One-Day Sokcho Itinerary: Central Coast & Harbor Route (Part 2)

Central Sokcho Coast & Harbor Route

Welcome to the second itinerary in my Sunny's Local Itinerary Series.

In Part 1, I introduced a nature and culture route featuring Seoraksan National Park, Seorak Hyanggi-ro, and Sangdomun Stone Wall Village.

This second route introduces a different side of Sokcho, combining beautiful beaches, scenic coastal trails, a traditional fishing port, and a peaceful lakeside park in central Sokcho.

While Part 1 focuses on mountains and traditional culture, this itinerary lets you experience Sokcho's coastline, local seafood culture, and the relaxed atmosphere of the city.

This is an easy one-day itinerary that can be completed without renting a car.

At a Glance

Route	Sokcho Beach → Oeongchi Beach & Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro → Daepo Port → Cheongcho Lake → Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market
Time Needed	About 6–7 hours
Transportation	Walking + optional taxi
Difficulty	Easy
Recommended For	Beach lovers, couples, first-time visitors, and travelers who enjoy coastal scenery

How to Get There

If you are traveling from Seoul, take an express bus to Sokcho.

For this itinerary, the most convenient arrival point is Sokcho Express Bus Terminal.

Sokcho Beach is located right next to the terminal, and it takes only about 5 minutes on foot.

This makes Sokcho Beach one of the easiest attractions to visit using public transportation.

You can begin your coastal journey almost immediately after arriving in Sokcho.

Sokcho Express Bus Terminal

Part 2: Central Sokcho Coast & Harbor Route

Route: Sokcho Beach → Oeongchi Beach & Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro → Daepo Port → Cheongcho Lake → Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market

Stop 1. Sokcho Beach & Sokcho Eye

Recommended Time: About 1–1.5 hours

Begin your day at Sokcho Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sokcho.

The wide sandy beach offers beautiful views of the East Sea and is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore.

One of the highlights here is Sokcho Eye, a large Ferris wheel located near the beach.

The ride takes about 15 minutes, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Sokcho Beach, the East Sea, the surrounding coastline, and the city skyline.

Sokcho Eye Admission: Adult ₩16,000 / Child ₩12,000

• Sokcho Beach
• The East Sea
• Sokcho coastline
• Sokcho city scenery

The view from Sokcho Eye is especially memorable because you can see the beautiful coastline and the unique atmosphere of Sokcho, where the ocean and city come together.

For more detailed information about Sokcho Beach and Sokcho Eye, please read my local guide.

Sokcho Eye

Walk to Oeongchi Beach

From Sokcho Beach, walk south along the coastline for about 10 minutes to reach Oeongchi Beach.

Compared with the more popular Sokcho Beach, Oeongchi Beach has a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.

Many local visitors enjoy earthing, which means walking barefoot on the sand and feeling the natural texture of the beach.

It is a relaxing place to slow down, enjoy the ocean breeze, and experience a more local side of Sokcho.

Sokcho Beach & Oeongchi Beach

Stop 2. Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro Coastal Trail

Recommended Time: About 30 minutes–1 hour

Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro is one of Sokcho's most beautiful coastal walking trails.

The wooden deck path follows the coastline between Oeongchi Beach and Daepo Port, offering beautiful views of the East Sea.

The trail became popular because visitors could enjoy a peaceful walk along the cliffs and coastline while listening to the sound of the waves.

Please note: Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro is currently closed for maintenance. Be sure to check the latest updates before your visit.

Even during the closure period, Oeongchi Beach itself is still worth visiting because of its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery.

For more details about Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro and Daepo Port, please read my local guide:

Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro and Daepo Port: An Easy Coastal Walk in Sokcho, Korea

Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro

Stop 3. Daepo Port

Recommended Time: About 1 hour

Continue your journey to Daepo Port, one of Sokcho's best-known fishing ports.

Daepo Port is famous for its lively seafood restaurants, fresh fish markets, and shops selling a wide variety of dried seafood.

Take your time walking around the harbor and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Korean fishing port.

Exploring the harbor on foot usually takes about 30 minutes.

If you enjoy seafood, this is an excellent place to try local specialties while watching fishing boats come and go.

For more detailed information about Daepo Port and the coastal walk, please read my local guide.

Daepo Port

Getting to Cheongcho Lake Park

After exploring Daepo Port, continue to Cheongcho Lake.

Although Daepo Port and Cheongcho Lake are located in the same general area of Sokcho, they are not close enough to walk comfortably after several hours of sightseeing.

If you have already spent several hours walking along the coast, I recommend taking a taxi, which takes about 5 minutes.

Of course, if you enjoy walking, you can also reach the lake by following the streets through downtown Sokcho.

Cheongcho Lake Park includes:

• A lakeside wooden boardwalk
• A Hwangto (red clay) walking path
• A barefoot foot-massage trail
• Walking and jogging paths
• Benches overlooking the lake

Cheongcho Lake Park

Stop 4. Cheongcho Lake & Expo Plaza

Recommended Time: About 1–1.5 hours

Cheongcho Lake is one of my favorite places to relax in Sokcho.

Unlike the busy beaches and fishing ports, this area offers a peaceful atmosphere where both visitors and local residents come to walk, exercise, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Take your time and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Exploring the park usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, especially if you stop to rest or enjoy the view.

Next to the park is Expo Plaza, a popular gathering place with cafés and restaurants overlooking the lake.

Expo Plaza is also home to the iconic Expo Tower, one of Sokcho's well-known landmarks, and frequently hosts local events and seasonal festivals.

It is an excellent place to take a break with a cup of coffee before continuing your trip.

For more detailed information about Cheongcho Lake, please read my local guide.

Expo Plaza

Optional Stop. Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market

If you still have time in the evening, continue to Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market, one of the city's most popular food destinations.

The market is famous for:

• Fresh seafood
• Dakgangjeong (Korean sweet crispy chicken)
• Local street food
• Traditional Korean snacks
• Regional specialties

Since the market usually closes around 8:00 PM, it is best to plan your visit before then.

It's a great place to end your day by sampling local specialties before returning to your hotel or catching an evening bus back to Seoul.

For more detailed information about what to eat and how to enjoy the market, please read my local guide:

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market: A Local Food Guide by a Sokcho Resident

Car-Free Fish Market Campaign

Suggested Schedule

Activity	Estimated Time
Walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Beach	About 5 minutes
Explore Sokcho Beach & ride Sokcho Eye	About 1–1.5 hours
Walk to Oeongchi Beach	About 10 minutes
Explore Oeongchi Beach	About 30 minutes
Walk toward Daepo Port via Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro, if open	About 30–60 minutes
Explore Daepo Port & enjoy lunch	About 1 hour
Taxi to Cheongcho Lake Park	About 5 minutes
Explore Cheongcho Lake Park & Expo Plaza	About 1–1.5 hours
Optional: Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market	About 30 minutes–1 hour

Total Sightseeing Time: About 6–7 hours

Local Tips

If I were showing Sokcho to a friend visiting for the first time, this would be one of the routes I'd recommend.

It combines the city's beautiful coastline, local seafood culture, and one of my favorite lakeside walking areas—all in a single day.

If you start your trip in the morning, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.

If you still have energy in the evening, ending your day at Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is a great way to experience the local food culture before heading back to your accommodation.

Conclusion

This itinerary showcases the coastal charm of Sokcho through a relaxing combination of beaches, seaside walks, a traditional fishing port, and a peaceful lakeside park.

Because most of the route can be explored on foot and the remaining distance is easily covered by a short taxi ride, it is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Sokcho without renting a car.

I hope this local itinerary helps you enjoy the city at a slower pace and discover places that both visitors and residents love.

In Part 3 of my Sunny's Local Itinerary Series, I'll introduce another easy route featuring Dongmyeong Port, Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, downtown Sokcho, and Yeongnang Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I complete this itinerary without renting a car?

Yes. Most of the route can be completed on foot. A short taxi ride from Daepo Port to Cheongcho Lake Park is recommended if you prefer a more comfortable trip.

Q. How much does Sokcho Eye cost?

The admission fee is ₩16,000 for adults and ₩12,000 for children. The ride takes about 15 minutes.

Q. Is Sokcho Eye worth visiting?

Yes. The 15-minute ride offers beautiful panoramic views of Sokcho Beach, the East Sea, and the city's coastline, making it one of the most popular attractions for first-time visitors.

Q. Is Oeongchi Bada Hyanggi-ro currently open?

The trail is temporarily closed for maintenance at the time of writing. Please check the latest information before your visit.

Q. How long should I spend at Cheongcho Lake?

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed visit. You may want more time if you stop frequently to enjoy the scenery, walk along the lakeside paths, or visit Expo Plaza.

Q. What time should I visit Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market?

Try to arrive before 8:00 PM, as many shops begin closing around that time.

Q. Is this itinerary suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Most of the route follows relatively flat walking paths, making it suitable for families. However, because you may be walking for several hours, families with young children may want to shorten the itinerary or use taxis more frequently.

Related Guides

Continue exploring Sokcho with these local travel guides:

One-Day Sokcho Itinerary (Part 3)

One-Day Sokcho Itinerary (Part 1)

Sunny | Sharing Local Stories from Sokcho, Korea

Discover the real charm of Sokcho with local stories and travel tips from a Sokcho resident.