Sokcho (Korean: 속초; ) is a city located in the northeast of Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is a major tourist hub, and a popular gateway to nearby Seoraksan national park. Sokcho is home to two lakes, Yeongrangho and Cheongchoho, that are naturally created by the East Sea. It was under North Korean control from 1945 to 1950, before being captured by the South Korean army on August 18, 1951.