Sokcho on a Budget: 10 Amazing Free Attractions and Activities
How to Experience Sokcho on a Small Budget
Sokcho’s amazing free attractions and activities range from majestic mountains to its seaside thrills. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city at the Seoraksan Botanical Garden, Yeongnangho Lake, and Daepo Port without reaching for your credit card, only for your camera.
At Cheoksan Footbath Park, you can rest your feet and try out a hot spring, known for its effectiveness since the Joseon Dynasty, all for free. If you are a book and music lover, visit Seorak Cultural Center, where you can dive into cultural activities or simply admire the beautiful scenery. Read on to discover how to explore Sokcho when traveling on a budget.
1. Sokcho Beach
Ideal for a relaxing day enjoying the views
Good for: Budget, Photo
The iconic Sokcho Beach is celebrated for its pristine sand and clear water. Well-equipped facilities and wooden decks on the white-sand beach offer a great setting for a fun day in the sun. Jodo Island in front of Sokcho Beach creates a stunning view, and the many restaurants serve sumptuous fresh fish and seafood.
You can explore the neighborhood and visit the historic Abai Village nearby or point your camera at the jagged peaks of Seoraksan Mountain. Or simply sit back and enjoy the laidback ambiance and sunshine at Sokcho Beach.
Sokcho Beach
2. Daepo Port
Fresh sushi and stellar sea views
Good for: Budget, Food, Photo
Daepo Port is full of life from early morning until late at night. At dawn, dozens of fishing boats return to port with their catch of the night, which is then delivered to the nearby sushi bars and restaurants. Take a stroll along the seaside promenade and enjoy the sea views. The promenade was built around the impressive orange sunset-colored where you can stop to take atmospheric photos.
After dark, locals flock to the promenade to see the city lights and feel the cool sea breeze. Daepo Port is easy to reach. Just hop on the local bus for a 45-minute ride from downtown Sokcho.
Location: Daepo Port, 6-13 Daepohang 1-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Daepo Port
3. Yeongnangho Lake
Picturesque views and leisurely strolls
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Yeongnangho Lake, a lake as wide as the sea, calms your mind with its glassy, still surface. Especially on a clear day, you can see the picturesque scenery as the surroundings are reflected on the water’s mirror-like surface, free of waves.
As the sky turns red and the sun goes down, dots of light appear to be scattered around the lake and along the road, making it a beautiful place to take a walk. Although it is not flashy, the warm scenery will give you a night-time view that will be remembered for a long time. Visit in fall to witness the trees turn yellow and red or photograph the lush greenery and cherry blossoms in spring.
Location: Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Yeongnangho Lake
4. National Mountain Museum
A fun museum where you can try rock climbing
Good for: Families, Budget
When you enter the National Mountain Museum, you are met with a powerful sculpture depicting a mountain climber. If you head to the 4th floor, you can see Seoraksan Mountain clearly from the open rooftop.
After passing through the exhibition room on the 3rd floor where you can learn about the history of mountain climbing, you can experience rock climbing, which is the highlight of the museum. It’s popular because you can borrow all related equipment for free. If you’re traveling with family, your kids will love practicing climbing on the auto-rotating Trackman. Have your camera ready to catch red cheeks and bright eyes and smiles.
Location: 3054 Misiryeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
National Mountain Museum
5. Biryong Waterfall
Dragon legends and hiking in stunning landscape
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Biryong Waterfall in Towanggol tumbles down 16 meters to add soothing sound to the beautiful mountain panorama. There’s a legend that a maiden was offered to a dragon living in the waterfall and sent to the sky to avoid a severe drought. The path to Biryong Waterfall is a relatively easy trail that starts from Seorak-dong Small Park and goes through Yukdam Falls. Hikers will find many valleys and small waterfalls along the way.
Going a bit further from Biryong Waterfall is Towangseong Falls Observation Deck, which offers a spectacular view of Towangseong Falls. The round trip to Biryong Waterfall takes about 3 hours, so pack some snacks and be prepared for some breathtaking views.
Location: Seoraksan-ro, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Biryong Waterfall
6. Cheoksan Footbath Park
Where to invigorate your weary feet
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Cheoksan Foot Bath Park is a public hot spring foot spa located at the foot of Seoraksan Mountain. It offers a free, community-based experience where you can relax and soak your feet in warm, mineral-rich water. While the park itself is free, small fees are charged for essentials like towels and mats, with options to walk on a pebble path for a massage.
It serves as a popular relaxation spot for hikers and visitors seeking a therapeutic break after exploring the area. If you get hungry, try eggs boiled in the hot spring water or noodles sold at the park stall.
Location: Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Cheoksan Footbath Park
7. Natural Museum of Coastal Sokcho
A quaint museum for nature enthusiasts
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
If you come to Sokcho Beach, you should visit the Natural Museum of Coastal Sokcho, which is small but has no admission fee. On the second floor, raw stones and fossils of various rocks found in the sea are on display, and on the third floor, models of animals and fish are on display.
In addition to animals, rare conches and shellfish are also on display, which is especially interesting for young children. Dive into the themed exhibits to learn more about the area’s nature and history.
Location: 186-1, Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Natural Museum of Coastal Sokcho
8. Seoraksan Mountain and Book
For culture lovers
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Seoraksan Mountain and Book is a library and a bookstore within the Seorak Cultural Center and it’s free to enter. You can quietly enjoy books and music while you take in the lovely view. Book worms will fall in love with the library, which is filled with sunlight through its large windows.
In the basement, there’s a space where you can practice musical instruments freely, and on the 2nd floor, you’ll find a cafe known for its beautiful vistas. Locals are proud of this space that enables everyone to freely enjoy culture and nature, so consider putting it on your itinerary for a fun and budget-friendly activity.
Location: 282-6 Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)33-638-4002
Seoraksan Mountain and Book
9. Seoraksan Native Botanical Garden
For romantic walks in nature
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
The Seoraksan Native Botanical Garden is a space created to preserve the native plants of the Seoraksan area and to experience nature. Enjoy a quiet stroll together through a picturesque landscape, relax by a natural stream, or explore themed gardens like the unique Maze Garden. You’ll discover seasonal wildflowers along the vibrant walking trails, or you can visit the cactus and tropical greenhouse for a more exotic botanical experience.
The garden is a year-round destination, offering different blooms and scenery, from vibrant wildflowers in the warmer months to a peaceful retreat in the cooler seasons. Visit during spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom for an ultimately romantic backdrop for your holiday photos.
Location: 1000-396, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)33-639-2928
Seoraksan Native Botanical Garden
10. Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion
Famed for its sounds and sunset and sunrise vistas
Good for: Budget, Photo
The name of Yeonggeumjeong pavilion from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). The pavilion stands at the end of the 50-meter-long bridge pier over a rocky peninsula offering a view of the East Sea.
The scenery is especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise when the horizon is ablaze with pink and orange hues. Stand at the pavilion on the rocks and be mesmerized by the sights, sounds, and smells, as well as the fresh ocean breeze.
Location: 43 Yeonggeumjeong-ro, Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion
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