Sokcho

Sokcho 속초시
Municipal City
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul
• Hanja
• Revised Romanization	Sokcho-si
• McCune-Reischauer	Sokch'o-si
Sokcho and Expo tower
Flag Emblem of Sokcho
Location in South Korea
Coordinates: 38°12′25″N 128°35′31″E / 38.20694°N 128.59194°E / 38.20694; 128.59194
Country	South Korea
Region	Gwandong
Administrative divisions	10 dong
Area
• Total	105.25 km2 (40.64 sq mi)
Population (2001)
• Total	89,461
• Density	850/km2 (2,200/sq mi)
• Dialect	Gangwon
Climate	Cfa

Sokcho (속초; (Korean pronunciation: [sok̚.tɕʰo])) is a city in Gangwon-do province, South Korea. It is located in the far northeast of Gangwon-do. Lying north of the 38th parallel, the city belonged to North Korea from 1945 until the end of the Korean War, when the dividing line between the two Korean states was officially altered. Abai Maeul was originally set up as an area to house North Korean refugees in Sokcho due to the separation of the two Koreas. Consequently, many of the population have relatives in North Korea. Today, Sokcho receives a number of tourists attracted by the closeness to the DMZ. The city is also a well-known gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park.

Until the opening of the airport in Yangyang County, Sokcho had its own airport, linking the city to Seoul. The city still attracts many national and international tourists, not only because of Seorak-san, but also because of its fine fishery products. The beach of Sokcho has a good reputation, and is open all year round with the summer months being the most popular. There are natural hot springs in Sokcho, some of which have been developed into spas and pleasure swimming halls. There are also golf courses which are popular because of their natural surroundings.

The nearby Yeongrangho lake is renowned for its beauty. The reflection of Seorak-san and its Ulsan-bawi are particularly popular. There are a number of well-preserved Buddhist temples in the area around Sokcho. The main building of the Sinheungsa temple (Geukrakbojeon) is a popular tourist destination (originally built in the 15th century). Also popular is the Hyangseongsaji samcheung seoktap, a three storey pagoda of 4.3 metres. It dates from 652 and is located at the site of the Hyangseongsa temple. Sokcho is home to one of the few lakes naturally created by the sea.