Sokcho City to Open All Beaches on July 3... Four Locations Including New 'Cheongho Beach' to Operate

Sokcho City Launches 52-Day Summer Beach Operation
Sokcho, Lighthouse, Oeongchi, and Cheongho Beaches Open Until August 23
Beaches That Shine Both Day and Night... Enhanced Safety Management

The summer sea of Sokcho City, Gangwon Province, is opening its beaches and officially welcoming vacationers.

Nighttime opening scene of Sokcho Beach. Provided by Sokcho City

This summer, four beaches will be open: Sokcho Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Oeongchi Beach, and Cheongho Beach. These will operate for 52 days, from July 3 to August 23.

Notably, Cheongho Beach, debuting for the first time this year, is a village-level beach, providing citizens and tourists with more options for beach destinations. Cheongho Beach is adjacent to Abai Village and has steadily attracted more visitors after its wide sandy shore and café street became popular on social media. Basic infrastructure such as restrooms and shower facilities is currently being installed for visitor convenience. As the water is not deep and the waves are relatively mild, the beach is expected to be well received by families when it opens.

The city has set its operational goal for this year's beaches as "Beaches that Shine Both Day and Night," focusing on safety management, nighttime tourism, and improved user convenience in its operational plan.

During the opening period, an operations headquarters will be set up at the Sokcho Beach Administrative Support Center, and a water safety management system will be implemented in coordination with relevant agencies, including the police, fire department, and coast guard. In addition, 55 water safety personnel will be deployed, and order maintenance staff will be assigned daily to prevent water accidents and maintain order.

Lighthouse Beach panoramic view. Provided by Sokcho City

Protective nets will also be installed to safeguard vacationers from harmful marine life, such as sharks and jellyfish. An emergency treatment center will operate to both prevent injuries and respond to emergencies.

Swimming will be permitted daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, at Sokcho Beach, to accommodate those seeking the beach during sultry tropical nights, nighttime swimming hours will be extended until 9 p.m. for 23 days, from July 21 to August 12.

A variety of content is being prepared to increase tourist stays and provide more attractions and activities. The nation's largest beach media art event, "Sea of Light, Sokcho," will be held every evening at the South Gate of Sokcho Beach during the nighttime opening period, rather than only on Friday and Saturday evenings as in previous years. From July 31 to August 2, the "Summer Festival" will take place at the outdoor stage area of Sokcho Beach, adding excitement to midsummer nights. Furthermore, the "Silent DJ Party," which received an enthusiastic response last year, will return to the South Gate Square from August 3 to 5, continuing the festive atmosphere.

Facilities for vacationers have also been improved. Unmanned lockers, sand-removing air guns, and foot washers will be available 24 hours a day. A new parking lot with a capacity for 140 cars has been built on idle land near the South Gate sewage treatment plant. Beach wheelchairs and rest areas for people with disabilities will also be available so that everyone can use the beach conveniently.

A panoramic view of Oeongchi Beach. Provided by Sokcho City

Lee Byung-seon, Mayor of Sokcho, stated, "This year, with the opening of Cheongho Beach, Sokcho's summer beach tourism has become even more diverse. We will strive to create a summer destination that satisfies both citizens and tourists through safe and pleasant beach operations and a wide array of summer content."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.