Decision to Leave Filming Locations in Sokcho

Capturing the Foggy Romance of Park Chan-wook’s Coastal Masterpiece

Director Park Chan-wook spent months searching the East Coast of Korea for an ocean backdrop shrouded in dense, milky fog—a landscape that felt as quiet, elusive, and haunting as the romance at the heart of his 2022 film Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심). Starring Tang Wei as the mysterious widow Seo-rae and Park Hae-il as the sleepless detective Hae-jun, the movie uses its natural surroundings as an extension of the characters’ psychological state.

When Hae-jun transfers from the bustling city of Busan to the quieter eastern town of Iseo, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. While Iseo itself is a fictional municipality created for the movie, the real-world canvas behind its misty harbors, rolling tides, and quiet police precinct was filmed across Sokcho and neighboring coastal stretches in Gangwon Province. For fans traveling to South Korea, visiting these real-life filming spots offers a chance to step straight into the cool, blue-tinted frames of one of modern cinema’s most acclaimed works.

Sokcho sits nestled between the peaks of Mount Seoraksan and the vast expanse of the East Sea. It is a city known among locals for fresh seafood, cool sea breezes, and sudden dramatic waves of coastal mist. Here is how you can find the iconic Decision to Leave filming locations around Sokcho and experience their cinematic mood for yourself.

Dongmyeong Port and Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion

In the film, Hae-jun spends long, restless nights wandering around the misty harbor area after relocating to the coast. The dark ocean, gently rocking fishing vessels, and weathered piers serve as a visual metaphor for his internal drift as he contemplates his complex feelings for Seo-rae.

In real life, Dongmyeong Port (동명항) is one of Sokcho’s major active fishing harbors, famous for its energetic morning fish auctions and sprawling raw fish market. Directly adjacent to the port lies Yeonggeumjeong (영금정), a landmark area consisting of two traditional pavilions. One pavilion sits high on a rocky ridge, while the other sits at the end of a long stone bridge extending directly over crashing ocean waves. The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from an ancient belief that the sound of waves hitting the sharp rock formations sounded like a traditional Korean zither (geomungo).

How to get there

From Seoul, board an intercity or express bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) or East Seoul Bus Terminal bound for Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. From Sokcho Express Terminal, cross the main street to the bus stop and board local Bus 1, 7, or 9-1 heading north toward Dongmyeong Port. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at the Dongmyeong Port Entrance stop (동명항입구). From there, follow the road toward the water for 5 minutes until you see the stone bridge leading out to Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion.

Sokcho Police Station and Surrounding Precinct Neighborhood

This location provides the exterior setting for the Iseo Police Station in the second half of the movie. It is here that Hae-jun sets up his new office, reviews lingering case notes, and stares out at the quiet, rain-slicked streets during his night shifts.

Sokcho Police Station (속초경찰서) is a fully functioning public safety facility located in central Sokcho. The surrounding neighborhood offers a classic small-town Korean feel, featuring narrow side streets, traditional residential houses, and small family-run corner markets. On clear days, the dramatic granite ridges of Mount Seoraksan rise in the background behind the building, contrasting with the quiet streets below. This juxtaposition between rugged mountains and sleepy city blocks is precisely why the production team selected Sokcho for Hae-jun’s coastal reassignment.

How to get there

If you arrive at Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, the police station precinct is only a 10-minute walk south. Head down Jungang-ro toward the city center, turn left onto Joyang-ro, and the station complex will be visible on your right. If coming from Sokcho Express Terminal, take local Bus 1-1 or 7-1 and disembark at the Sokcho City Hall / Police Station stop (속초시청·속초경찰서입구). Please remember that this is an active municipal building and residential area, so remain mindful of locals and take photographs respectfully from public sidewalks.

Machajin Beach and the Northern Coastal Cliffs

Several crucial outdoor sequences involving crashing waves, steep seaside cliffs, and sea fog were filmed along the northern Gangwon coast just above Sokcho. These shoreline shots emphasize the emotional distance between the characters and the untamed power of the ocean.

Located in Goseong County, just a short ride north of Sokcho city limits, Machajin Beach (마차진해수욕장) is famous among regional travelers for its pristine sand, dramatic rock formations, and clear waters. The unique geography of this stretch of shoreline creates frequent morning ocean fog during spring and early summer, perfectly replicating the exact hazy aesthetic seen in the movie. The nearby rock ledges look directly out into the open East Sea, making it one of the most visually stunning natural backdrops in the region.

How to get there

From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, head to the outside bus stop and board local Bus 1 or 1-1 heading north toward Daejin. This scenic bus route travels along the Gangwon coastline. Stay on the bus for roughly 45 minutes and alight at the Machajin Beach stop (마차진해수욕장입구). Follow the access path down to the shore. Because rural bus intervals can range from 20 to 40 minutes, it is helpful to check real-time arrivals using local navigation apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory

In wide atmospheric transitions throughout the film’s second act, sweeping aerial shots capture the deep blue water meeting the rugged Gangwon coastline. The high vantage point emphasizes the solitude of the coastal setting.

Perched on a high rocky hill directly overlooking Dongmyeong Port and Yeonggeumjeong, the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) has stood as a beacon for local fishing fleets since 1957. Visitors can climb a clean outdoor wooden staircase to reach the top observation deck. From the balcony, you get an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the East Sea horizon, Sokcho Harbor, and the distant peaks of Seoraksan. On overcast or early morning hours, the vantage point offers the exact mood captured in Director Park’s lingering landscape shots.

How to get there

The observatory is directly connected to Yeonggeumjeong by a elevated wooden seaside walking path. From Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, walk north along the cliffside boardwalk for about 3 minutes until you reach the base of the white lighthouse stairs. Climb the stairs to reach the free public observation deck at the top. Always verify local operating hours locally as outdoor stair access may be temporarily restricted during heavy ocean winds or rainfall.

Make a Day of It

Sokcho is one of Korea’s most rewarding coastal destinations because its film locations, food scene, and natural attractions are grouped closely together. Here is how to build a smooth one-day itinerary around your Decision to Leave pilgrimage.

• Morning (08:30 AM – 11:30 AM): Start early at Dongmyeong Port while the morning sea mist is still clinging to the water. Walk along the stone bridge to Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion to photograph the waves crashing against the rocks. Follow the elevated boardwalk up to the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory for panoramic sea views.
• Lunch (12:00 PM – 01:30 PM): Head into the heart of the city to explore Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초관광수산시장), often called Jungang Market. Sokcho is famous across Korea for its local specialties. Try Dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy boneless fried chicken), Ojingeo Sundae (squid stuffed with rice, vegetables, and glass noodles pan-fried in egg batter), or a bowl of spicy cold raw fish soup (Mulhoe).
• Afternoon (02:00 PM – 05:00 PM): Stroll through the quiet neighborhood surrounding Sokcho Police Station to see the quiet town backdrop used for Iseo. Afterward, hop on Bus 1-1 heading north to Machajin Beach for a quiet walking session along the sandy shore and jagged coastal rock formations.
• Evening (05:30 PM – 08:00 PM): Return to main Sokcho Beach to watch the dusk colors settle over the water. Grab a warm tea at a seaside cafe and watch the lights come on across the harbor.

Plan Your Visit

Location / Transit	Rough Time Needed	Rough Budget Range
Dongmyeong Port & Yeonggeumjeong (Bus 1, 7, 9-1)	1–2 hours	Free admission (Market spending extra)
Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (Walk from Yeonggeumjeong)	45–60 mins	Free admission
Sokcho Police Station Precinct (Bus 1-1, 7-1 or 10-min walk)	30–45 mins	Free (Exterior viewing only)
Machajin Beach (Bus 1 or 1-1 North)	1.5–2.5 hours	Free admission (~1,500–2,000 KRW bus fare)

Note: Please verify operating hours, weather conditions, and transport schedules before visiting.

Fan Checklist & Etiquette

• Recommended Photo Route: Dongmyeong Port & Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion → Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory → Sokcho Police Station Precinct → Machajin Beach.
• Morning Fog Timing: Arrive at the harbor and coastal cliffs early in the morning for the best chance of capturing the film’s signature sea fog.
• Police Station Etiquette: Sokcho Police Station is an active public safety building. Take photos discreetly from public sidewalks and do not block entrances or photograph active officers.
• Port & Residential Respect: Keep noise down in residential alleyways, and yield to working fishermen and harbor traffic at Dongmyeong Port.

Key Takeaways

• Sokcho and neighboring Goseong County served as the real-world backdrop for the fictional misty town of Iseo in Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave.
• Key film locations—Dongmyeong Port, Yeonggeumjeong, Sokcho Police Station, and Machajin Beach—are easily connected via local buses and simple walking paths.
• Visiting early in the morning provides the highest chance to experience the authentic blue-tinted coastal mist seen throughout the movie.
• Always maintain location etiquette by respecting local residents, port workers, and active municipal facilities during your visit.

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• Korean Movie Set Tours & K-Drama History
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