---
node: spot_sokcho_yeongnangho
type: spot
slug: yeongnangho
destination: dest_sokcho
title: "Yeongnang Lake"
lead: "Yeongnang Lake is a lagoon at the north edge of Sokcho, cut off from the sea by a sandbar and ringed by a seven-kilometre walking and cycling path. Seoraksan stands behind it on a clear day."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: spot_sokcho_yeongnangho.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%EC%98%81%EB%9E%91%ED%98%B8_04.jpg"
image_author: "Grapesurgeon"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 4.0"
---

## Overview

The lake takes its name from a Silla-era hwarang, one of the youth corps, who is said to have been so taken by the water that he forgot to return to the capital. It is brackish, shallow and full of birds in winter, when migratory ducks and swans use it. The circuit path is flat the whole way and has a floating deck section over the water on the eastern side.

## Highlights

Walk or cycle the full circuit in about ninety minutes; bicycles are rented at the northern car park. Come in late afternoon, when the mountains catch the light and the lake goes still. In winter the bird hides on the west shore are the reason to bring binoculars.