Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal & Deungdae Beach ver.
This article can be considered a Guide to Sokcho introduced by an editor whose front yard was once the Sokcho sea. First, if you plan to visit Sokcho by bus, make sure to check your arrival terminal carefully between the Express Bus Terminal and the Intercity Bus Terminal. Sokcho Beach is a 3-minute walk from the Express Bus Terminal, while Lighthouse Beach is a 15-minute walk from the Intercity Bus Terminal. Sokcho Beach features sculptures, making it a great spot for taking commemorative photos. Recently, the Sokcho Eye Ferris wheel has opened, attracting a steady stream of visitors.
If you want to spend a quiet break after a long time, visiting Lighthouse Beach near the Intercity Bus Terminal is a good option. Lighthouse Beach is also close to the essential Sokcho tourist spot, Jungang Market, making it an excellent choice for walkers. While you shouldn't miss the attractions and eateries, enjoying a cup of coffee while soaking in Sokcho's atmosphere is a must. Today, we recommend three cafes within walking distance so that even walkers can comfortably enjoy Sokcho.
Hindajeong
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Intercity Bus Terminal, it’s a great place to visit before starting your full-fledged Sokcho trip. Hindajeong (茶亭), meaning ‘white and simple teahouse,’ offers drinks made with matcha, handmade desserts, and various shaved ice treats. Unlike the commonly enjoyed snowflake shaved ice, you can try Kakigori (かき氷), a Japanese shaved ice dessert topped with various syrups. Instead of melting softly in your mouth, it offers a crunchy ice texture. Regardless of the season, milk shaved ice, coconut shaved ice, and matcha shaved ice are always available. Especially, seasonal shaved ice made with fresh ingredients and guerrilla shaved ice sold irregularly allow you to enjoy unique flavors every visit. Note that this place does not have a sea view.
Coffee Hae-yo
If you have a book ready, we recommend visiting Coffee Hae-yo. Combining the words coffee (COFFEE) and sea (海), Coffee Hae-yo can be found at the entrance of Lighthouse Beach. Its pure white exterior gives off a cozy home-like vibe, and the interior is warmly decorated with sentimental touches throughout. On the rooftop with a wide lawn, you can fully enjoy the Sokcho sea. Sipping a cup of coffee while gazing at the sea along with freshly baked financiers and scones will naturally bring you relaxation. Coffee Hae-yo offers a comfortable feeling as if you’re visiting a friend’s house, wishing it were my own home...
Cafe Woody
If you want to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Sokcho sea indoors, you must visit here. Many cafes line up along Lighthouse Beach, but one particularly catches the eye?Cafe Woody, reminiscent of a small cabin in the mountains rather than a seaside spot. While there is a terrace, the signature feature is the floor-to-ceiling glass on the second floor. True to its name, the combination of wood, plant decor, and the sea view through the large windows brings peace of mind. You can enjoy homemade fruit syrups in their ade and tea, and recently they have added sandwiches along with madeleines for a diverse experience. If it rains during your Sokcho trip, you can enjoy a sentimental time here.
TMI: Sokcho notably has many places closed on Wednesdays.
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