A glowing nighttime trail and cultural programs breathe new life into Sokcho’s once-quiet Seorak-dong
A year after its opening, “Seorak Hyanggiro”—translated as the Scented Path of Seorak—has emerged as a vibrant cultural and tourism landmark in Sokcho, Gangwon Province. Once a quiet corner of the city, Seorak-dong is seeing new energy as this scenic trail surpasses 350,000 cumulative visitors.
According to Sokcho City on July 31, Seorak Hyanggiro is now firmly established as a four-season, stay-type tourism destination that combines nature, light, and leisure. The trail features a skywalk, a suspension bridge, artistic installations, rest areas, and most notably, illuminated nighttime landscapes that continue to draw visitors well after sunset.
To enhance the experience, the city has continued to invest in lighting infrastructure. In May, it added firefly-style LED lighting to a 200-meter stretch near the riverside pine grove, creating a dreamy, immersive ambiance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
The project’s cultural ambitions extend beyond lighting. On July 25, Seorak Hyanggiro hosted an outdoor live music event titled “Sokcho Busking Tour: Seorak Hyanggiro Edition,” where local musicians performed in the natural setting of Seolhyang Park, delighting both tourists and residents. City officials say they plan to expand or regularize the program into a signature content series that merges music and night tourism.
In tandem with the trail, Sokcho is upgrading nearby infrastructure. Currently under renovation is the former Hong Sam Experience Center, now being transformed into the Seoraksan Cultural Complex, a multipurpose venue for exhibitions, workshops, and community gatherings. Completion is scheduled for the first half of next year, and the facility is expected to synergize with the trail as a hub for cultural exchange.
Mayor Lee Byung-seon commented, “Seorak Hyanggiro has shown us what's possible for revitalizing tourism in Seorak-dong. We will continue to expand the local tourism ecosystem centered on this project.”
Once a forgotten area on the edge of the national park, Seorak-dong is re-emerging as a destination that merges nature, design, and cultural vitality—proof that well-planned public space can reignite a region's spirit.
