Oeongchihaebyeon Beach

The original name of Oeongchi is “Dok Quay,” which stems from how the shape of the village looks like a dok (pot) placed upside down. As this name started to be written in Chinese characters in the Joseon Dynasty, it became “Ongjin.” In Choesin Joseonjiri published in 1918 during the Japanese colonial period, it is recorded as Naeongjin and Oeongjin. In 1966, Naeongjin became Daepo-dong (Daepohang Port area) and the name Oeongjin survived in a stone mountain called Oeongchi as well as the port. The Armistice Agreement in 1953 halted the Korean War but a line at the 38th parallel was drawn, which turned Sokcho and its coast the front lines. To protect the safety of the citizens, soldiers began to guard and patrol the eastern coastline, and most of the sections became a military zone restricting civilian access. In the 2000s, the confrontation between the South and North Koreas was alleviated and the city of Sokcho carried out a special tourist zone vitalization project, which made certain areas open to the local residents. In 2014, a trail was established along the large-sized resorts and cliffs. The name of the road opened in 2018 is Badahyanggiro. As the name suggests, it is a trail where you can enjoy the scents of the sea as much as you want. The 1.74km-long Badahyanggiro that continues from Oeongchi Beach to Oeongchi Port along the coast has become a famous attraction of Sokcho. Because it is still a military security zone, civilians can only access it from 9AM to 6PM (5PM in wintertime), but the picturesque scenery of Oeongchi ceaselessly attracts people. As you walk along the road, you will encounter the superb view of Oeongchi created by waves, Madangbau Rock that is as vast as a front yard, and rocks where seals played around, as well as other rocks of diverse sizes. There is an enormous rock called Deokdaebau by the shore on the way to Daepohang Port. Its name came from how deok, or blessings, will come to you if you pray to the rock. Make a prayer to Deokdaebau for the safety of your travel and joy for your family and take home the rock's blessings.

Oeongchi Village is a typical seaside village located at the edge of Daepo-dong. The name, “Oeongchi,” came from Ongchisan Mountain, which resembles the shape of a pot put upside down. Befitting its cozy name, this village has a simple and warm landscape. Most residents are natives who have been living here for generations. They keep a spirit tablet for the guardian deity at a sunny place and perform a folk religious ceremony to place a wooden sculpture in the shape of a human at the entrance to the village once every three years. Near Oeongchi Port, which is known as the smallest port in Sokcho, there are around ten street stalls serving sliced fish. Most of them are run by fishermen. So, the ingredients are fresh and the prices are cheap. As Badahyanggi-ro was recently built, the local seafood restaurants have been transformed to take on a more sophisticated look. But, the freshness of the fish brought straight from fishing boats and the generous service spirit are the same. In the past, public access to Oeongchi Beach was not allowed. However since 2005, it has been opened only for the summer season. Compared to Sokcho Beach, it is small in size. But, Oeongchi Beach with crystal clear water is the last hidden gem in Sokcho. Experience the hidden gem of the East Sea that has been kept a secret for a long period of time.

Almost all tourists coming to Sokcho these days visit Oeongchi Badahyanggi-ro. Completed in 2018, this trail measures 1.74km in length, which is a comfortable walking distance for people of all ages. It is a 20 to 30-minute walk for adults. But, once losing your heart to the mesmerizing color of the sea, you will want to slow your pace. Walking on the trail along the coastal cliffs, you will feel as though you are walking on the sea. On the trail, there are signboards introducing the interesting names of rocks, such as Madang Rock, which is said to be a spot where local residents enjoyed picnics, and Haegu Rock, which means a rock that is a resting area for seals. A coastguard station and a barbwire fence that are located in the middle of the trail also draw attention. In fact, public access to this area has not been allowed for 65 years. Defenses along the East Coast became stricter following the North Korean guerrilla invasion of Uljin and Samcheok in 1968 and soldiers put up a barbwire fence here. However, as tensions between South Korea and North Korea eased, this area was opened to public with a large resort built up on the hill. Oeongchi Badahyanggi-ro also appears in the TV show Encounter starring Park Bo-gum and Song Hye-kyo. In the show, there is a scene where Park Bo-gum is taking a picture, sitting on a wooden bench. This bench became the most popular photo spot on the trail. Although open to the public, this area is still designated as a military operation area. So, the open hours of Oeongchi Badahyanggi-ro are limited. Access may be restricted depending on the weather because it is close to the sea. It is a good idea to check in advance.