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Destinations Sokcho |
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Sokcho is a coastal city
located in the northeastern part of Gangwon-do. Its major industries
are aquatic products and tourism. Flanked by the East Sea and Mt.
Seoraksan, Sokcho is an extremely popular tourist destination.
Autumnal tinted leaves blanketing Mt. Seoraksan in fall attracts a
myriad of visitors in the fall and the beaches along the East Sea are
popular in the summer.
Tourist Sites
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Gwongeumseong Fortress
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Mt. Seoraksan National
Park
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Sinheungsa Temple (Mt. Seoraksan)
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Biryong Waterfall
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Cheonbuldong Valley
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Sokcho Beach
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Seorak Waterpia
Address : 24-1 Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Waterpia is a multi-purpose hotsprings theme park, Mt.
Seoraksan as its setting, and facilities such as hot springs, and
many outdoor leisure activities. It is located inside the Hanhwa
Seorak Resort Complex, and it uses only pure hot spring water from
the mountain. The water used here is Cheoksan’s hot spring water,
which was formed in the Jungsangdae Period (225 - 65 million years
ago), and the volume of a water used is about 3,040 tons a day. It
has a lot of alkaline ingredients mixed in the water (sodium,
calcium, magnesium, etc.) along with negative ions (such as carbonic
gas, chlorine, carbonic acid, and potassium acid, etc.) which are
known to be effective in fighting stress, neuralgia, arthritis, and
geriatric diseases. Waterpia opened in July 1997 as the first
recreational hot spring facility in Korea. There are all kinds of
water recreation facilities, such as the Wave Pool that creates
artificial waves, Yusu Pool, which makes you feel like you are
riding down a valley, Action Pool, where you can play sports and
games, and Slider Pool. It also has Yeonin Bath, Bawi Bath, Falls
Bath and other outdoor leisure spa facilities, and for indoor hot
springs facilities, there are Wonmoktang, Chimtang, Nocheontang, and
Men & Women’s sauna and others. Besides these, Hanhwa Resort has a
18 hole golf range, multi recreational Seorak Plaza Land, and many
others that can aid you in having a great time relaxing. It is a
great place to bring the whole family along.
Directions :
From Sokcho, take Bus No. 3, get off at Hanhwa Resort
Information :
- Inquiries: Seorak Waterpia Tel 033-635-7711(Kor/Chi/Jap/Eng)
- Homepage : http://www.hanwharesort.co.kr (Kor)
- Open All Year
- Hours: Low Season 06:00-22:00 High Season 06:00-22:00 Sauna
Swimming Pool Low Season 10:00-22:30 High Season 09:00-24:00 Outdoor
Leisure Spa
- Admission Fee : (ticket for Sauna, Swimming, and Outdoor leisure
spa included) Low Season Adults 20,000 won / Children(age 5 and
under) 13,500 won High Season Adults 34,000 won / Children(age 5 and
under) 28,000 won
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Ulsanbawi Rock
Address : inside Seoraksan, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Ulsanbawi is composed of 6 granite peaks, with a girth of 4Km.
You can see the awesome scenery of Seorak Mountain, East Sea, Dalma
Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir from the top of Ulsanbawi. There are
three differing views on the name of Ulsanbawi: that it looks like a
fence, that its name was copied from Ulsan of Gyeongsangnam-do, and
that the Korean term of “crying mountain” was transliterated into
Chinese characters. Because of the way the whole mountain
reverberates the sound of thunder in rain, it is also called
Cheonhusan. It is about 4Km to the top, which takes about 2 hours,
and when you pass by Sinheungsa and take the wide path for 10
minutes, there is a bridge leading to a lone path. On the right,
past the bridge is Anyangam. 25 minutes past that spot is the
Naewonam, and from this resting area, it takes another 10 minutes
(about 300m) to get to Gyejoam. In Gyejoam, which is under a large
and round rock, there is a large boulder, which can be rocked back
and forth by a single person. Gyejoam is a small Buddhist temple
built from natural stone cave, and you can look up at the view of
Ulsanbawi when you stand in front of the rocking boulder. If you
take the steep path, about 500 m past Gyejoam, you can finally reach
Ulsanbawi, reputed to be the largest single rock in the Orient. It
is 950m high with cliffs on all sides, and there is a 808-step metal
bridge which allows anyone to easily reach the summit.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take the Seorak-dong
bound bus (No. 7). 10-20 minutes distance. 5-10 minutes by taxi.
Information :
- Homepage : www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak Mountain Park Administration Office
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
Ages 20+ : ￦2,800
14-19 : ￦1,300
8-13 : ￦700
7 and under or 65 and over: free
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Leisure/Sports
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Seorak Park Hotel Casino
Address :
74-3 Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Park
Hotel is surrounded by mountains, sea, lake and other natural
beauties, and is equipped with 18 Ondol (traditional Korean heating
system) beds, 64 Twins, 12 Triple and Deluxe Twin rooms, 9 Suites
and others for a total of 121 rooms. The Seorak Park Hotel Casino is
an international level casino, 167 pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 square
meters) in size, and has games such as Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps,
Roulette, Big Wheel, as well as slot machines. It is for foreigners
only.
Directions :
Take Bus No.7
from Sokcho City and get off at Seorak Park Hotel Casino bus stop.
Information :
1.Location:
74-3 Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
2. Telephone: 033-636-1236 (Eng/Jap)
3. Hours: 10:00 - 24:00
4. Homepage: http://www.hotelsorakpark.co.kr(Kor,Eng)
5. Free Admission
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Seorak Plaza Country
Club
Address :
24-1 Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Seorak Plaza
Country club, as one of the resort facilities of the Hanhwa Resort
is one of the best golf clubs in Korea, and it prides over its
spectacular scenery. Also, situated in the vicinity of one of
Korea’s most famed tourist sites, Mt. Seoraksan, it enables
customers to look over Mt. Seoraksan’s unexplored landscapes and to
look over the Eastern Sea during the games. The whole 18 hole course
has an interesting design, and it can seem easy and difficult at the
same time.
With the warm climate of an island, it is the most adequate golf
club to enjoy golfing throughout the year. It includes Korea’s one
and only sauna that provides 100% pure natural mineral water, and
also has a unique food court selling local specialities.
Directions :
Take a taxi
from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (10-15 min.)
Information :
1.
Location : 24-1 Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
2.Tel : 033-635-5511 (kor)
3. Homepage :
http://www.hanwharesort.co.kr
(Kor/Eng)
4. Course: 18 holes
5. Hours :Summer (March-September) 05:00 - 16:30
Winter (October-February) 07:00 - 13:00
Operation hours change depending on daily weather.
6. Closed: Open year round
7.Green fees
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Non-members |
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Weekdays |
110,000won |
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Weekends |
140,000won |
* Slight changes occur
each season (Weekdays : 110,000 -140,000 won / Weekends :
140,000-180,000 won)
8. Facilities: Seorak Waterpia, Plaza Land, Artificial Lake, Stroll
Pass, Pubs, Outdoor Putting Practice Range, Pro Shop
9. Details: Seorak Plaza Country Club has 2 lounges at the 6th and
14th holes. Lounges in general are run with the concept of taking a
short break between the games. However, Seorak Plaza Country Club
has added events to the concept, enabling its customers to enjoy
some unusual experiences.
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Recommended Sites
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Gwongeumseong Fortress
Address :
Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Gwongeumseong
Castle is the site of a castle ruins called Mt. Seoraksan Castle,
and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle. It is
located on the steep Dol Mountain of Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon area.
It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo
Period (918-1392), Gojong (1213-1259 reign). It is also called Gwon-Kim
Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim,
built the castle to avoid war. At the left side of Sogongwon, past
the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, there is a path which leads
to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through
a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so cable cars are used. The cable car
was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many
tourists. It is operated from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departs
every 7 minutes, and you can only purchase round-trip tickets at the
ticket counter for that day. At the plateau of Gwongeumseong Castle
there are 80 sections of rocks and you can see the East Sea and city
of Sokcho. Also, to the west, you can see all kinds of fantastic
rocks and stones which make up the Seoraksan Mountains.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal, take Bus No. 3 and get off at Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon, or
take the taxi to the Oeseorak Entrance.
Information :
- Mt.
Seoraksan National Park Administration Tel: 033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- homepage: www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Hours: (Cable car) -Peak season (August-September):07:00-18:00
-Off season (October-July): 08:00-17:00
- Admission Fee: To Mt. Seoraksan National Park Adults (ages 20+) :
2,800 won Students (14-19), military personnel : 1,300 won Children
(13 and under) : 700 won
- Cable Car Fees (round-trip): Adults (17+, 64 and under): 5,000 won
Minors (3+, 16 and under) : 3,000 won Cable car is currently under
repairs, service not available until June, 2003. (1.2km from
Sogongwon to Gwongeumseong Castle by cable car, 6 minute ride)
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Mt. Seoraksan National
Park
Address :
Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
Also called
as Mt. Seolsan and Mt. Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Mt.
Seorak because the snow would not melt for a long time and its rocks
stay white like snow. In November 1965, the Mt. Seoraksan Mountain
district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area.
Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as park preservation
area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by
UNESCO. The park is spread about in 4 cities and counties, in Sokcho,
Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. Featuring the highest peak Daecheongbong,
the east side is called OeSeorak and the west is called NaeSeorak,
which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak.
North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon stream, which flows to
Ingyecheon stream and Baekdamcheon stream. There are numerous
valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon Valley where all the
streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for
its beautiful scenery. Follow upstream and there is Gayadong Valley
and Suryeomdong Valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is
Madeungryeong ridge(1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong. Follow
Suryeomdong Valley and you will reach Waryong Waterfall and Ssangpok.
Go up the mountain a bit more from here and you will reach
Bongjeongam(1,224m above sea level). Once you mount Daecheong Peak
you can view the mountain peaks, and the sunrise viewed from here
will make your heart pious. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from
the Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of
Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m
high. On the south valley of Yongdaeri there is the Twelve Fairy
Bathing Spring, Oktang Waterfall, and Yongtang Waterfall.
Directions :
At Wontong,
take the Yongdaeri bound(Baekdamsa entrance) bus via Namgi-ri
Information :
- Mt.
Seoraksan Adminstration Office Tel 033-636-7700 (Kor/Eng)
- Homepage : www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Open all year
- Admission Fee
* Adults(Age 20 and over) : 1,300 won *Teenagers(Age 14-19) : 600
won
* Children(Age 13 and under) : 300 won
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Sinheungsa Temple (Mt. Seoraksan)
Address :
within Seoraksan, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Sinheungsa is
located 10 minutes walking distance from Sogongwon ticket counter,
and many people visit because of its proximity to Sogongwon.
Sinheungsa is a temple which used to be called Hyangseongsa, built
by Jajangyulsa (590-658), who traveled to famous mountains all over
the nation, in Queen Jindeok’s (?-654) 6th year of reign. It was
wrecked and rebuilt many times since. On the path to Sinheungsa,
there is a great bronze statue called Bronze Jwabul Statue, which is
well over 10 meters high. Past the statue, which is on a granite
terrace, to the right, there is a bridge called Hyeonsugyo, which
was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a
long stone wall with a Cheongwang door, and you can enter the
temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk
Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok
Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon),
placed on both sides. The Buddhist statues at Sinheungsa were placed
here during the founding days of Seongjeongsa, and includes the
statues Mireukbosal, Gwaneumbosal, Seji, etc. which were sculpted by
Uisang Daesa. The buildings which were built during that time are
still standing, like the sanctuary, main temple, Myeongbujeon,
Bojaeru, and Chilseonggak, etc. There is also an important cultural
property, Treasure No. 443, called Hyangseongsaji, a three-story
stone tower. You can reach the Ulsan boulder by following the wall
outside Sinheungsa. Sinheungsa is an ancient temple with deep
historical significance, and many tourists come because of its
beautiful scenery.
Directions :
From Sokcho
Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take bus No. 3, bound for
Seorak-dong. From inside Sokcho city, take bus No. 7. 10-20 minute
distance.
Information :
- Homepage :
http://www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak Mountain National Park Administration :
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- Admission Fee: Adult over 20 ￦2,800 Student (14-19), military
personnel ￦1,300 Children over 8, under 13 ￦700 Under 7, over 65
free
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Biryong Waterfall
Address :
Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si. Gangwon-do
Description :
The falling
water of the loud and magnificent Biryong Waterfall looks very much
like dragons flying up towards the sky, which is why it was named
Biryong Waterfall (flying dragon). There is a relatively wide path
leading to Biryong Waterfall, through a bamboo forest, making it a
very nice place to hike. From Biryonggyo Bridge, which is located in
the lower reaches of Cheonbuldong Valley, called Ssangcheon, walk
past it for about 30 minutes to the left, and you will see the
Yukdam Waterfall, made up of 6 water falls and a deep pond. 300 m
past this area (about a 20 minute walk), you can see the Biryong
Waterfall between the narrow and rugged ravine. Also, if you follow
the Towanggol, up a steep, rocky path, there is a huge, 3-tiered
waterfall called Towangseong Waterfall, but due to the extremely
dangerous path leading to it, it is barred to the public.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal, take a taxi to Oeseorak Entrance (5-10 minutes), or take
Bus No. 3 (departs every 5-10 minutes, 40 minutes) and get off at
Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon.
Information :
- Homepage:
http://www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng) -Information: 033)636-7700,
7702 (Kor/Eng) -Admission Fee : Fee for Mt. Soraksan National Park
Sinheungsa Temple area: Adult (20+) : 2,800 won Student (14-19):
1,300 won Children (8-13): 700 won Under 7 or 65+ : Free
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Cheonbuldong Valley
Address :
within Seoraksan, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Cheonbuldong
Valley is the main Valley of Seorak Mountain and is also called
Seorak Valley. It was named Cheonbuldong because the many peaks on
either side look like a lineup of a thousand Buddhist statues. It is
also called Cheonbuldong because the peaks also look like Buddhist
saints offering food sacrifices to Buddha. If you follow the
waterway of Waseondae for about 300m, you’ll arrive at Biseondae.
Travel 12 km further from here and you will arrive at Daecheongbong.
There’s also Biseondae Munjudam, Ihodam, and the steep Guimyeonam.
On the opposite side, an hour’s walk past Chilseongbong, attached to
Hwachaebong, is Chilseonggol’s forked road from which you can reach
Oryeon Falls, Yangpok, Cheondang Falls and other valleys with
exceptionally beautiful sceneries. The path used to be rough and
difficult, but because of new facilities and a mountain villa, you
can more easily climb and see the scenery of Cheonbuldong. Many
people who go hiking at Seorak Mountain seek this place out because
of the convenient transportation provided by Seorak-dong’s Sogongwon,
which becomes the starting point for many mountain climbers, and
there is an endless line of hikers and tourists who come to visit
during mid October when the autumnal leaves start turning color.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, take the Seorak-dong bound bus
(No. 3.)
Information :
- Homepage :
http://www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Information : Seorak mountain national park administration office
033)636-7700, 7702 (Kor/Eng)
- Admission Fee :
Adult (20+) ￦2,800
Student (14-19), Military Personnel ￦1,300
Children (8-13) ￦700
Under 7, 65+ Free
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Sokcho Beach
Address :
Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (beside the Express Bus Terminal)
Description :
You can see
Sokcho Beach (450m long, 45-80m wide, average depth 1m) after about
a 500m walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. The scenery of its
clear water, white sand and the pine forest is beautiful, and the
nearby bus terminal makes transportation very convenient. It is also
close to Seorak Mountain, and many hikers come by here as they go
through Daecheongbong to Seorak-dong from inner Seorak area. The
white sand is 2km long, extending through Cheongho-dong, Joyang-dong,
and Daepo-dong. The area open to the public is 0.45 Km long, 75m
wide, making it about 9,000 pyeong, and more and more people come to
visit because of the superb quality of the sand. Sokcho beach plays
an important role in displaying Sokcho-si as a great tourist area
along with Seorak Mountain, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Cheongchoho, and
Yeongrangho etc. On the bulwark, to the left of the beach, there are
many places where you can enjoy hwaleo hoe (fresh sashimi). You can
also enjoy sea-fishing by taking a boat to Jo Island in the open-sea
by the beach.
Directions :
From Sokcho
Express Bus Terminal, a 5 minute walk.
Information :
- Sokcho-si Tour Guide Office 033)635-2003 (Kor)
- Open : July 10 - August 20 (42 days)
- Admission Fee : *Individual 20 years + : 1,500won 14-19 years :
1,000won under 13 : 700won
* Group 20 years + : 1,200won 14-19 years : 800won under 13 : 500
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization. |
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