From Seoul to Sokcho

The Way to Sokcho

Mt Seoraksan. That's the only reason why I want to go to Sokcho other than that I have no plans of going anywhere in this town. But in any trip there's part of the itinerary that you might not be able to follow and might lead you to discover other places or let you experience things Apo would like you to experience. Sheena went to Mt Sorak - I on the other hand decided not to because I have no plans of buying another winter clothes because mine was not enough for that cold we were experiencing that time. We saw the mountains on our way covered with ice. (Just a simple reminder guys, in buying winter clothes consider the degrees of the country you are going to. The winter jacket could only protect you at some degrees. You may ask the shop before buying one.) I cannot stand the weather when we arrived from the Bus Terminal of Sokcho what more if were already on the mountain. Anyway, Sheena went to Mt Seorak, I on the other hand discovered the beach of Sokcho.

As soon as I arrived from the bus terminal after Sheena and I went to the fish market of this town then seperated, I saw the Tourist Booth. (So do not be afraid to travel in Sokor even to their provinces because Tourist Centers can be found anywhere, I really mean EVERYWHERE) I've asked what other places I could explore that's near the area. She gave me the map and pointed me to Abai Maeul and Sokcho Beach. I got giddy when I was walking. Travelling alone makes me feel independent. That feeling of exploring a place all by myself and relying my fate to my highest self makes me feel that pat on the back and embrace and whispering to myself that everything will be fine. I call this moment my me time. I missed Sheena while I was  walking. I was thinking that nobody would take my pictures. Hahahaha!!! But a day is just fine. I knew then that she got stories for me and I could not wait for that too.

Sokcho Town

 Express Bus Terminal

Walking during travel is not new to me. Hmmm, I should say, walking is not new to me period. So a 30 minute walk during the almost winter season is what I really needed. I walked along the street, inside the village and needed to pass the steep bridge to access Abai Maeul. I was still freezing. Good thing that I ate first before I did this cardio. (cardio?) 

Here's the start of discovering a new place.

 

Sokcho Jungang Market

This is known as the Fish Market of Sokcho. I went here with Sheena before we went on seperate ways. We enjoyed walking and taking pictures of the area. 

Abai Village/ Abai Maeul

This is where the North Korean refugees from the Korean war resided. It was a quiet village just right after the Sokcho Bridge/Cheonghodaegyo Bridge. Another reason why people go here is because this is where the famous Koreanovela took place. - Endless Love, Autumn in my Heart.

Remember Jenny and Johnny? This came first before the Winter Sonata.  Tourists would try the boat that only works by pulling the ropes. The boat is called Gaetbae boat. It was the boat that was used to one of the scenes in Autumn in my Hearts. I did not get to ride the boat because the waves were rough. I was lucky enough to be at this place which is considered to be important for both North Korean refugees and the fans of the Autumn in my Heart Koreanovela.

Sokcho Beach

From the Sokcho Bridge/Cheonghodaegyo Bridge, it was an overlooking the entire Sokcho Beach and it became my platform in planning my route going back to the main Sokcho Beach which is also near the Sokcho Bus Terminal. One thing that's different from my South Korean Travel is Sokcho. I might not be able to see the view of Mt Soreaksan but the view of the beach is one thing that you should consider in going to Sokcho. Other than that, it's the Sokcho community. 

Cheonghodaegyo Bridge

 

While I am on my way back to Sokcho beach, I found murals along the way.

 

 

Jodo Island from afar

The 1st Corps War Memorial Monument

I was happy when I returned to Seoul and I came back before Sheena. We got to exchange stories She got her mountain, mine is the sea. 

Do you have plans going to Sokcho, South Korea?

If you want to go to Sokcho from Seoul it could be through Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal. The Express Bus Terminal can be access from Gangbyeon Station Exit 4. You need to buy a bus ticket going to Sokcho which could take 3 - 4 hours. The final destination is the Sokcho Bus Terminal. From there you may start to explore the town of Sokcho. Enjoy!