Sokcho is one of South Korea’s most northerly cities and has fascinating historical links with North Korea. The DMZ is just an hour to the north, which you can visit on arranged tours. You’ll get an insight into this heavily militarized no man's land, which is set incongruously in a tranquil and picturesque mountain landscape.
There are plenty of leisurely activities in Sokcho, particularly in Seoraksan National Park. There are mountains ripe for hiking, where waterfalls tumble and Buddhist shrines occupy lofty positions. On Sokcho Beach, you can sample gimbap (Korean sushi rolls), made with the freshest catch.