What Are the Best Family Friendly Attractions in Sokcho?
These 10 Activities Top the List for Visitors of All Ages
Family-friendly Sokcho boasts fun and interesting attractions for all ages, from sunny beaches to captivating museums. You can take your family on a leisurely hike to a mountain and take some memorable pictures together. Or ride a thrilling cable care for stunning views and exhilarating moments.
There are many tranquil beaches where the whole family can play, such as Sokcho Beach. At Sokcho City Museum, exhibitions related to the history and life of Sokcho will invite the whole family to explore this fascinating city a bit deeper. Or go say hello to children’s favorite teddy bears. Read on to find out what to do on a family trip to Sokcho.
1. Seoraksan Mountain
Natural beauty from staggering heights
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
At over 1,700 meters (5,600 ft) high, Seoraksan Mountain towers over it’s surrounding national park. It’s best to visit by automobile, as it’s just a short drive from Sokcho, near Korea’s northeast coast. You’ll love the blend of spectacular nature and historic temples. It’s popular with locals for the vast, open spaces and amazing views.
There are several hiking trails up the mountain and around the nearby waterfalls but be careful in rainy weather as the paths can be slippery. If you’re hoping for exceptional views without the physical exercise, you can ride a aerial cableway up the slope too. The blanket of russet, gold and amber foliage makes for Instagrammable photos, so ensure that you have your camera with you.
Location: Sokcho-si, South Korea
Seoraksan Mountain
2. Seorak Waterpia
Hot springs and mountain views at a celebrated resort
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Seorak Waterpia is a large, year-round hot spring theme park near Mt. Seorak, and a part of Hanwha Resort. It features a variety of water attractions, saunas, and hot spring pools using natural, mineral-rich water from a local hot spring. The park is divided into indoor and outdoor zones, offering activities like wave pools, slides, a lazy river, and spa facilities, making it a popular destination for both families and couples.
The park utilizes alkaline mineral water from a natural hot spring, which is considered beneficial for recuperation. Soak together in one of the outdoor hot spring pools while you admire the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Location: 111 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)33-630-5800
Seorak Waterpia
3. Teddy Bear Farm
Teddy bears in themed displays
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Teddy Bear Farm introduces the history and origin of teddy bears and displays teddy bears with diverse themes as well as related works created by international designers. The Teddy Bear Farm introduces the story of teddy bear associated with President Roosevelt, and shows various styles of teddy bears, miniature versions from the world’s fairy tales, dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), at a camping site enjoying a Christmas party, and so on.
You’ll also find displays of Korea’s seasonal customs. Swing by the photo zones and the outdoor Teddy Garden for more fun.
Location: Sokcho-si, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)33-636-3680
Teddy Bear Farm
4. Sokcho Beach
Ideal for a relaxing day enjoying the views
Good for: Budget, Photo
The iconic Sokcho Beach is celebrated for its pristine sand and clear water. Well-equipped facilities and wooden decks on the white-sand beach offer a great setting for a fun day in the sun. Jodo Island in front of Sokcho Beach creates a stunning view, and the many restaurants serve sumptuous fresh fish and seafood.
You can explore the neighborhood and visit the historic Abai Village nearby or point your camera at the jagged peaks of Seoraksan Mountain. Or simply sit back and enjoy the laidback ambiance and sunshine at Sokcho Beach.
Sokcho Beach
5. National Mountain Museum
A fun museum where you can try rock climbing
Good for: Families, Budget
When you enter the National Mountain Museum, you are met with a powerful sculpture depicting a mountain climber. If you head to the 4th floor, you can see Seoraksan Mountain clearly from the open rooftop.
After passing through the exhibition room on the 3rd floor where you can learn about the history of mountain climbing, you can experience rock climbing, which is the highlight of the museum. It’s popular because you can borrow all related equipment for free. If you’re traveling with family, your kids will love practicing climbing on the auto-rotating Trackman. Have your camera ready to catch red cheeks and bright eyes and smiles.
Location: 3054 Misiryeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
National Mountain Museum
6. Sinheungsa Temple
A holy place surrounded by splendid greenery
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The area near Sinheungsa Temple is a biosphere reserve designated by UNESCO, and the lush forest offers an attractive contrast to the wide access road. To enter Sinheungsa Temple, you have to cross Sesimgyo Bridge, which means ‘a bridge to purify the mind’.
As you cross Sesimgyo Bridge and enter the grounds of Sinheungsa Temple, you can see the Great Buddha of Unification of Sinheungsa Temple, a huge Buddha statue dedicated in prayer for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. Admire the elegant The Naewon Shrine and observe the charm of intricate Korean Buddhist art.
Location: 1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)33-636-7044
Sinheungsa Temple
7. Seoraksan Cable Car
An easy way to the mountain top
Good for: Families, Photo
Mountains whose name includes ‘Ak’ are notoriously hard to climb because they are steep, but Seoraksan Mountain has a cable car so you can get there comfortably. The journey up in a swinging aerial cableway is a thrilling experience at a dizzying height, but when you arrive at your destination, you will be amazed at the beautiful scenery of Seoraksan Mountain.
If vigorous hiking is not your family’s thing, just hop on the cable car and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. It’s popular throughout the year and the views are simply amazing. Keep your camera ready to capture your family against the majestic backdrop.
Location: 1137 Seoraksan-ro, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Sunday–Friday from 8 am to 5.30pm, Saturday from 8.30 to 5.30 (subject to change in extreme weather conditions)
Phone: +82 (0)33-636-4300
Seoraksan Cable Car
8. Happy Owl House
A museum dedicated to nocturnal bird of prey
Good for: Families, Unusual
Happy Owl House is a contemporary museum showcasing everything related to the nocturnal bird. From epic statues that greet you on the front lawn to hundreds of owl exhibits inside, the owner’s passion for these rare and sometimes misunderstood creatures shines through.
You can hear the owner’s personal account of why they decided to open this unique museum, and even try your hand at creating your own owl-inspired artwork. There’s also an impressive number of collectables at Happy Owl House, including plates, magnets, and stickers. To get to the museum, head north on the Donghae Expressway and turn left to Baramkkonmaeul-gil.
Location: 1000-461 Nohak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)33-638-8475
Happy Owl House
9. Sokcho City Museum
Where to learn about Sokcho’s past
Good for: Families, History
The Sokcho City Museum has an indoor exhibition room with exhibitions related to the history and life of Sokcho. You also find displays about Balhae (an ancient kingdom of Manchuria), as well as interactive spaces, such as the Cultural Village for Displaced People, which has a replica of a traditional North Korean house.
Time your visit right and you might catch performance of Sokcho Municipal Pungmul Troupe to learn more about the local folk culture. Take your kids to the educational playground and let them burn off some energy while you rest your legs before new adventures in Sokcho.
Location: Sokcho-si, South Korea
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +82 (0)33-639-2974
Explore Sokcho City Museum & Displaced Civilians Folk Village Hotels
Sokcho City Museum
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