So far, we have explored the southern and central parts of Sokcho together.
We walked along the sandy shores of Sokcho Beach, enjoyed the peaceful coastal views of Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro, discovered the rich history of Sinheungsa Temple in Seoraksan National Park, and tasted delicious local food near Daepo Port.
These places show the warm, vibrant, and traditional side of the city's south.
Now, it is time to turn our direction. In this new series, we are going to explore northern Sokcho.
While the south is famous for its beaches and mountain entrances, the north has its own unique charm, quiet neighborhoods, and hidden local spots that many visitors often miss.
If you want to see a different, more peaceful side of Sokcho, this northern journey will show you a brand-new perspective.
Are you ready to discover what northern Sokcho has to offer? Let's start the journey together!
This time, I recommend an easy walking route from Dongmyeong Port to Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.
It is a short walk, but you can see an important harbor, enjoy seasonal seafood, visit local restaurants, and finish your trip with a beautiful view of the East Sea.
As a local resident, I often recommend this route to friends who visit Sokcho for the first time because it is easy to follow and shows both the daily life and the natural beauty of Sokcho.
At a Glance
Location: Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon State, South Korea
Walking Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Key Landmarks: Dongmyeong Port, seasonal seafood stalls, seafood restaurant street, and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, with an optional connection via Geumgang Bridge to Abai Village
Atmosphere: A scenic northern coastal route blending a working harbor, local everyday life, seasonal seafood, and stunning ocean views.
Best For: Walkers, photography enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers wanting to explore the peaceful and authentic side of northern Sokcho.
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| Dongmyeong Port |
How to Get There & Route Flow
This is one of the easiest walking courses to reach in Sokcho.
From Seoul: Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal.
Walking from the Terminal: Dongmyeong Port is less than a five-minute walk from the terminal. You do not need to take a taxi. Simply leave the terminal, walk toward the harbor, and your journey begins.
The Walking Route: Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal → Dongmyeong Port → Seasonal Seafood Stalls → Seafood Restaurant Street → Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.
Note: Geumgang Bridge is an optional detour. Crossing the bridge leads toward Abai Village.
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| Geumgang Bridge |
What to See & Do
Dongmyeong Port – An Important Harbor in Sokcho
Dongmyeong Port is one of the important harbors in Sokcho. Unlike a harbor used only for fishing, Dongmyeong Port also serves passenger ferries, Coast Guard vessels, and other maritime operations. Some areas of the harbor are restricted because they are used for port operations, but visitors can still enjoy wonderful views from public walking areas. Watching ships enter and leave gives you a glimpse of where tourism and everyday life meet.
Seasonal Seafood Stalls & Seafood Restaurant Street
Near the port area, small outdoor seafood stalls become especially lively during the squid, yangmiri (sandfish), and dorumuk seasons. The smell of seafood cooking over charcoal adds a distinctive atmosphere to the harbor.
Just a little farther ahead lies a lively street lined with seafood restaurants serving fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and squid sundae.
If you wish, you can also cross Geumgang Bridge from this area to visit Abai Village as an optional detour.
Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion – One of Sokcho's Most Beautiful Landmarks
A little farther along the road, you will arrive at Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, standing on rocky cliffs where waves crash below. Long ago, local people believed the sound of the waves hitting the rocks sounded like the gentle music of the geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument, giving the pavilion its name.
Many visitors come here early in the morning to watch the sunrise, making it one of the best sunrise spots on Korea's east coast.
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| The entrance of Yeonggeumjeong |
Best Time to Visit
You can enjoy this walking course in all seasons.
Spring & Autumn: Great weather for a comfortable, scenic stroll along the coast.
Winter: Especially recommended if you want to experience the seasonal seafood stalls and local fish traditionally grilled over charcoal.
Morning vs. Afternoon: Early morning is perfect for sunrise photography, while late afternoon offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Duration: Most people spend about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on stops at the stalls, restaurants, and pavilion.
Facilities & Parking
Accessibility: The route is entirely within walking distance from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Local Dining: There are abundant options ranging from seasonal open-air seafood stalls to full-scale seafood restaurant streets.
Viewing Areas: Safe pedestrian walkways and viewing areas are available around Dongmyeong Port and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.
Local Tips
If you want a quieter experience, I recommend visiting on a weekday. I have lived in Sokcho for many years and often enjoy this walking route. From my experience, weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
You can enjoy the harbor, take better photos, and spend more time listening to the waves without large crowds.
Tip for Visitors: During the squid, yangmiri, and dorumuk seasons, the area becomes even more vibrant. The seasonal food stalls bring extra energy to the harbor and give visitors a taste of everyday life in Sokcho.
Nearby Attractions
Yeongrang Lake: A serene lake located farther north, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: A vibrant central market nearby, ideal for local snacks, street food, and lively market energy.
Cheongcho Lake & Sokcho Beach: Scenic waterfront and coastal areas heading back toward the central and southern parts of the city.
Conclusion
Dongmyeong Port and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion offer a different side of Sokcho.
This is not only a beautiful place to see the sea, but also a place where you can experience the city's daily life, enjoy fresh local seafood, and learn a little about its history.
As a local resident, I still enjoy this walk in every season. Every visit feels a little different, and that is one reason I never get tired of coming here.
If you continue walking north from Yeonggeumjeong, you'll discover another peaceful side of Sokcho.
If you're looking to complete your Sokcho trip with local food and lively market energy, I'll introduce the Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market in my next article. I hope this guide helps you enjoy your visit to my hometown.
See you again in my next travel story!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this walking route take?
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long they stay at the seafood stalls, restaurants, and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.
Do I need a taxi from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal?
No. Dongmyeong Port is less than a five-minute walk from the terminal, making this one of the easiest sightseeing routes in Sokcho.
What local food can I try along the way?
Along the coastal path and near the port, you will find a vibrant local food scene. In Korea, squid is commonly enjoyed as raw sliced squid at seaside open-air stalls. If you visit during the winter fishing seasons, you can also enjoy local seasonal favorites such as yangmiri (sandfish) and dorumuk (smooth lumpsucker), which are traditionally grilled over charcoal at the stalls.
Related Guides
Continue exploring Sokcho with these local travel guides:
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market
Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro and Daepo Port
Sunny | Sharing Local Stories from Sokcho, Korea
Discover the real charm of Sokcho with local stories and travel tips from a Sokcho resident.
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