Sometimes, the best way to recharge is by escaping the noise of everyday lifeโand South Korea offers the perfect coastal getaways for just that. In July 2020, I took a spontaneous two-day trip to Sokcho Beach with three of my friendsโtwo from Myanmar and one from the Philippinesโand it turned out to be exactly what we all needed. Between the soft sea breeze, the sound of waves, and laughter-filled memories, this short getaway became one of the most refreshing experiences Iโve had.ย
๐ Planning the Trip: Why Sokcho?
At that time, we were all feeling drained from work and daily responsibilities. We wanted a short but meaningful escape from the routines of city life in Seoul. After researching a few destinations using Naver Blog reviews, YouTube vlogs, and travel articles, Sokcho stood out for several reasons:
Itโs only about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul by express bus.
It offers both beach and mountain viewsโa rare combination.
Itโs peaceful, less crowded than Busan or Jeju, and has its own hidden gems.
We also discovered thereโs a cable car to a mountain viewpoint, which became one of our highlights. We were immediately sold!
๐ก Where We Stayed: Cozy, Affordable, and Memorable
We booked a 4-bedded pension (hj House) near the beach, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. Not only was it clean and cozy, but it also included a simple yet satisfying breakfast with options like toast, eggs, fruit, and juice. What we especially loved was the cultural-themed cafรฉ on the first floorโa warm, aesthetic space with traditional Korean decor where we sipped drinks and chatted late into the evening.
The pension wasnโt expensive, and since we split the cost, it was very budget-friendly. It gave us a peaceful base to rest, laugh, and bond.
๐ Getting Around: Easy and Convenient
Since there were four of us, we opted to take taxis instead of public transportation. Splitting the fare made it reasonable, and it saved us time and energy. We used Kakao T (a taxi-hailing app) to easily call rides whenever needed. The taxi drivers were friendly and the rides smoothโmaking our short trip even more comfortable.
๐
Exploring Sokcho: Beach, Cable Car, and Cultural Vibes
After checking in and relaxing a bit, we headed to Sokcho Beach. The clear blue sea, gentle waves, and long boardwalk were perfect for long walks and photoshoots. We spent hours just laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying the peaceful scenery.ย
The next day, we tried the Sokcho Cable Car to get a panoramic view of the mountains and sea. The fare was around 20,000 KRW. The ride was smooth and the views from the top were breathtakingโstretching all the way to the coastline and beyond. It gave us a different perspective of Sokcho, and we were so glad we didnโt skip it.ย
๐ง Food & Faith: Halal and Seafood Options
As a practicing Muslim, Iโm always mindful of what I eat while traveling. While Sokcho doesn't have many halal-specific restaurants, Korean seafood options are usually a safe and delicious choice. We enjoyed a hearty meal of grilled fish, seaweed soup, and traditional Korean side dishes at a local restaurant.
For those looking for halal or vegetarian meals, I recommend checking Naver Map using the halal or vegetarian filterโitโs quite helpful, especially in smaller towns. And itโs always a good idea to bring a few snacks or light meals if you're unsure of what's available.
๐ Cultural Reflection: Peaceful Spaces and Clean Beaches
One thing that stood out was how clean and well-organized Sokchoโs public spaces were. The beach had clear signage, separate zones for swimmers and sunbathers, and everything felt very safe and respectful. Coming from Bangladesh, where beaches are livelier and more informal, I found Sokchoโs peaceful vibe both new and healing.
In Korea, people tend to enjoy nature quietly and calmlyโsomething that initially felt unfamiliar but now feels comforting. It was a reminder of how cultural differences shape the way we experience even the simplest things like a beach day.
โจ A Trip That Stays With Me
Though short, our trip to Sokcho left a big impact on my heart. It reminded me that even quick getaways can renew your spirit, especially when shared with good friends. From the sound of waves to the warmth of conversation, every moment was filled with peace, joy, and connection.
Whether you're a foreigner living in Korea or just visiting, Sokcho is a gem worth exploring. Take the trip, breathe the ocean air, ride the cable car, and donโt forget to capture those simple moments that turn into lifelong memories.
๐ก Travel Tips for Sokcho
If you're planning a trip to Sokcho, here are some practical tips:
Getting There: Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Terminal (approx. 2.5โ3 hours).
Getting Around: If you're in a group, consider using Kakao T for taxis. Itโs convenient and not too expensive when shared.
Accommodation: Look for pensions near the beachโtheyโre often cozy, affordable, and include breakfast.
Activities: Donโt miss the Sokcho Cable Car for a scenic view of the area.
Food: Search Naver Map with the halal filter, or stick to fresh seafood dishes commonly available in the area.
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is by escaping the noise of everyday lifeโand South Korea offers the perfect coastal getaways for just that. In July 2020, I took a spontaneous two-day trip to Sokcho Beach with three of my friendsโtwo from Myanmar and one from the Philippinesโand it turned out to be exactly what we all needed. Between the soft sea breeze, the sound of waves, and laughter-filled memories, this short getaway became one of the most refreshing experiences Iโve had.ย๐ Planning the Trip: Why Sokcho?
At that time, we were all feeling drained from work and daily responsibilities. We wanted a short but meaningful escape from the routines of city life in Seoul. After researching a few destinations using Naver Blog reviews, YouTube vlogs, and travel articles, Sokcho stood out for several reasons:
Itโs only about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul by express bus.
It offers both beach and mountain viewsโa rare combination.
Itโs peaceful, less crowded than Busan or Jeju, and has its own hidden gems.
We also discovered thereโs a cable car to a mountain viewpoint, which became one of our highlights. We were immediately sold!
๐ก Where We Stayed: Cozy, Affordable, and Memorable
The pension wasnโt expensive, and since we split the cost, it was very budget-friendly. It gave us a peaceful base to rest, laugh, and bond.
๐ Getting Around: Easy and Convenient
Since there were four of us, we opted to take taxis instead of public transportation. Splitting the fare made it reasonable, and it saved us time and energy. We used Kakao T (a taxi-hailing app) to easily call rides whenever needed. The taxi drivers were friendly and the rides smoothโmaking our short trip even more comfortable.
๐ Exploring Sokcho: Beach, Cable Car, and Cultural Vibes
After checking in and relaxing a bit, we headed to Sokcho Beach. The clear blue sea, gentle waves, and long boardwalk were perfect for long walks and photoshoots. We spent hours just laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying the peaceful scenery.ย
The next day, we tried the Sokcho Cable Car to get a panoramic view of the mountains and sea. The fare was around 20,000 KRW. The ride was smooth and the views from the top were breathtakingโstretching all the way to the coastline and beyond. It gave us a different perspective of Sokcho, and we were so glad we didnโt skip it.ย
๐ง Food & Faith: Halal and Seafood Options
As a practicing Muslim, Iโm always mindful of what I eat while traveling. While Sokcho doesn't have many halal-specific restaurants, Korean seafood options are usually a safe and delicious choice. We enjoyed a hearty meal of grilled fish, seaweed soup, and traditional Korean side dishes at a local restaurant.
For those looking for halal or vegetarian meals, I recommend checking Naver Map using the halal or vegetarian filterโitโs quite helpful, especially in smaller towns. And itโs always a good idea to bring a few snacks or light meals if you're unsure of what's available.
๐ Cultural Reflection: Peaceful Spaces and Clean Beaches
One thing that stood out was how clean and well-organized Sokchoโs public spaces were. The beach had clear signage, separate zones for swimmers and sunbathers, and everything felt very safe and respectful. Coming from Bangladesh, where beaches are livelier and more informal, I found Sokchoโs peaceful vibe both new and healing.
In Korea, people tend to enjoy nature quietly and calmlyโsomething that initially felt unfamiliar but now feels comforting. It was a reminder of how cultural differences shape the way we experience even the simplest things like a beach day.
โจ A Trip That Stays With Me
Though short, our trip to Sokcho left a big impact on my heart. It reminded me that even quick getaways can renew your spirit, especially when shared with good friends. From the sound of waves to the warmth of conversation, every moment was filled with peace, joy, and connection.
Whether you're a foreigner living in Korea or just visiting, Sokcho is a gem worth exploring. Take the trip, breathe the ocean air, ride the cable car, and donโt forget to capture those simple moments that turn into lifelong memories.
๐ก Travel Tips for Sokcho
If you're planning a trip to Sokcho, here are some practical tips:
Getting There: Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Terminal (approx. 2.5โ3 hours).
Getting Around: If you're in a group, consider using Kakao T for taxis. Itโs convenient and not too expensive when shared.
Accommodation: Look for pensions near the beachโtheyโre often cozy, affordable, and include breakfast.
Activities: Donโt miss the Sokcho Cable Car for a scenic view of the area.
Food: Search Naver Map with the halal filter, or stick to fresh seafood dishes commonly available in the area.