Top-ranked tourist destination in Gangwon and No. 1 among non-capital-area visits.
Sokcho Tourist and Fisheries Market has ranked first in navigation searches among tourist destinations in Gangwon Province for several consecutive years, and last year it also topped the list of most-visited locations outside the capital area, reaffirming its status as a major nationwide attraction.
According to data released by SK Telecom Newsroom, TMAP Mobility analyzed movement data from January 1 to November 24, 2025, and found that Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 ranked first in the capital area, while Sokcho Tourist and Fisheries Market ranked first outside the capital region.
Among the top 50 non-capital-area destinations, three locations in Sokcho were included, such as Sokcho Beach (15th) and the Seorak Cable Car (45th), indicating that the city has firmly established itself as a leading tourism hub on the east coast. In Gangwon Province, Gangneung Jungang Market (24th), Naksansa Temple (28th), and Gyeongpo Beach (29th) also placed within the top group.
The market has also consistently ranked at the top among tourist destinations in Gangwon in navigation search data analyzed by the Korea Tourism Data Lab of the Korea Tourism Organization since 2018. This analysis is likewise based on data provided by TMAP Mobility.
While search data may not perfectly reflect actual visitor numbers, high search volumes indicate strong public interest. In fact, the market is typically packed on weekends, public holidays, and during peak travel seasons.
The market features a dense cluster of eateries offering local specialties such as Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken), Abai Sundae, Squid Sundae, and Sundaeguk, along with shops selling seafood and Jeotgal (fermented seafood). A raw fish center located underground allows visitors to enjoy fresh fish, making it possible to experience dining, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place. Access has also improved significantly with the addition of large parking facilities.
Nearby attractions such as Cheongho-dong Abai Village and the traditional Gaetbae ferry experience, unique to Sokcho, further enhance tourism connectivity. Efforts by the merchants’ association, including friendly service campaigns and initiatives to promote fair trading practices, are also seen as contributing to the market’s continued popularity.
Sokcho City plans to further develop the market into a global tourist destination by expanding facilities and creating new content for international visitors.
Source: Sokcho City Office
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