Why Honeymoon in Sokcho
Sokcho gives a Korea honeymoon its big landscape moment. Seoraksan is a jagged range of granite peaks, waterfalls and temple valleys that looks like an ink painting come to life, especially in fall. You do not have to be serious hikers to enjoy it. The cable car and short valley walks deliver much of the scenery with little effort.
The sea is right there too. Sokcho Beach runs for about 2 km. The coast beyond it is dotted with fishing harbors, pavilions on rocks and sunrise viewpoints.
It also has a down-to-earth charm. This is a working fishing city, with markets full of crab, squid and fresh fish. Evenings are relaxed and inexpensive. The pace is gentle after the intensity of Seoul. Many Korean couples come here for exactly the same reasons.
When to Go
October is the headline month. Fall foliage usually peaks on Seoraksan in mid to late October, starting high on the ridges and moving down into the valleys. Expect crowds on weekends, so go midweek if you can.
September and early November are also pleasant, with crisp air and fewer people. April and May bring fresh greenery, cherry blossoms in town and comfortable hiking weather.
July brings the monsoon, with heavy rain that can close trails. Late July and August are hot, humid and busy at the beach, when Sokcho Beach is officially open for swimming.
Winter is cold and quiet. Snow on the peaks is beautiful, but some trails close and the wind off the sea is sharp. It can still suit couples who want hot food, empty beaches and cheap hotel rates.
Where to Stay
There are two main bases. The choice depends on your priorities.
Near the park entrance in Seorak-dong, hotels and resorts put you minutes from the cable car and trailheads. The Kensington Hotel Seorak is a long-standing option here, with a classic European style and mountain views. Staying in this area makes early starts easy, which matters in foliage season.
In Sokcho city, beachfront hotels and resorts face the East Sea. The Lotte Resort Sokcho is a large, comfortable choice with sea views and pools. Staying by the water lets you walk to restaurants, the harbor and the beach in the evening.
Many couples split their time, spending one night near the mountain and one or two by the sea. Book well ahead for October weekends.
Romantic Things to Do
Take the Seorak cable car up to Gwongeumseong, the remains of an old mountain fortress, for wide views over the peaks. Walk the easy valley path to Sinheungsa Temple and its giant seated bronze Buddha.
If you have energy, climb to Ulsanbawi, a massive granite formation reached by steep metal staircases. The view of the coast from the top is the reward. Biseondae, a gentler walk, follows a rocky stream through a narrow gorge.
In town, cross the channel to Abai Village on the gaetbae, a small ferry pulled by hand along a cable. Rent bikes for the loop around Yeongnangho Lake.
Get up early once for sunrise at Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, where a small pavilion on the rocks looks straight out to sea.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Seoul Incheon (ICN), which has nonstop flights from about a dozen US cities. From Seoul, express buses to Sokcho leave from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Dong Seoul Bus Terminal about every 30 minutes, taking around two and a half to three hours. Another option is the KTX to Gangneung, followed by a bus north along the coast.
Yangyang International Airport (YNY), just south of Sokcho, has limited domestic flights. Driving from Seoul takes about two hours or more depending on traffic.
In Sokcho, city buses run regularly to the Seoraksan entrance in about 30 minutes. Taxis are inexpensive and easy to find. Bikes are a good way to get around the lake and the beach. Kakao T is useful for calling taxis if your phone is set up for it.
Food and Drink
Seafood is the point here. Order mulhoe, a cold soup of sliced raw fish in a spicy-sweet broth, especially refreshing in summer. Daepo Port and the harbor near Sokcho Beach are lined with restaurants where you pick fish from a tank.
In Abai Village, try ojingeo sundae, squid stuffed with rice, noodles and vegetables, a specialty of the families who settled here from the north after the Korean War. Bowls of naengmyeon, cold buckwheat noodles, are another northern dish that thrives here.
The Sokcho Jungang Market is known for dakgangjeong, crispy sweet and spicy fried chicken, often sold boxed for takeaway. Red king crab and snow crab are worth a splurge in season. Pair dinner with soju or a local craft beer.
Honeymoon Tips
The US State Department rates South Korea Level 1, exercise normal precautions. Sokcho feels very safe at any hour.
In foliage season, start early. Lines for the cable car get very long by mid-morning on weekends. Trails get crowded too. Be at the ticket office when it opens.
Bring proper walking shoes and layers. Mountain weather changes quickly. The stairs on Ulsanbawi are steep. Carry water and snacks, since there are only a few stalls along the trails.
Korean couples love matching outfits and photo spots, so do not be surprised by the selfie lines at viewpoints. Join in.
Carry some cash for markets and small restaurants, though cards work almost everywhere.
