A Winter Escape: Exploring Sokcho's Beaches and Coastal Trails
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When the chilly air of early winter starts to brush against my face, one place immediately comes to mind.
That's the winter sea of the East Coast, and the Oeongchi Bada Hyanggiro Coastal Trail in Sokcho, where you can feel the ocean most intimately.
Sokcho, which I reached after setting out at dawn, felt different right from the wind.
The winter wind that swept refreshingly past my face made me instinctively hunch my shoulders, but at that moment, a welcoming thought came to mind: "Ah, I'm at the East Sea." (Travel date: Nov 20, 2025)
???? A Winter Trip Starting from Sokcho Beach
Sokcho Beach, which I visited last summer, was still bustling with many travelers even though the season had changed.
Seeing a constant stream of visitors even on a weekday, I realized once again why Sokcho is a travel destination for all seasons.
Above all, accessibility is excellent. Sokcho Express Bus Terminal is nearby, making it an easy winter destination for travelers without a car.
The photo zone in front of the sea was still popular. In particular, Jodo Island, quietly floating on the blue sea, makes the scenery of Sokcho Beach even more special.
This trip was planned as a course starting with a leisurely walk on Sokcho Beach, leading to the Oeongchi Bada Hyanggiro Coastal Trail, a once-private area that was opened to the public after decades.
The wind was cold, but the unique romance of winter and the emotions of Sokcho naturally permeated the journey as I walked.
???? Sokcho Photo Zone: From Stairway to Heaven to Sea Sculptures
Walking along the beach promenade, various photo zones appear, starting from the direction of the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel.
Among them, the most popular spot for travelers is the 'Stairway to Heaven'.
The backdrop of the winter sky and sea is truly picturesque, and taking photos with a rainbow umbrella creates a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Various sculptures are also located throughout the beach, making it a treasure trove for those who love taking pictures.
In particular, Sokcho is famous as a sunrise spot at the end of the year and the beginning of the new year, so many people start planning their trips from this season.
???? Bada Hyanggiro Coastal Trail: A Coastal Deck Road Leading to Oeongchi Port
The full Oeongchi Port section of the Bada Hyanggiro Coastal Trail starts from the south gate of Sokcho Beach. Opening hours are limited in winter.
- Operating Hours (Oct-Mar): 07:00~17:30
- Coastal road opened after about 60 years of restricted access
- Composed of Security Experience Path, Rock Observation Path, and Sky Deck Road
The sound of waves is heard closely on the deck along the coastal cliffs, and the sea breeze blows directly as you walk, which is why winter Sokcho is so beloved.
In particular, this road is part of Course 45 of the Haeparang Trail, a journey from Seorak Sunrise Park to Jangsa Port, making it a popular course for those who enjoy walking trips.
Looking back from the deck, the city of Sokcho is visible between Seorak Bridge and Geumgang Bridge, making it great for planning travel routes as a connecting course.
While walking, it's fun to look at the rocks and discover the stories behind each one.
Guessing the names of Sokcho's representative seafood, like 'Is that a snow crab rock? Or a red crab rock?' While walking slowly and talking to myself, the emotions of the trip naturally deepen.
However, there are rules for the Haeparang Trail Course 45: No pets, bicycles, strollers, or motorcycles allowed! It's a path purely for walking.
???? Security Experience Path: Walking Through a Place Steeped in Time
While walking along the trail, you'll eventually encounter barbed wire. This is a trace showing that this area has been closed to the public for a long time.
Beyond the barbed wire is Abai Village, where the lives of displaced people remain intact, prompting me to stop and reflect.
You can also see sculptures symbolizing peace on the Security Experience Path. The name Oeongchi was called 'Woongjin' during the Joseon Dynasty, and has been recorded under its current name since 1926.
Before National Route 7 was built, it was used as a hill road to cross from Daepo Port to Sokcho, reminding us of the region's history.
Most of the road is made of wooden decks, so even with slopes, it wasn't too difficult and I enjoyed being able to climb at my own pace.
It's a course that even those with a slower pace can enjoy without feeling burdened. After walking for about 20 minutes, you'll see the first sculpture, 'Sokcho Oeongchi', and encounter unique terrains such as Jine Rock and Gul Rock.
As I walked, Daepo Port appeared before my eyes.
There was a cormorant sitting still on a rock, and it didn't budge no matter what I said to it, as if it were the master of this place.
???? Coral Sculpture Park: Another Charm of Sokcho Beach
On the way out after the walk, returning to the parking lot near the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel, the Coral Sculpture Park appears.
Here, there are various coral sculptures, sculptures of large marine creatures, and sculptures of Sokcho's representative seafood, red crab, making it another photo zone.
Walking to the end of the breakwater, you can face the East Sea head-on, and Abai Village comes into view to the north, making it a place where you can organize your Sokcho travel route at once.
???? Overall Review: Winter Sokcho, Worth the Early Morning Drive
This trip was completed with a course leading from Sokcho Beach → Oeongchi Port Bada Hyanggiro → Coral Sculpture Park, and it was a journey where I could properly feel the charm of the winter sea and the emotions of Sokcho.
The cold wind, the sound of the waves, and the feel of the deck road all gave me the feeling of 'Ah, this is winter Sokcho'.
It was also nice that it was a one-way section rather than a circular one, so I could feel the emotions of the winter sea more deeply on the way back.
Perhaps because the weather was good, it was a Sokcho trip full of rewards for driving from dawn.
???? Sokcho Beach
Address: 1450-158, Joyang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
???? Oeongchi Bada Hyanggiro
Address: 656-14, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
???? Sokcho Oeongchi Port Coastal Trail
Address: 580-2, Daepo-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gogw1234/224087312598
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