Sokcho's 8 Scenic Views · Goseong's 8 Scenic Views

Follow the signature views chosen by the locals themselves and a Sokcho–Goseong travel route falls naturally into place.

Illustration of the sun rising beyond a pavilion on seaside rocks and a lighthouse

8 Scenic Views

Two lakes, harbors, seaside rocks and pavilions — eight spots all within easy reach of downtown Sokcho.

  1. Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory illustration
    1

    Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory속초등대전망대

    A lighthouse observatory on the hill right behind Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion. Climb a few steps and the wide-open East Sea and the Seoraksan ridgeline come into view at a glance.

    8-28 Yeonggeumjeong-ro 5-gil, Sokcho-si 속초시 영금정로5길 8-28

    09:00~17:00 · Admission Free

  2. 2

    Beombawi Rock범바위

    A large rock half-submerged on the southwest shore of Yeongnangho Lake, named for its resemblance to a crouching tiger. You can see it while walking the Yeongnangho Lake trail.

    140 Yeongnanghoban-gil, Sokcho-si 속초시 영랑호반길 140

    Available anytime · Admission Free

  3. 3

    Cheongdaesan Mountain청대산

    A low mountain close to downtown, but from the summit this natural observatory offers close-up views of Sokcho's cityscape, the East Sea sunrise, and Seorak's landmarks including Daecheongbong Peak, Dalmabong Peak and Ulsanbawi Rock.

    Cheongdaesan Mountain, Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si 속초시 조양동 청대산

    Available anytime

  4. Cheongchoho Lake Park illustration
    4

    Cheongchoho Lake Park청초호 호수공원

    From Cheongchojeong, a pavilion built over the lake, you can see both the sea and Seoraksan (Mt. Seorak). The lakeside park with Expo Tower and blue and yellow dragon sculptures is great for a stroll.

    1559-9 Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si (Cheongchoho Lake) 속초시 조양동 1559-9 (청초호)

    Available anytime · Admission Free

  5. 5

    Jodo Island조도

    A small rocky islet named "bird island" because so many birds visit. The sunrise view with the sandy beach is beautiful.

    1340 Cheongho-dong, Sokcho-si 속초시 청호동 1340

  6. Daepo · Oeongchi illustration
    6

    Daepo · Oeongchi대포 · 외옹치

    Where the foothills of Seoraksan reach the sea, this stretch links lively Daepo Port with the Oeongchi coast and its beautiful wave scenery.

    596-2 Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si (Oeongchi) 속초시 대포동 596-2 (외옹치)

    Available anytime

  7. 7

    Seorak Sunrise Park설악해맞이공원

    A seaside park in front of Seorak Port, with a ceramic plaza of fired hand prints from visitors, a Seoraksan sculpture, fountains and the Mermaid Lovers statue.

    3664 Donghae-daero, Sokcho-si 속초시 동해대로 3664

    Available anytime · Admission Free

  8. 8

    Hakmujeong Pavilion학무정

    A hexagonal pavilion built in 1934 by Maegok Oh Yun-hwan; its six-sided roof also earns it the name "Yungmojeong." The tranquil scenery blending with the pine forest is lovely.

    33-2 Domun-dong, Sokcho-si 속초시 도문동 33-2

    Available anytime

Ad

Goseong's 8 Scenic Views

Eight scenic spots in Goseong, just north of Sokcho — lagoons, seaside pavilions and the northernmost observatory.

  1. 1

    Geonbongsa Temple건봉사

    Said to have been founded during the reign of King Beopheung of Silla, it was once a major temple overseeing several branch temples, including Sinheungsa and Baekdamsa on Seoraksan.

  2. 2

    Cheonhakjeong Pavilion천학정

    A pavilion built on a coastal cliff, overlooking the East Sea's striking rock formations below.

  3. Hwajinpo Lagoon illustration
    3

    Hwajinpo Lagoon화진포

    About 16 km around, it is the largest natural lagoon on Korea's east coast, where beach roses, pine forests and the sea come together.

  4. 4

    Cheongganjeong Pavilion청간정

    A two-story octagonal-roofed pavilion on rocky cliffs where Cheonggancheon Stream meets the sea.

  5. Ulsanbawi Rock illustration
    5

    Ulsanbawi Rock울산바위

    A massive granite peak of Seoraksan standing on the border of Sokcho and Goseong. The view from the Goseong side is especially majestic.

  6. 6

    Unification Observatory통일전망대

    The northernmost observatory on Korea's east coast, with close views of Guseonbong Peak of Geumgangsan and Haegeumgang.

  7. 7

    Songjiho Lake송지호

    A natural lake about 4 km around, with dense pine groves and Jukdo Island in the lake. It is also famous as a wintering ground for migratory birds.

  8. 8

    Snowy Masanbong Peak마산봉 설경

    A peak near Jinburyeong Pass on the Baekdudaegan range. In winter, its snow-covered ridges and the east-coast scenery combine into a spectacular snowscape.

There's more to see beyond the 8 Scenic Views.

View all attractions