Abai Village is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Sokcho. The neighborhood was formed by refugees who came south during the Korean War, many of them from Hamgyeong-do in what is now North Korea.
Families initially hoped that they would soon return home. When that became impossible, they built new lives on the sandy land between Cheongchoho Lake and the East Sea.
Today, visitors come to ride the hand-pulled Gaetbae ferry, walk through the village, try local dishes such as Abai sundae and ojingeo sundae, and see a side of Sokcho that is very different from Seoraksan or the city’s beaches.
The village is compact and easy to combine with Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market, making it suitable for travelers without a car.
π Location: Cheongho-dong, Sokcho
π Village admission: Free
⛴ Gaetbae adult fare: 500 won one way
π§ Elementary school child: 300 won one way
⏱ Ferry crossing: Approximately 3–5 minutes
π Suggested visit: 2–3 hours including a meal
πΆ Walking difficulty: Easy
π½ Local food: Abai sundae, stuffed squid and Hamheung-style naengmyeon
π Village and ferry: Open year-round, weather permitting
π Village parking: Available free of charge
Where Is Abai Village?
Abai Village is in Cheongho-dong, between Cheongchoho Lake and the East Sea. Although the waterway makes it feel separated from downtown, the village is close to Sokcho’s central market and main commercial area.
The Gaetbae ferry provides the most memorable approach. It crosses the narrow waterway between the village and downtown Sokcho near Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market.
122-1 Cheongho-ro,
Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do,
South Korea
Korean address: κ°μνΉλ³μμΉλ μμ΄μ μ²νΈλ‘ 122-1
Why Is Abai Village Historically Important?
During the Korean War, refugees from northern Korea moved south to escape the fighting. Many people from Hamgyeong-do eventually settled in Sokcho because the city was close to the eastern coast and appeared geographically near their former homes.
Most did not expect their stay to become permanent. They built simple houses, worked in fishing and manual labor, and waited for the opportunity to return north. For many families, that opportunity never came.
The word “Abai” comes from a Hamgyeong-do dialect expression for an older man, carrying a familiar meaning similar to grandfather or elder.
Some old houses and narrow streets remain, although the village has changed considerably as tourism and modern development have grown around it. Murals throughout the neighborhood express memories of hometowns, family separation and the difficult lives of the displaced residents.
The ferry and food are enjoyable, but understanding why the community formed gives the visit much more meaning. Abai Village is a living neighborhood shaped by displacement, separation and rebuilding.
What Is the Gaetbae Ferry?
The Gaetbae is a small, rectangular ferry without a conventional engine. It crosses a waterway of approximately 50 meters between central Sokcho and Abai Village.
Two steel cables hold the ferry on its route. Metal hooks are placed over the cable and pulled by hand, gradually moving the boat toward the opposite dock. Passengers can often help pull under the guidance of the operator.
The crossing only takes a few minutes, but it is one of Sokcho’s most distinctive local experiences. Before the construction of nearby bridges, the ferry was also a practical connection between Cheongho-dong and downtown Sokcho.
Gaetbae Ferry Hours
05:00–23:00
November–April
05:30–22:30
The ferry operates throughout the year, but hours can change because of wind, rain, maintenance or other local conditions.
Gaetbae Ferry Fare
Elementary school child: 300 won one way
Bicycle or two-wheeled vehicle: 500 won
Handcart: 500 won
Sokcho resident with identification: Free
The official passenger capacity is 32 people. During busy weekends and holiday periods, visitors may need to wait for the next crossing.
Ferry operations are weather-dependent. If the Gaetbae is temporarily suspended, Abai Village can still be reached using the road and bridge connections.
Gaetbae Ferry Dock Location
The official ferry address is different from the main Abai Village address. Travelers approaching from downtown Sokcho should navigate to the ferry dock near the central market.
51 Jungangbudu-gil,
Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Korean address: κ°μνΉλ³μμΉλ μμ΄μ μ€μλΆλκΈΈ 51
Searching for μμ΄κ°―λ°° in Naver Map or KakaoMap usually provides clearer local navigation than entering only “Abai Village.”
How Much Walking Is Involved?
The main village is compact and suitable for an easy walk. Visitors can see the ferry, food street, smaller alleys and murals without covering a long distance.
A basic ferry crossing, village walk and meal can comfortably fit into two or three hours. Those who want more scenery can continue toward Seorak Bridge, Geumgang Bridge or the Cheongchoho waterfront.
A longer local walking course passes through the area, but completing a full trail is not necessary to appreciate the village.
Quick ferry and village walk: About 1 hour
Village, food and photographs: 2–3 hours
Extended bridge and waterfront walk: Half a day
What to Eat in Abai Village
Food in Abai Village is closely connected with the families who settled here. Recipes from Hamgyeong-do were preserved and adapted using ingredients available around Sokcho.
Abai Sundae
Abai sundae is larger and more substantial than the small sausage commonly sold at Korean street-food stalls. A casing is filled with a seasoned mixture and steamed before being sliced.
The ingredients and preparation vary between restaurants, so two versions may taste noticeably different.
Ojingeo Sundae
Ojingeo sundae uses a squid body as the outer casing. It is filled with a seasoned mixture, cooked and sliced into rings. Some restaurants coat the slices in egg before frying them on a pan.
It is one of Sokcho’s best-known foods and can be an easier introduction for visitors who are unsure about traditional blood sausage.
Hamheung-Style Naengmyeon
These cold, chewy noodles reflect the culinary influence of Hamheung in northern Korea. Versions topped with seasoned pollack are particularly associated with Sokcho and the surrounding east coast.
Gajami Sikhae
Gajami sikhae is a fermented flatfish dish seasoned with grain and spices. Its distinctive flavor may be unfamiliar to first-time visitors, but it represents an important food tradition carried south by displaced families.
A mixed sundae plate and one noodle dish usually provide more variety than ordering two large servings of the same food. Check the menu and portion size before ordering.
What Else Can You See?
Village Alleys and Murals
Leave the main restaurant strip and walk through some of the smaller streets. The narrow layout gives a clearer sense of how the community developed on limited land.
Some murals focus on displacement and memories of northern hometowns, while others are newer and designed mainly for visitors. Together, they show how the village balances historical memory with tourism.
Seorak Bridge and Geumgang Bridge
The bridges provide a higher view over Abai Village, Cheongchoho Lake, the harbor and central Sokcho. They are particularly attractive in the late afternoon when the light becomes softer.
The bridge walk requires more time and may include slopes or stairs, so it is optional rather than essential.
Cheongchoho Waterfront
The nearby waterfront is useful for a quieter walk after eating. Reflections across the lake and lights from central Sokcho become more noticeable around sunset and early evening.
Best Time of Day to Visit
Morning is quieter and suitable for walking or photographing the alleys. Some restaurants may not yet be open if you arrive very early.
Lunch is convenient for trying local food but can be busy around well-known restaurants.
Late afternoon offers the best balance for many visitors. There is enough daylight to explore the village, followed by time for an early dinner and a waterfront walk near sunset.
Evening can be atmospheric because the ferry runs late during much of the year. Individual restaurants and shops set their own hours, however, and may close much earlier than the ferry.
Arrive in the late afternoon, cross on the Gaetbae, explore the village, eat a local dish and finish with a waterfront or bridge walk before sunset.
How to Get to Abai Village
From Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market
Walk from the market toward the Gaetbae dock and take the ferry across the waterway. This is the most enjoyable approach and combines two central Sokcho attractions without moving a car.
From Sokcho Express or Intercity Bus Terminal
Use a local bus or taxi to reach either Abai Village or the central market area. Check Naver Map or KakaoMap for the current route because local bus numbers and departure intervals can change.
From Seoul
Travel from Seoul to Sokcho by express or intercity bus. After arriving, treat Abai Village, the central market and Cheongchoho waterfront as one central Sokcho itinerary.
By Car
Parking is available in the village area. Once parked, explore the ferry, village and nearby waterfront on foot rather than driving between every stop.
Do not rely on an old local bus timetable. Confirm the route on the day of travel and check the last connection if returning to a bus terminal in the evening.
Accessibility and Family Visits
The central village and ferry area involve relatively easy walking compared with Sokcho’s mountain attractions. Families may find the Gaetbae especially memorable because passengers can see how the cable moves the ferry.
Official tourism information lists parking, accessible parking and an accessible restroom in the wider village area. Conditions inside older buildings and small restaurants may vary.
Visitors who have difficulty with slopes or stairs can stay around the main village and ferry area rather than extending the walk onto the bridges.
Is Abai Village Worth Visiting in Rain?
Light rain does not necessarily ruin the visit because restaurants and cafes provide places to stop indoors. The main streets can still be explored with an umbrella.
Strong wind, heavy rain and poor visibility are more important concerns because they can affect ferry operation and remove much of the appeal of the bridge views.
If the Gaetbae is suspended, use the road connection to reach the village and check for an official operational update before waiting at the dock.
Recommended 2–3 Hour Route
1. Start at Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market.
2. Walk to the Gaetbae ferry dock.
3. Cross the waterway on the hand-pulled ferry.
4. Explore the village alleys and murals.
5. Eat Abai sundae, stuffed squid or naengmyeon.
6. Walk toward the bridge or Cheongchoho waterfront.
7. Enjoy the late-afternoon or sunset view.
8. Return toward central Sokcho.
This route combines modern Korean history, local food and waterfront scenery without using the entire day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abai Village worth visiting with only one day in Sokcho?
Yes. It is close to central Sokcho and can be combined with the market and waterfront in two or three hours without a long transfer.
Do I have to take the Gaetbae ferry?
No. Roads and bridges also connect the village. The ferry is simply the most memorable approach and an important part of the neighborhood’s identity.
Is Abai Village mainly a food destination?
Food is a major attraction, but the refugee history, village streets and ferry distinguish the area from an ordinary restaurant district.
Can I pay for the ferry by card?
Payment arrangements can change. Carry a small amount of cash and check the current payment method at the dock or ticket machine.
How long should I stay?
Allow two or three hours for the ferry, village walk, meal and photographs. Add more time for the bridges or an extended waterfront walk.
Final Planning Advice
Do not treat Abai Village as a place to take one photograph, eat sundae and immediately leave. Cross the waterway slowly, walk through some of the smaller streets and remember why the community began here.
The most balanced visit combines four elements: the Gaetbae ferry, refugee history, local food and the waterfront landscape around Cheongchoho.
Before visiting, check the weather and current ferry operation. Everything else can be explored comfortably without a complicated schedule.
Place: Abai Village (μλ°μ΄λ§μ)
Ferry: Sokcho Gaetbae / Cheongho Ferry (μμ΄κ°―λ°°·μ²νΈλμ )
Ferry inquiry: 010-4349-6231
Village inquiry: +82-33-633-3171
Operating hours, fares and weather-related suspensions can change. Confirm the latest information before visiting.
Official Sokcho Gaetbae Ferry Information
VISITKOREA — Abai Village
VISITKOREA — Abai Village Ferry
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