokcho-si |
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Sokcho is a coastal city
located in the northeastern part of Gangwon-do. Its major industries
are aquatic products and tourism. Flanked by the East Sea and Mt.
Seoraksan, Sokcho is an extremely popular tourist destination.
Autumnal tinted leaves blanketing Mt. Seoraksan in fall attracts a
myriad of visitors in the fall and the beaches along the East Sea are
popular in the summer.
Tourist Sites
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Biryong Waterfall
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Gwongeumseong Fortress
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Sinheungsa Temple (Mt. Seoraksan)
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Cheonbuldong Valley
Address :
within Seoraksan,
Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Cheonbuldong
Valley is the main Valley of Seorak Mountain and is also called Seorak
Valley. It was named Cheonbuldong because the many peaks on either
side look like a lineup of a thousand Buddhist statues. It is also
called Cheonbuldong because the peaks also look like Buddhist saints
offering food sacrifices to Buddha. If you follow the waterway of
Waseondae for about 300m, you’ll arrive at Biseondae. Travel 12 km
further from here and you will arrive at Daecheongbong. There’s also
Biseondae Munjudam, Ihodam, and the steep Guimyeonam. On the opposite
side, an hour’s walk past Chilseongbong, attached to Hwachaebong, is
Chilseonggol’s forked road from which you can reach Oryeon Falls,
Yangpok, Cheondang Falls and other valleys with exceptionally
beautiful sceneries. The path used to be rough and difficult, but
because of new facilities and a mountain villa, you can more easily
climb and see the scenery of Cheonbuldong. Many people who go hiking
at Seorak Mountain seek this place out because of the convenient
transportation provided by Seorak-dong’s Sogongwon, which becomes the
starting point for many mountain climbers, and there is an endless
line of hikers and tourists who come to visit during mid October when
the autumnal leaves start turning color.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take the Seorak-dong bound bus (No.
3.)
Information :
- Homepage :
www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak mountain national park administration office
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- Admission Fee :
Adult (20+) ￦2,800
Student (14-19), Military Personnel ￦1,300
Children (8-13) ￦700
Under 7, 65+ Free
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Seorak Waterpia
Address :
24-1 Jangsa-dong,
Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Waterpia
is a multi-purpose hotsprings theme park, Mt. Seoraksan as its
setting, and facilities such as hot springs, and many outdoor leisure
activities. It is located inside the Hanhwa Seorak Resort Complex, and
it uses only pure hot spring water from the mountain. The water used
here is Cheoksan’s hot spring water, which was formed in the
Jungsangdae Period (225 - 65 million years
ago), and the volume of a water used is about 3,040 tons a day. It has
a lot of alkaline ingredients mixed in the water (sodium, calcium,
magnesium, etc.) along with negative ions (such as carbonic gas,
chlorine, carbonic acid, and potassium acid, etc.) which are known to
be effective in fighting stress, neuralgia, arthritis, and geriatric
diseases. Waterpia opened in July 1997 as the first recreational hot
spring facility in Korea. There are all kinds of water recreation
facilities, such as the Wave Pool that creates artificial waves, Yusu
Pool, which makes you feel like you are riding down a valley, Action
Pool, where you can play sports and games, and Slider Pool. It also
has Yeonin Bath, Bawi Bath, Falls Bath and other outdoor leisure spa
facilities, and for indoor hot springs facilities, there are
Wonmoktang, Chimtang, Nocheontang, and Men & Women’s sauna and others.
Besides these, Hanhwa Resort has a 18 hole golf range, multi
recreational Seorak Plaza Land, and many others that can aid you in
having a great time relaxing. It is a great place to bring the whole
family along.
Directions :
From Sokcho,
take Bus No. 3, get off at Hanhwa Resort
Information :
- Inquiries:
Seorak Waterpia Tel 033-635-7711(Kor/Chi/Jap/Eng)
- Homepage : http://www.hanwharesort.co.kr (Kor)
- Open All Year
- Hours: Low Season 06:00-22:00 High Season 06:00-22:00 Sauna Swimming
Pool Low Season 10:00-22:30 High Season 09:00-24:00
Outdoor Leisure Spa
- Admission Fee : (ticket for Sauna, Swimming, and Outdoor leisure spa
included) Low Season Adults 20,000 won / Children(age 5 and under)
13,500 won High Season Adults 34,000 won / Children(age 5 and under)
28,000 won
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Sokcho Beach
Address :
Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si,
Gangwon-do (beside the Express Bus Terminal)
Description :
You can see
Sokcho Beach (450m long, 45-80m wide, average depth 1m) after about a
500m walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. The scenery of its clear
water, white sand and the pine forest is beautiful, and the nearby bus
terminal makes transportation very convenient. It is also close to
Seorak Mountain, and many hikers come by here as they go through
Daecheongbong to Seorak-dong from inner Seorak area. The white sand is
2km long, extending through Cheongho-dong, Joyang-dong, and Daepo-dong.
The area open to the public is 0.45 Km long, 75m wide, making it about
9,000 pyeong, and more and more people come to visit because of the
superb quality of the sand. Sokcho beach plays an important role in
displaying Sokcho-si as a great tourist area along with Seorak
Mountain, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Cheongchoho, and Yeongrangho etc. On
the bulwark, to the left of the beach, there are many places where you
can enjoy hwaleo hoe (fresh sashimi). You can also enjoy sea-fishing
by taking a boat to Jo Island in the open-sea by the beach.
Directions :
From Sokcho
Express Bus Terminal, a 5 minute walk.
Information :
- Sokcho-si
Tour Guide Office 033)635-2003 (Kor)
- Open : July 10 - August 20 (42 days)
- Admission Fee : *Individual 20 years + : 1,500won 14-19 years :
1,000won under 13 : 700won
* Group 20 years + : 1,200won 14-19 years : 800won under 13 : 500
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Ulsanbawi Rock
Address :
inside Seoraksan,
Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Ulsanbawi is
composed of 6 granite peaks, with a girth of 4Km. You can see the
awesome scenery of Seorak Mountain, East Sea, Dalma Peak, and
Haksapyeong Reservoir from the top of Ulsanbawi. There are three
differing views on the name of Ulsanbawi: that it looks like a fence,
that its name was copied from Ulsan of Gyeongsangnam-do, and that the
Korean term of “crying mountain” was transliterated into Chinese
characters. Because of the way the whole mountain reverberates the
sound of thunder in rain, it is also called Cheonhusan. It is about
4Km to the top, which takes about 2 hours, and when you pass by
Sinheungsa and take the wide path for 10 minutes, there is a bridge
leading to a lone path. On the right, past the bridge is Anyangam. 25
minutes past that spot is the Naewonam, and from this resting area, it
takes another 10 minutes (about 300m) to get to Gyejoam. In Gyejoam,
which is under a large and round rock, there is a large boulder, which
can be rocked back and forth by a single person. Gyejoam is a small
Buddhist temple built from natural stone cave, and you can look up at
the view of Ulsanbawi when you stand in front of the rocking boulder.
If you take the steep path, about 500 m past Gyejoam, you can finally
reach Ulsanbawi, reputed to be the largest single rock in the Orient.
It is 950m high with cliffs on all sides, and there is a 808-step
metal bridge which allows anyone to easily reach the summit.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take the Seorak-dong bound bus (No.
7). 10-20 minutes distance. 5-10 minutes by
taxi.
Information :
- Homepage :
www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak Mountain Park Administration Office
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
Ages 20+ : ￦2,800
14-19 : ￦1,300
8-13 : ￦700
7 and under or 65 and over: free
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Leisure/Sports
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Seorak Park Hotel Casino
Address :
74-3 Seorak-dong,
Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Park
Hotel is surrounded by mountains, sea, lake and other natural
beauties, and is equipped with 18 Ondol (traditional Korean heating
system) beds, 64 Twins, 12 Triple and Deluxe Twin rooms, 9 Suites
and others for a total of 121 rooms. The Seorak Park Hotel Casino is
an international level casino, 167 pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 square
meters) in size, and has games such as Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps,
Roulette, Big Wheel, as well as slot machines. It is for foreigners
only.
Directions :
Take Bus No.7
from Sokcho City and get off at Seorak Park Hotel Casino bus stop.
Information :
1.Location:
74-3 Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
2. Telephone: 033-636-1236 (Eng/Jap)
3. Hours: 10:00 - 24:00
4. Homepage: http://www.hotelsorakpark.co.kr(Kor,Eng)
5. Free Admission
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Seorak Plaza Country Club
Address :
24-1 Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Plaza
Country club, as one of the resort facilities of the Hanhwa Resort
is one of the best golf clubs in Korea, and it prides over its
spectacular scenery. Also, situated in the vicinity of one of
Korea’s most famed tourist sites, Mt. Seoraksan, it enables
customers to look over Mt. Seoraksan’s unexplored landscapes and to
look over the Eastern Sea during the games. The whole 18 hole course
has an interesting design, and it can seem easy and difficult at the
same time. With the warm climate of an island, it is the most
adequate golf club to enjoy golfing throughout the year. It includes
Korea’s one and only sauna that provides 100% pure natural mineral
water, and also has a unique food court selling local specialities.
Directions :
Take a taxi
from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (10-15 min.)
Information :
1.
Location : 24-1 Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
2. Tel : 033-635-5511 (kor)
3. Homepage :
http://www.hanwharesort.co.kr
(Kor/Eng)
4. Course: 18 holes
5. Hours :Summer (March-September) 05:00 – 16:30
Winter (October-February) 07:00 - 13:00
Operation hours change depending on daily weather.
6. Closed: Open year round
7. Green fees
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Non-members |
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Weekdays |
110,000won |
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Weekends |
140,000won |
* Slight changes occur
each season (Weekdays : 110,000 -140,000 won
/ Weekends : 140,000180,000 won)
8. Facilities: Seorak Waterpia, Plaza Land, Artificial Lake, Stroll
Pass, Pubs, Outdoor Putting Practice Range, Pro Shop
9. Details: Seorak Plaza Country Club has 2 lounges at the 6th and
14th holes. Lounges in general are run with the concept of taking a
short break between the games. However, Seorak Plaza Country Club
has added events to the concept, enabling its customers to enjoy
some unusual experiences.
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Recommended Sites
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Gwongeumseong Fortress
Address : Seorakdong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Gwongeumseong Castle is the site of a castle ruins called Mt.
Seoraksan Castle, and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or
Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dol Mountain of Mt.
Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the
23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918-1392),
Gojong (1213-1259 reign). It is also called
Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon
and Kim, built the castle to avoid war.
At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the
ravine, there is a path which leads to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it
takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so
cable cars are used. The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee
in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It is operated from 7
a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departs every 7 minutes, and you can only
purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket counter for that day. At
the plateau of Gwongeumseong Castle there are 80 sections of rocks
and you can see the East Sea and city of Sokcho. Also, to the west,
you can see all kinds of fantastic rocks and stones which make up
the Seoraksan Mountains.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 3 and get off at Mt.
Seoraksan Sogongwon, or take the taxi to the Oeseorak Entrance.
Information :
- Mt. Seoraksan National Park Administration Tel: 033)636-7700,
7702 (Kor/Eng)
- homepage: www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Hours: (Cable car) -Peak season (August-September):07:00-18:00
-Off season (October-July): 08:00-17:00
- Admission Fee: To Mt. Seoraksan National Park Adults (ages 20+) :
2,800 won Students (14-19), military
personnel : 1,300 won Children (13 and under) : 700 won
- Cable Car Fees (round-trip): Adults (17+, 64 and under): 5,000 won
Minors (3+, 16 and under) : 3,000 won Cable car is currently under
repairs, service not available until June, 2003. (1.2km from
Sogongwon to Gwongeumseong Castle by cable car, 6 minute ride)
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Mt. Seoraksan
National Park
Address : Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
Also called as Mt. Seolsan and Mt. Seolbongsan, the mountain was
named Mt. Seorak because the snow would not melt for a long time and
its rocks stay white like snow. In November 1965, the Mt. Seoraksan
Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation
area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as park
preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation
District by UNESCO. The park is spread about in 4 cities and
counties, in Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. Featuring the
highest peak Daecheongbong, the east side is called OeSeorak and the
west is called NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North
NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of
Bukcheon stream, which flows to Ingyecheon stream and Baekdamcheon
stream. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the
Baekdamcheon Valley where all the streams meet and you will reach
Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Follow
upstream and there is Gayadong Valley and Suryeomdong Valley, and
past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong ridge(1,327m)
that leads to Seorakdong. Follow Suryeomdong Valley and you will
reach Waryong Waterfall and Ssangpok. Go up the mountain a bit more
from here and you will reach Bongjeongam(1,224m above sea level).
Once you mount Daecheong Peak you can view the mountain peaks, and
the sunrise viewed from here will make your heart pious. South
NaeSeorak directs the valley from the Oknyeotang area to
Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most
beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. On the south valley
of Yongdaeri there is the Twelve Fairy Bathing Spring, Oktang
Waterfall, and Yongtang Waterfall.
Directions :
At Wontong, take the Yongdaeri bound(Baekdamsa entrance) bus via
Namgi-ri
Information :
- Mt. Seoraksan Adminstration Office Tel 033-636-7700 (Kor/Eng)
- Homepage : http://www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Open all year
- Admission Fee
* Adults (Age 20 and over) : 1,300 won *Teenagers(Age 14-19) : 600
won
* Children (Age 13 and under) : 300 won
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Sinheungsa Temple (Mt. Seoraksan)
Address : within Seoraksan, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Sinheungsa is located 10 minutes walking distance from Sogongwon
ticket counter, and many people visit because of its proximity to
Sogongwon. Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called
Hyangseongsa, built by Jajangyulsa (590-658), who traveled to famous
mountains all over the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s (?-654) 6th year
of reign. It was wrecked and rebuilt many times since. On the path
to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul
Statue, which is well over 10 meters high. Past the statue, which is
on a granite terrace, to the right, there is a bridge called
Hyeonsugyo, which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the
bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you
can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang
(king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a
lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with
a dragon), placed on both sides. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa
were placed here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and
includes the statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal, Seji, etc. which
were sculpted by Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during
that time are still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple,
Myeongbujeon, Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an
important cultural property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji,
a three-story stone tower. You can reach the Ulsan boulder by
following the wall outside Sinheungsa. Sinheungsa is an ancient
temple with deep historical significance, and many tourists come
because of its beautiful scenery.
Directions :
From Sokcho Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take bus No.
3, bound for Seorak-dong. From inside Sokcho city, take bus No. 7.
10-20 minute distance.
Information :
- Homepage : www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak Mountain National Park Administration :
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- Admission Fee: Adult over 20 ￦2,800 Student (14-19), military
personnel ￦1,300 Children over 8, under 13 ￦700 Under 7, over 65
free
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Biryong Waterfall
Address : Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si. Gangwon-do
Description :
The falling water of the loud and magnificent Biryong Waterfall
looks very much like dragons flying up towards the sky, which is why
it was named Biryong Waterfall (flying dragon). There is a
relatively wide path leading to Biryong Waterfall, through a bamboo
forest, making it a very nice place to hike. From Biryonggyo Bridge,
which is located in the lower reaches of Cheonbuldong Valley, called
Ssangcheon, walk past it for about 30 minutes to the left, and you
will see the Yukdam Waterfall, made up of 6 water falls and a deep
pond. 300 m past this area (about a 20 minute walk), you can see the
Biryong Waterfall between the narrow and rugged ravine. Also, if you
follow the Towanggol, up a steep, rocky path, there is a huge,
3-tiered waterfall called Towangseong Waterfall, but due to the
extremely dangerous path leading to it, it is barred to the public.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus Terminal, take a taxi to Oeseorak Entrance (5-10
minutes), or take Bus No. 3 (departs every 5-10 minutes, 40 minutes)
and get off at Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon.
Information :
- Homepage : http://www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng) -Information:
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng) -Admission Fee : Fee for Mt. Soraksan
National Park Sinheungsa Temple area: Adult (20+) : 2,800 won
Student (14-19): 1,300 won Children (8-13): 700 won Under 7 or 65+ :
Free
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Cheonbuldong Valley
Address : within Seoraksan, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Cheonbuldong Valley is the main Valley of Seorak Mountain and is
also called Seorak Valley. It was named Cheonbuldong because the
many peaks on either side look like a lineup of a thousand Buddhist
statues. It is also called Cheonbuldong because the peaks also look
like Buddhist saints offering food sacrifices to Buddha. If you
follow the waterway of Waseondae for about 300m, you’ll arrive at
Biseondae. Travel 12 km further from here and you will arrive at
Daecheongbong. There’s also Biseondae Munjudam, Ihodam, and the
steep Guimyeonam. On the opposite side, an hour’s walk past
Chilseongbong, attached to Hwachaebong, is Chilseonggol’s forked
road from which you can reach Oryeon Falls, Yangpok, Cheondang Falls
and other valleys with exceptionally beautiful sceneries. The path
used to be rough and difficult, but because of new facilities and a
mountain villa, you can more easily climb and see the scenery of
Cheonbuldong. Many people who go hiking at Seorak Mountain seek this
place out because of the convenient transportation provided by
Seorak-dong’s Sogongwon, which becomes the starting point for many
mountain climbers, and there is an endless line of hikers and
tourists who come to visit during mid October when the autumnal
leaves start turning color.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take the Seorak-dong
bound bus (No. 3.)
Information :
- Homepage : www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak mountain national park administration office
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- Admission Fee :
Adult (20+) ￦2,800
Student (14-19), Military Personnel ￦1,300
Children (8-13) ￦700
Under 7, 65+ Free
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Sokcho Beach
Address : Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (beside the Express
Bus Terminal)
Description :
You can see Sokcho Beach (450m long, 45-80m wide, average depth
1m) after about a 500m walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. The
scenery of its clear water, white sand and the pine forest is
beautiful, and the nearby bus terminal makes transportation very
convenient. It is also close to Seorak Mountain, and many hikers
come by here as they go through Daecheongbong to Seorak-dong from
inner Seorak area. The white sand is 2km long, extending through
Cheongho-dong, Joyang-dong, and Daepo-dong. The area open to the
public is 0.45 Km long, 75m wide, making it about 9,000 pyeong, and
more and more people come to visit because of the superb quality of
the sand. Sokcho beach plays an important role in displaying
Sokcho-si as a great tourist area along with Seorak Mountain,
Cheoksan Hot Springs, Cheongchoho, and Yeongrangho etc. On the
bulwark, to the left of the beach, there are many places where you
can enjoy hwaleo hoe (fresh sashimi). You can also enjoy sea-fishing
by taking a boat to Jo Island in the open-sea by the beach.
Directions :
From Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, a 5 minute walk.
Information :
- Sokcho-si Tour Guide Office 033)635-2003 (Kor)
- Open : July 10 - August 20 (42 days)
- Admission Fee : *Individual 20 years + : 1,500won 14-19 years :
1,000won under 13 : 700won
* Group 20 years + : 1,200won 14-19 years : 800won under 13 : 500
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization. |
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