A Special Encounter with Sokcho's Lagoons

Sokcho is home to Cheongchoho and Yeongnangho, two special lakes shaped by the harmony of the sea. There are plenty of destinations along both lakes where visitors can fully savor the essence of a trip to Sokcho. Yeongnangho, where hwarang warriors once trained, is perfect for a hwarang experience combined with a scenic drive or trek. The route running from Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, and the Gaetbae ferry to Abai Village and on to Cheongchoho is not to be missed on any trip to Sokcho.

Along the way

1. 1
   Yeongnangho Lake (Beombawi Rock)

   영랑호(범바위)

   Yeongnangho is a natural lake in northwestern Sokcho, surrounded by the neighborhoods of Jangsa-dong, Yeongnang-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, and Geumho-dong, with a shoreline of 8km and an area of about 1,190,088m² (roughly 360,000 pyeong). It is named Yeongnangho based on a record in the Samguk Yusa stating that it was discovered by Yeongnang, a hwarang of Silla.MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory

   속초등대전망대

   The Sokcho Lighthouse, located in Yeongnang-dong, Sokcho, is widely known as the 'Yeonggeumjeong Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory.' Yeonggeumjeong is a rocky mountain; when waves crashed against it, they produced a mysterious sound, said to resemble music, which is how it got its name. During the Japanese colonial period, this rocky outcrop was blasted apart to build a breakwater for the development of Sokcho Port, which is said to have created the broad expanse of bedrock seen there today.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (88 Grilled Fish Restaurant)

   점심식사(88생선구이전문점)

   For 15 years this Sokcho restaurant has focused solely on grilled fish, offering what can be called the original and finest grilled fish in the area. * Inquiries/Information: 033-633-8892MoreLess

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4. 4

   Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion

   영금정

   Yeonggeumjeong is the spot on the shore below Sokcho Lighthouse in Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho, where large, broad rocks are spread across the beach. The name derives from the way waves crashing against the rocks produced a mysterious melody, said to sound just like a sacred 'geomungo' (a traditional zither) — hence the name Yeonggeumjeong ('Spirit Zither Pavilion'). Located close to downtown with stunning scenery, it is a spot where Sokcho residents enjoy escaping the summer heat and fishing year-round.MoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Abai Village Gaetbae Ferry

   아바이마을 갯배

   The 'gaetbae' (a hand-pulled ferry) is the sole means of crossing the Sokcho Port waterway between downtown Sokcho and Abai Village in Cheongho-dong. This ferry operates by stretching two long steel cables across the water, with each boat fixed to one, and pulling itself forward by hooking a hook onto the cable and hauling the boat along.MoreLess

   

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6. 6
   Abai Village

   아바이마을

   Sokcho developed around Cheongchoho Lake. The lake opens to the East Sea through a narrow outlet at the northern tip of Cheongho-dong. Seawater flows in and out through this narrow channel, and fishing boats pass through it. Sokcho grew rapidly into a port city as many refugees from North Korea settled there during the Korean War (1950-53).MoreLess

   

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