Discover Sokcho's coastal beauty with a half-day itinerary featuring Yeonggeumjeong's pavilions and a scenic stroll along Yeongrangho Lake. Don't miss the stunning lake views from the resort!
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Day 3 of Our Sokcho Adventure
Yeonggeumjeong & Yeongrangho Lake (Yeongrangho Lake Skywalk)
Hello, fellow foodies and explorers!
It's Durimap, your guide to delicious discoveries and unforgettable journeys.
I'm excited to share our travelogue from a recent trip to Sokcho, which we enjoyed during an early summer long weekend!
Today marks the first post covering our third day of exploration.
We spent our morning, right up until lunch, exploring the stunning Yeonggeumjeong and the serene Yeongrangho Lake.
We even made a stop at the Yeongrangho floating bridge within the Yeongrangho Resort and grabbed a coffee at the 'Starbucks Yeongrangho Resort branch'!
Yeonggeumjeong: Where the Ocean's Symphony Meets Expansive Rock Formations
Essential Information
Our third day of exploration in Sokcho kicked off at Yeonggeumjeong, one of the city's most iconic attractions.
Yeonggeumjeong boasts two distinct pavilions:
one, the Sunrise Pavilion, is perched directly on the coastal rocks,
while the other, the Observation Pavilion, requires a climb up a set of stairs.
The photo on the left shows the Observation Pavilion, and the one on the right is the Sunrise Pavilion.
While the Sunrise Pavilion still requires a short climb up some stairs,
a new accessible deck ramp has been added, which is a fantastic improvement since my last visit!
It wasn't there before, you know.
Legend has it that the name 'Yeonggeumjeong' comes from the sound of waves crashing against the rocks,
said to resemble the enchanting melodies of a geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument.
Standing on the expansive rock formations, perhaps amplified by the pavilion's roof,
the roar of the ocean waves is truly powerful – a symphony of crashing water.
The lower pavilion feels closer to the raw power of the ocean,
offering a more immersive experience with the crashing waves,
while the upper pavilion provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire coastline.
Both offer unique perspectives, so if time allows,
I highly recommend visiting both!
Here's a view of the Sunrise Pavilion from the Observation Pavilion (left photo) and
the Observation Pavilion as seen from the Sunrise Pavilion (right photo).
Parking near Yeonggeumjeong is quite convenient, with two public parking lots and on-street parking available nearby.
We opted for the private parking lot at Dongmyeong Port Fish Market, which is the closest to Yeonggeumjeong.
This parking area is also home to the Dongmyeong Port Fish Market, making it a perfect spot to combine your visit to Yeonggeumjeong with a delicious meal.
We also visited a fantastic cafe with amazing views called 'Bada Damda' nearby.
If I get the chance, I'll share a separate post about it later!
A Refreshing Stroll Around Yeongrangho Lake: Perfect for Any Season
After soaking in the views and snapping some photos at Yeonggeumjeong, we made our way to Yeongrangho Lake.
We decided to explore the walking paths within the Yeongrangho Resort grounds.
Parking is free here, and the Starbucks on the 20th floor offers incredible views!
We parked in the Tower Building parking lot at Yeongrangho Resort, where the Starbucks is located, and then enjoyed a leisurely walk around the lake.
This area is incredibly famous for its cherry blossoms, though I've never had the chance to visit Sokcho during peak cherry blossom season.
The walk along the Yeongrangho Lake Skywalk exceeded our expectations!
The path around the lake is beautifully maintained,
and it was lovely to see families cycling and enjoying the scenery.
There are plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way, so you'll never get bored.
While Beombawi Rock (Tiger Rock) is another famous spot within the resort,
I briefly considered visiting but ultimately decided against it.
My back hasn't been the same since a disc recurrence, and I'm trying to be more realistic these days.
The old me would have charged right up there!
Before reaching Beombawi Rock, you'll find the Yeongrangho floating bridge, which we found quite delightful.
It's a unique experience, feeling like you're walking right on the water.
Midway, there's a fantastic frame-shaped photo spot, perfect for capturing some memorable pictures.
You don't necessarily need to walk the entire length of the floating bridge; a leisurely stroll partway and back offers a perfectly satisfying route.
We loved the photo spot so much that we asked a passing family to take our picture,
and they did an incredible job – practically professional photographers! Haha.
The wife was joking with us, and her husband perfectly captured our genuine smiles.
It's a shame I have to cover our faces with stickers!
Yeongrangho Lake Skywalk Parking Tips
Here's a crucial parking tip: the parking lot near the Tower Building entrance tends to fill up quickly, especially after lunchtime.
You'll often see cars waiting for a spot here,
but if you drive a bit further in, there's a much larger additional parking area.
Many people seem to get lost looking for it, so keep this in mind!
The photo on the left shows the Tower Building parking lot where we parked, right by the Starbucks.
The photo on the right is a banner for the Yeongrangho Lake Skywalk parking lot, which you'll find if you continue past the Starbucks parking.
Check the addresses at the bottom of this post for exact locations!
Unbeatable Views at Starbucks Yeongrangho Resort Branch
Essential Information
After a long walk, we were definitely ready for a refreshment..
So, we headed up to Starbucks to enjoy some incredible Yeongrangho views.
Wow, the lake views from here are absolutely spectacular!
If you can snag a good seat, you'll want to stay for ages.
Be warned though, this spot is famous for its views, so finding an empty table can be a challenge, haha!
The weather was perfect, so we opted for a spot on the outdoor terrace.
From there, we could even see the Yeongrangho floating bridge we had just walked!
This was our fantastic morning itinerary for Day 3. We hope you have an amazing trip too!
📍 Sokcho Fisheries Cooperative Parking Lot 46 Yeonggeumjeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Where is the most convenient place to park when visiting Yeonggeumjeong, and are there any nearby facilities that can be used together?
Near Yeonggeumjeong, there are two public parking lots and street parking. The author of this article parked at Dongmyeong Port Raw Fish Center (a private parking lot). Dongmyeong Port Raw Fish Center parking is a good location to combine a visit to Yeonggeumjeong with a meal.
I heard there are two pavilions at Yeonggeumjeong. What are the characteristics of each, and is it recommended to visit both?
At Yeonggeumjeong, there is the Sunrise Pavilion located on the coastal rocks, and the Observatory Pavilion which you reach by climbing stairs. The lower Sunrise Pavilion is closer to the sea, allowing you to hear the waves clearly, while the upper Observatory Pavilion offers a refreshing panoramic view of the entire landscape. Since both offer different experiences, it is recommended to visit both if you have time.
When visiting Yeongrangho Lake Skywalk, if the Shinsegae Resort Tower building parking lot is full, are there other parking options?
Yes, the parking lot near the entrance of Shinsegae Resort Tower building is often full after lunchtime. In such cases, you can drive further inside, where there is a larger additional parking area available for use.
What kind of view can be enjoyed at Starbucks Yeongrangho Resort branch, and which specific spot was most impressive?
At Starbucks Yeongrangho Resort branch, you can fully enjoy the view of Yeongrangho Lake. Especially on a nice day, sitting on the outdoor terrace and looking down at the Yeongrangho floating bridge is impressive, and if you get a good spot, you'll find yourself sitting there for a long time.
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