Sokcho

Sokcho (;) is a city in Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is located in the far northeast of Gangwon. This city is a major tourist hub, and a popular gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park. Sokcho is home to the lakes Yeongrangho and Cheongchoho, that are naturally created by the East Sea. It was under DPRK control from 1945 to 1950, but on August 18, 1951, the South Korean army captured it. History Sokcho originally was a part of Dongye roughly from the 3rd century to early 5th century BC. Sokcho started from just a fishing village with a few people around Cheongchoho. In 1905, it became one of the major ports because of its geological feature. Since Cheongchoho lake is adjacent to the East Sea, big ships were able to come in and out with ease. Later on, the city Sokcho, linked with Seoul by air and road, became a mineral transfer port in 1937. Upon the division of the Korean peninsula into two countries following World War II, Sokcho was on the North Korean side of the border, but since the Korean War armistice (1953), it has been a part of South Korea. Tourism Seoraksan National Park is located in the vicinity of Sokcho and attracts many domestic and international tourists. The city itself is known for the beach, natural hot springs, and golf courses, as well as fine fishery products.