Sokch'o

Sokch'o in north-eastern Korea is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush green valleys, waterfalls, Buddhist temples and shrines. It is also the gateway to one of Korea's most beautiful national parks, Mount Soraksan National Park.

Soraksan has granite peaks and dense forests and is divided into Inner (Nae Sorak) and Outer Sorak (Oe Sorak) by its highest peak, Taech'ongbong, which rises 1,708 metres above sea level.

The village of Sorakdong is in the centre of Outer Sorak and the entrance to Mount Soraksan. It is fully equipped with hotels, camp sites, stores, parking, and a cable car to take visitors up the mountain.

Osaek village is in the centre of South Sorak and is the starting point of the shortest and easiest routes up to Taech'ongbong Peak. This village is also famous for the Osaek Mineral Waters and hot springs which contain a host of minerals known to relieve digestive ailments, skin diseases and nervous disorders.

Naksansa Temple has a seven-storey pagoda and a 16 metre tall image of Buddha, the largest in Asia.

Nearby, Naksan Beach can accommodate up to 50,000 people.

Also worth a visit is the Paektamsa Temple deep in the mountain valley in Inner Sorak. It was built by Monk Chajang during the Shilla Kingdom and the scenery surrounding the building is truly breathtaking.