7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Sokcho

Sokcho, a charming city located on the eastern coast of South Korea, is a haven for digital nomads who enjoy the blend of serene natural beauty and urban convenience. While the city itself offers plenty to explore, from the stunning Seoraksan National Park to the fresh seafood markets, weekends provide the perfect opportunity to venture out and discover new sights. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, the surrounding areas offer a variety of getaways that cater to all tastes. Here are seven fun weekend destinations to consider when you need a break from your screen.

Seoraksan National Park

As a digital nomad living in Sokcho, you have the luxury of being right next to one of South Korea's most beautiful natural attractions, Seoraksan National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. With its majestic mountain peaks, scenic hiking trails, and the famous Ulsanbawi Rock, Seoraksan offers a refreshing escape from the digital world. In autumn, the park is particularly stunning as the foliage turns into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.

How to Get There: Seoraksan National Park is easily accessible from Sokcho by local buses, which take about 30 minutes to reach the park entrance.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the park, especially during sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking experience.

Where to Stay: The Kensington Stars Hotel is a popular choice for its views of the Seoraksan peaks, while the Seorak Pine Resort offers comfortable amenities close to nature.

Where to Eat: After a day of hiking, enjoy a hearty meal at the nearby Sokcho Jungang Market, known for its delicious Korean street food like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy chicken).

Gangneung

Gangneung, a coastal city just an hour's drive from Sokcho, is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Gyeongpo Beach and Anmok Beach. It's also home to the charming Gangneung Coffee Street, where coffee aficionados can indulge in the local café culture. The city played host to several events during the 2018 Winter Olympics, and visitors can explore the Olympic Park and the various sporting venues that remain as a legacy of the games.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Gangneung is by bus, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Sokcho.

Travel Tip: Visit the Ojukheon House, one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea, to get a glimpse of traditional Korean architecture and history.

Where to Stay: St. John's Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning sea views, and some rooms even feature private balconies.

Where to Eat: Café Bora is famous for its unique purple sweet potato treats, including lattes, ice cream, and bingsu (shaved ice dessert).

Yangyang Surfyy Beach

For a more laid-back weekend, head to Yangyang Surfyy Beach, where the surf culture is alive and thriving. This hidden gem is perfect for digital nomads looking to catch some waves or simply relax on the sandy shores. The beach has a cool, bohemian vibe, with surf shops, board rentals, and laid-back cafes lining the coast. Even if you're not into surfing, the beach's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for sunbathing or reading a book.

How to Get There: Yangyang Surfyy Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Sokcho, and there are also local buses that connect the two locations.

Travel Tip: If you're new to surfing, consider taking a lesson at one of the local surf schools to get the full experience.

Where to Stay: The Surfyy Beach Hotel and Resort is a popular choice for its proximity to the beach and its surf-inspired decor.

Where to Eat: Check out the Surfyy Beach Café & Restaurant for a casual dining experience with a view of the ocean and a menu that includes fresh seafood and burgers.

Naksansa Temple

Naksansa Temple is one of the few temples located along the eastern coast of Korea, offering a spiritual retreat with stunning ocean views. The temple is over 1,300 years old and is home to the Seven Floor Stone Tower and the Hongryeonam Hermitage, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The peaceful ambiance of the temple grounds provides a serene environment for meditation or a quiet walk.

How to Get There: The temple is a short 20-minute bus ride from Sokcho, making it an easy and quick getaway.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Uisangdae Pavilion, which offers one of the best vantage points for sunrise views over the East Sea.

Where to Stay: The Naksan Beach Hotel is a comfortable option with easy access to both the temple and the beach.

Where to Eat: Nearby, the Naksan Fish Market offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including hoe (raw fish) and grilled fish specialties.

Samcheok and Hwanseongul Cave

Venture a bit further to the city of Samcheok, where you can explore the magnificent Hwanseongul Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Asia. The cave features an array of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, creating an otherworldly underground landscape. Samcheok also offers a scenic ocean rail bike experience along the coast, providing a unique way to take in the region's natural beauty.

How to Get There: Samcheok is approximately 2 hours from Sokcho by bus. The Hwanseongul Cave is then accessible by a short taxi ride from Samcheok city center.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Samcheok Ocean Railbike for a leisurely ride along the picturesque coastline.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Maremons offers rooms with ocean views and is conveniently located near the city's attractions.

Where to Eat: Samcheok's Jukseoru Pavilion area is known for its traditional Korean restaurants, where you can try local specialties like haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine).

Jumunjin Fish Market

For an offbeat weekend experience, visit the Jumunjin Fish Market, the largest seafood market on the east coast of Korea. This bustling market is where you can witness the lively auction of fresh catches, interact with local fishermen, and indulge in the freshest seafood. The market also offers a unique "catch your own fish" experience, where you can select live seafood and have it prepared on the spot at one of the market's restaurants.

How to Get There: Jumunjin Fish Market is about an hour's drive from Sokcho, with public buses also available for the journey.

Travel Tip: Visit the nearby Jumunjin Beach, famous for its appearance in the K-drama "Goblin," for a picturesque seaside stroll.

Where to Stay: The Jumunjin Resort offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to both the market and the beach.

Where to Eat: Within the fish market, there are numerous eateries where you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, sashimi, and spicy seafood stews.

Jeongdongjin

Jeongdongjin is a quaint coastal town known for having the closest train station to the sea in the world. It's a popular spot for watching the sunrise and is home to the Jeongdongjin Sandglass Park, which features a massive hourglass that measures the passage of a year. The town's unique combination of natural beauty and quirky attractions, like the Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht, a cruise ship-shaped hotel perched on a cliff, makes it an intriguing destination for a weekend getaway.

How to Get There: The most scenic way to reach Jeongdongjin is by train from Sokcho, which takes about 2 hours and offers stunning coastal views along the way.

Travel Tip: Time your visit to coincide with the first sunrise of the year, a popular event that draws crowds to Jeongdongjin for its symbolic and breathtaking spectacle.

Where to Stay: The Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht not only offers unique accommodations but also features an observatory with panoramic views of the East Sea.

Where to Eat: The Sun Cruise Resort has several dining options, including a revolving restaurant that allows you to enjoy a meal with a constantly changing view of the sea and surrounding landscape.