Wanderyn
Abai Village
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · KR

Abai Village

Getting around: Central Sokcho; walk or take a short local bus, then cross via the small hand-pulled ferry (gaetbae) over the channel connecting to the village, a novel short crossing that's part of the experience.
Hours: Open-air neighborhood, accessible anytime; the hand-pulled ferry generally operates daylight hours, roughly 6am-9pm.

Abai Village was settled by refugees who fled from North Korea's Hamgyong region during the Korean War, expecting a temporary stay before returning home — a return that never came, and the community that took root here retains distinct North Korean-influenced food traditions, most famously abai sundae (a regional style of Korean blood sausage) and ojingeo sundae (squid stuffed sundae), both specialties associated specifically with this neighborhood. The short hand-pulled ferry crossing to reach the village, still operated much as it has been for decades, is part of its distinct character.

It gained additional recognition as a filming location for the popular Korean drama Autumn in My Heart, drawing fans of the show alongside visitors interested in the neighborhood's unique refugee history and food culture.

Abai Village FAQs

Why does this village have North Korean food influences?

It was settled by refugees from North Korea's Hamgyong region during the Korean War who expected to return home; that return never happened, and their food traditions took root in the neighborhood.

What is abai sundae?

A regional style of Korean blood sausage associated with this specific neighborhood, reflecting the refugee community's Hamgyong-region food traditions.

How do I cross to the village?

A small hand-pulled ferry (gaetbae) crosses the narrow channel to reach the village, a short, novel part of the visit.

Is this a filming location for a K-drama?

Yes, it was featured in the popular drama Autumn in My Heart, drawing fans of the show.

What else should I try eating here?

Ojingeo sundae (squid stuffed sundae) is another local specialty worth trying alongside the abai-style sausage.

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