Sokcho Travel Highlights: Yeongnangjeong Pavilion, Sokcho Sunrise, Yeongnangjeong Pavilion Observatory
Sokcho, located in Gangwon Province, offers various tourist attractions and beautiful natural landscapes. Below is a recommended course for Sokcho travel, including Yeongnangjeong:
- Yeongnangjeong Observatory:
- A beautiful observatory where you can enjoy the sunrise in the morning.
- Features both a traditional pavilion and a modern observatory, so be sure to visit both places.
- Sokcho Dongmyeonghang and Dongmyeonghang Market:
- Dongmyeonghang is a representative port in Sokcho, offering fresh seafood and local specialties.
- Explore the Dongmyeonghang Market to taste local food and Sokcho’s specialties.
- Sokcho Beaches:
- Sokcho is famous for its beautiful beaches. Central Beach and Deokpo Beach are great places to enjoy swimming and leisure time in the summer.
- Sokcho Daepo Port Area:
- There are various restaurants and cafes around Daepo Port. A stroll with the backdrop of Daepo Port will create a relaxing time.
- Sokcho Central Market:
- At the Central Market, you can purchase local specialties and fresh agricultural products. It’s a great place to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
The above travel course offers a diverse range of enjoyable activities, providing a great way to appreciate Sokcho’s beautiful nature and culture.
Even though I’ve visited Sokcho many times, I had never been to Yeongnangjeong before. For some reason, I always ended up going to Dongmyeonghang countless times.
So, this time, I made up my mind and went up to Yeongnangjeong. The observatory is on a hill, and in the past, our ancestors would have captured the panoramic view of the East Sea from here. During the time when Dongmyeonghang Pier did not exist as it does now, Yeongnangjeong would have been even closer to the edge of the sea.
Yeongnangjeong has two main attractions: the traditional pavilion built in the past and the modern observatory at the end of the sea. Both are adjacent to each other, and it takes less than 30 minutes to explore both, so I recommend visiting both places.
The newly built Sokcho Yeongnangjeong Observatory is on a hill and provides a more convenient vantage point for enjoying the sunrise over the East Sea. It seems designed to allow for a more comfortable viewing experience of the sunrise over the sea and the atmosphere of the crashing waves on the rocky shore.
I used to think that this observatory was the real Yeongnangjeong, but to my surprise, when I looked to the left from the bridge, I spotted a small pavilion. Ah, that must be the Yeongnangjeong Pavilion for sunrise.
So, I couldn’t resist and had to go there as well. The view from the newly built Yeongnangjeong is a common sight, not at a high elevation, but it’s worth a visit, especially if you are in Dongmyeonghang.
The view from the newly built Sokcho Yeongnangjeong, looking at Dongmyeonghang and the surrounding rocky coast, is a typical Sokcho Yeongnangjeong landscape. Although not at a high altitude, it’s a place worth stopping by when visiting Dongmyeonghang.
The old seafood restaurant where we had a gathering is also visible. The location of Daeseon Hweatjib (대선횟집) offers a satisfying view of the sea, allowing you to enjoy your meal while looking at the waves directly through the building’s large windows.
Now, I climb the stairs next to it to see the original Yeongnangjeong landscape. It only takes about 5 minutes to climb a few stairs.
The view from the old Yeongnangjeong Observatory was even more impressive. If it weren’t for the chilly weather, I might have stayed longer to feel the charm of the East Sea. This was probably in mid-April.
Looking from Yeongnangjeong at Dongmyeonghang, you can see Sokcho’s landmark, the Ferris wheel, and the red lighthouse in the distance. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the lighthouse, which is a pleasant stroll on a good day.
In the corner of the Sokcho Dongmyeonghang parking lot, there is a pavilion that serves as both a traditional gazebo and a sunrise viewing platform. It’s a must-visit among the attractions in Sokcho’s Dongmyeonghang.
✔ When in Dongmyeonghang, be sure to visit Yeongnangjeong and the lighthouse.
✔ The lighthouse is about a 5-minute walk from Yeongnangjeong, taking the path behind.
✔ Note that the lighthouse has quite a few steep stairs, so it may be challenging for the elderly.
Climbing to the top of the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Sokcho city, and from Yeongnangjeong, you can see the Dongmyeonghang landscape.