Abai Village is a neighbourhood in Cheongho-dong shaped by refugees who came south from Hamgyeong-do during the Korean War. A short visit works best when the village story, the Gaetbae crossing or a local meal is the main reason for going.
Start with the village, not a photo stop
The name “Abai” comes from a Hamgyeong dialect word for an older man. The village’s North Korean-style food and its position by Cheongchoho are part of the same history. Walk the main public lanes, then choose one place to eat; you do not need to treat every mural or doorway as an attraction. The Korea Tourism Organization’s village page explains the ferry and location.
Use the Gaetbae if the crossing fits
The Gaetbae is a small boat without an engine. Passengers pull it along a wire to cross between downtown Sokcho and the village; the crossing takes about five minutes. Check the operator’s current departure and fare information before planning a late return.
Pair it with one nearby stop
After a meal, choose either a section of Cheongcho Lake or Sokcho Tourist & Fisheries Market. Adding both can turn a compact village visit into repeated transfers. If the crossing is not running or someone in the group would rather not board, reach the area by road and keep the lanes and meal as the visit’s main part. If you want more context about the food, the KTO market guide describes Abai Village’s Hamgyeong-style dishes.
For a short Sokcho stop, leave time for the return after the meal.
At a glance
Plan Abai Village around its refugee history, the hand-pulled ferry and one food or harbour stop.