Sokcho Family Trip 2026: A 3-Day East Coast Itinerary

For travelers heading to South Korea, the journey to Gangwon Province – encompassing stunning coastal cities like Gangneung, Yangyang, and Sokcho – is truly an adventure, often requiring a dedicated effort to reach these beautiful eastern shores.

Our unforgettable 3-day family trip to Sokcho this past summer was meticulously planned, featuring everything from charming bookstore visits and thrilling sea fishing to bustling market explorations and breathtaking sunrise viewings. It was an itinerary packed with enriching experiences!

Moonwoodang Seorim: Sokcho's Beloved Independent Bookstore

Moonwoodang Seorim

After a relaxing overnight stay in Gangneung, our first stop upon arriving in Sokcho was the delightful Moonwoodang Seorim.

Located in the heart of Sokcho, this charming spot captivates visitors with its thoughtfully curated book selections and inspiring quotes adorning the walls. It’s the perfect place to start your trip, allowing both adults and kids to pick out a new read and ease into your vacation schedule.

For more details, check out our full post below:

Sokcho with Kids: Special Moments at Moonwoodang Seorim, a 40-Year-Old Independent Bookstoreblog.naver.com

Hands-On Fun for All Ages:

Jangsahang Port Shore Fishing

Jangsahang Port

Jangsahang Port proved to be an incredibly family-friendly harbor, where even beginners could easily try their hand at fishing right from the pier.

We purchased affordable fishing rods and bait and cast our lines from a quiet corner of the harbor, creating unforgettable memories and experiencing the thrill of a fresh catch. I highly recommend preparing a beginner's casting rod set, which typically costs around ~$7-$21, before you go.

A Taste of Japan in Sokcho: Ramen Restaurant

Juoil Simya Ramen

This Sokcho ramen spot transports you straight to Japan with its authentic ambiance. Despite often having a wait, the atmosphere even makes waiting a pleasant experience!

East Sea Serenity:

Naksansa Temple & Naksan Beach in Yangyang

While technically in Yangyang, Naksansa Temple is just about a 20-minute drive from Sokcho, making it an essential stop on any East Coast itinerary. Here, you can soak in the magnificent scenery of the East Sea and the tranquil charm of an ancient temple. Plus, Naksan Beach is right next door, perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo in front of the Haesu Gwan-eumsang (Bodhisattva of Compassion) statue and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the East Sea.

After exploring Naksansa Temple, we headed straight to Naksan Beach below to make the most of the summer sunshine.

Even outside of peak summer, a peaceful walk along the shore here offers incredible healing and relaxation.

The Flavors and Charms of Sokcho

Debating what to have for dinner, we suddenly craved a hearty seafood noodle soup. A quick search led us to Badajemyun.

Just a one-minute walk from Sokcho Beach, Badajemyun served up a satisfying dinner with crispy pajeon (savory pancake), rich seafood kalguksu (noodle soup), and spicy-sweet squid bibimbap.

Afterward, we headed to Sokcho Jungang Market (Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market) to explore its wide array of delicious street food and local goods. This is the main market in the area, so it's incredibly popular and bustling – sometimes it's even hard to walk through! We made sure to revisit the next day before heading back to Gwangju to pick up some tasty souvenirs.

The Mystical Beauty of Dawn:

Sokcho Beach

The pre-dawn scenery at Sokcho Beach, especially on a cloudy day, felt calm and mysteriously beautiful. I had obtained all the necessary flight and filming permits to capture the sunrise with my drone, but unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. Despite missing the sunrise, the sight of the morning waves and the vast ocean landscape was magnificent in itself.

Mellowtrip's Final Thoughts

Our 3-day adventure in Sokcho was absolutely captivating, offering such diverse charms across both Sokcho and Yangyang that the long drive was entirely worth it. Why not plan your own trip to explore the vibrant blue waters and delicious cuisine of the East Coast this upcoming weekend?

What's your favorite East Coast travel destination that you'd love to revisit? Share your top picks in the comments below!

More Travel Inspiration

On our way from Gangneung to Sokcho, we stopped by Bohemian Park Yi Choo Coffee Factory:

Gangneung Travel: Visiting Bohemian Park Yi Choo Coffee Factory in Sacheonjin-riblog.naver.com

A night walk along Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung:

Gangneung Gyeongpo Beach: Our Family Night Walk Reviewblog.naver.com