East Coast ring road Sokcho driving the spine | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Yeonggeumjeong is a place with large and wide rocks spread along the seaside under Sokcho Lighthouse in Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho-si. The origin of the name comes from the mysterious melody heard when waves hit the rocks, said to resemble the sacred sound of a 'geomungo' (traditional Korean zither), hence it is called Yeonggeumjeong. Located close to the city center, it offers beautiful scenery and is a popular spot year-round for Sokcho citizens to enjoy summer retreats and fishing. Currently, Sokcho-si has developed the Yeonggeumjeong area into a tourist site, and a pavilion was built near the southern breakwater. This pavilion is a maritime pavilion built on the Yeonggeumjeong rocks and can be reached by crossing a bridge of about 50 meters. The feeling of looking out at the sea from the pavilion is refreshingly different from the breakwater, but the pavilion itself is made of concrete, which is somewhat disappointing. It is generally called the Sunrise Pavilion, and the pavilion's nameplate bears the inscription Yeonggeumjeong (靈琴亭).

Yeongrangho Lake is a natural lagoon formed by the development of coastal sand dunes, with a circumference of 7.8 km and an area of about 1.2 square kilometers. It is wide and deep, with a depth exceeding 8 meters. Water flowing from Jangcheoncheon connects to the East Sea through a waterway under Yeongranggyo Bridge. Surrounded by Jangsadong, Yeongrangdong, Dongmyeongdong, and Geumhodong in Sokcho-si, a walking trail perfect for strolls is built along the lakeshore. Along the trail, a lyrical and beautiful landscape flows with clear, calm water, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and reeds. According to the Samguk Yusa, Yeongrangho is said to be named after ‘Yeongrang,’ a Hwarang of the Silla dynasty. After finishing training at Geumgangsan, Yeongrang passed this lake on his way to a martial arts competition but became so captivated by the scenery that he forgot the competition and stayed here a long time. The lake is renowned for its outstanding scenery, as recorded in old documents. Especially Beombawi, one of Sokcho’s eight scenic spots, amazes all who see it, with a mysterious aura as if a tiger is quietly crouching. Gwaneumam and Bogwangsa, with several weirdly shaped rocks, are also unmissable attractions. The wetland ecological park located west of the lakeshore is also worth visiting.

Opened in 1976, Sokcho Beach is one of the representative beaches in Korea. Its proximity to Sokcho city and the fact that the express bus terminal is within walking distance make transportation convenient. The seawater at Sokcho Beach is clear and clean, with shallow depths and gentle slopes, attracting many vacationers from all over the country every summer. Especially during the peak season of July and August, the wide beach becomes packed with people. The area surrounding the beach is well-equipped with restaurants and convenience facilities. Behind the beach, there is a dense pine forest along with a small park and a walking trail. Even after the holiday season, visitors continue to come to the beach because various sculptures installed on the sandy beach offer colorful sights regardless of the season. Notable are the initials 'ㅅㅊ' representing Sokcho, a large compass indicating directions from around the world, and lively dolphin sculptures that catch the eye. The large photo frame against the blue sea and the Stairway to Heaven stretching toward the sky are the most popular photo zones here. Every year, busking, summer beach festivals, and Sokcho craft beer festivals offer tourists joyful memories. Visiting during travel seasons allows enjoyment of performances such as band concerts and music shows.

Daepohang Port, located on a clean seashore at the foot of Seoraksan Mountain, serves as the gateway into Sokcho from the south. As Seoraksan became a prominent tourist attraction, the port became famous as a hub for high-grade fish. Even before Sokcho was known, Daepohang was widely recognized. Although Sokcho does not appear on Korean maps issued around the Korean War, coastal maps show ports such as Busanhang, Hohang, Mukhohang, Daepohang, Jangjeonhang, and Wonsanhang. On July 1, 1937, the myeon office was moved from Daepori, Docheon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, to Sokchori, and after the development of Cheongcho Lake area, Sokcho Port was born, attracting most cargo and fishing vessels. Sokcho-eup was established on October 1, 1942, and Daepohang became a quiet fishing harbor with only a few boats. Recently, Daepohang has gained more attention as a tourist destination rather than a fishing port. Its location amid the natural beauty of Seoraksan, Cheoksan Hot Springs, the East Sea, Cheongcho Lake, and Yeongnang Lake, combined with the fresh premium fish like flatfish, flounder, and yellowtail caught in jungsing nets processed through Daepohang, draws many tourists to the sashimi restaurants in Daepo-dong.