Guide for Foreign Travelers

Helplines

• 112

  Police

  Report a crime — you can request an interpreter.

  Call 112

• 119

  Fire & Ambulance

  Ambulance / Fire — you can request an interpreter.

  Call 119

• 1330

  Tourist Interpretation Service

  Korea Tourism Organization multilingual travel helpline (+82-2-1330 from abroad).

  Call 1330

• 1345

  Foreigner Information Center

  Multilingual consultation on immigration matters such as visas and stays.

  Call 1345

Getting to Sokcho

• From Incheon Airport, the most common route is to go to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) and take a bus to Sokcho. The bus ride from Seoul to Sokcho takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Express bus seats can be booked in advance on KOBUS; intercity bus tickets are sold at terminal ticket counters or self-service kiosks.
• Buses and accommodations fill up fast on weekends and holidays, in the summer vacation season (July–August) and the autumn foliage season (October). Book early.

Getting Around Sokcho

• City bus fare is 1,700 won for adults. With a transit card (T-money, etc.), tap it both when boarding and when getting off to get the transfer discount.
• Google Maps has limited directions in Korea. Use the Naver Map or Kakao Map app for accurate routes, including bus arrival times.
• Showing the taxi driver the Korean address is the surest way. Use the [Copy Korean address] button next to addresses on this site.
• Jungang Market, Dongmyeong Port, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion and Sokcho Beach are close to each other, so you can get around on foot or by short taxi rides. City buses 7 and 7-1 go to Seoraksan.

Money & Payment

• Most restaurants, convenience stores and accommodations accept foreign cards. Market stalls and port street stands may prefer cash, so carry a little cash.
• To withdraw cash with a foreign card, look for a bank ATM marked "Global ATM".
• There is no tipping culture in Korea. Water and side dishes at restaurants are free, and you can ask for more side dishes.

Good to Know When Eating Out

• Many places only serve dishes such as jjim (braised), tang (stew) and jeongol (hot pot) for 2 or more people.
• If you're worried about spicy food, say "안 맵게 해 주세요" (Not spicy, please) or check the spice indicators on the menu.
• At raw fish centers you pick a fish and pay by weight; if you eat in the shop or a connected restaurant, a separate table-setting charge (seat fee) is often added. Ask before ordering.
• Dakgangjeong (sweet & crispy fried chicken) is sold by the box, in mild or spicy. It tastes good even cold, so it's great to take back to your accommodation.

When Sick · In an Emergency

• When calling 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance/fire), you can request English, Chinese or Japanese interpretation.
• Over-the-counter medicine such as cold remedies and digestive aids can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription. At night, convenience stores also sell basic medicines.
• You can find emergency rooms and pharmacies open now on the Emergency Medical Portal.
• If you lose your passport, report it to the nearest police station to get a loss report, then contact your embassy or consulate.

Enjoying the Sea & Mountains

• The Seoraksan (Mt. Seorak) cable car has long waits on weekends and in the autumn foliage season. Going early in the morning is best.
• Cooking and smoking are prohibited in the national park, and you must stay on designated trails.
• Lifeguards are on duty at beaches only during the official season (usually summer). Avoid swimming at other times.
• At sunrise spots (Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, Sokcho Beach), arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to get a good spot.

Useful Websites & Apps

Services you'll use often while traveling: official tourist information, translation, maps and transport booking.