Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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Just came back from a 3-day workshop retreat in Sokcho, and I’m still carrying the peace it left in me. It's strange how just a short escape from your usual surroundings can reset your entire mindset. Here's a little glimpse into the three quiet, beautiful days that somehow felt much longer.

Day 1 – The Sea

The moment we arrived, we made our way to Mulchi Beach. I hadn't planned to but the ocean called, and I answered. We ended up swimming for nearly three hours, drifting in the clear water, occasionally riding small, gentle waves. There was something unusually calming about that beach. No loud tourists, no chaos - just the sound of waves lapping in rhythm with my breathing.

Day 2 – Slippers and Mountains

The next day was unintentionally adventurous. With no hiking shoes packed (rookie mistake), I somehow hiked to the top of Hwaamsa Temple in slippers. It was my first real hike, and while my footwear wasn't ideal, the view was absolutely worth it. At the summit is Sinsundae, a small flat area where you can look out and see Ulsanbawi Rock towering in the distance. The layers of mountain ridges fading into blue mist, the wind wrapping around my face - it felt like nature was whispering ancient secrets. It reminded me that awe doesn't need to be grand — sometimes it’s just a rock and some silence that take your breath away.

Day 3 – A Temple by the Sea

On the final day, we visited Naksansa Temple, perched above the sea. We wandered through the temple grounds slowly, letting our steps fall in rhythm with the soft temple bells in the distance. Standing before the towering statue of Haesugwaneum Daebul, looking out over the East Sea, I felt something I hadn’t in a while — stillness. Real stillness.

We finished the morning with warm jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge) before making our way back to Chuncheon. The combination of salty ocean air and comforting temple calm has a way of making you reflect - not on your to-do list, but on how good it feels to just be present.

Sokcho gave me that rare chance to pause — to breathe without thinking, to walk without rushing, to exist without effort. And I’m quietly grateful.