The Sky Stairs — a Rooftop Photo Spot over Sokcho Beach

Finished your mulhoe in front of Sokcho Beach? Don’t head straight out just yet. Head to the top floor of our building: there’s a photo spot with the whole sea in view.

So many guests miss it that we often mention it on the way out. “Go up top for a second, the photos come out well.” Most of them come back down saying they’re glad they went up.

Stairs into the sky

The rooftop “Sky Stairs” viewpoint is exactly what it sounds like: a staircase pointing at the sky.

Stand on the steps and behind you sit the open sea and the Sokcho Eye ferris wheel, together in one frame. That shot only works because we’re right on the beach. Move even a little inland and you don’t get it.

On clear days you can see all the way to the horizon, and around sunset you get the sky’s colours plus the ferris wheel lights. Same spot, completely different photo depending on the hour.

Turn away from the sea and you can see the Seoraksan ridgeline. Sea and mountains from one place: that’s Sokcho in a nutshell.

How to get the shot

The short version: shoot from below, angled up, with your subject halfway up the steps. Here’s what we’ve picked up watching guests photograph each other.

Shoot from below, angled up. You get sky and subject in the same frame, and that “climbing into the sky” effect. Crouch slightly and it becomes more dramatic. This is the whole point of the staircase.

Put your subject around the middle of the steps. Too high and you get only sky with no sea. Stand about halfway up, facing the water, and the frame balances well.

For the ferris wheel, face the sea from the stairs. Angle it so the Sokcho Eye sits beside your subject and the photo instantly says “Sokcho.”

On timing:

• 10 a.m. to noon — bright light, vivid blue water. Best for crisp, punchy shots.
• 4–6 p.m. (summer) — less backlight, softer light, best for portraits. Our top recommendation.
• Around sunset — on a good evening the whole sky turns colour. Once it gets dark, faces don’t come out well, so go for silhouettes.

Shoot vertically. The lines of the staircase carry through and it looks far more open.

Who can go up to the Sky Stairs?

• Free for anyone who dines with us. No need to ask, just head up.
• Located on the top floor; dining is on floors 1–3.
• Access may be restricted on very windy days or when it rains or snows, for safety. It’s a rooftop and some days the wind is serious. Thanks for understanding.
• Hold small children’s hands. It’s a staircase and running is dangerous.
• It gets cold in winter. Bring a jacket if you’re heading up for photos.

Make an afternoon of it on foot

The real advantage here is that everything is within a five-minute walk.

Mulhoe → photos on the Sky Stairs → walk along Sokcho Beach → ride the Sokcho Eye.

No moving the car, no driving between stops. Park with us and do the whole afternoon on foot.

In summer, flip the order: swim first, then finish with mulhoe. Cold broth after a long swim is unreasonably good.

More on what’s around in Top 10 things to do in Sokcho, and if you’re planning an overnight, see our two-day, one-night Sokcho itinerary.

Coming in autumn? We’d especially recommend Seoraksan foliage in the morning, then mulhoe and this rooftop to close the day.

See the menu · Directions — 3 min walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal

Get some good photos. And show us if one turns out well. We’re curious too.