Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (SOAO), located on the 1378 m peak Yonwha in the Sobaek Mountains, has been the basic facility of modern Korean astronomy since its establishment in 1978. SOAO has a 61 cm telescope and 2k CCD system. It supports more than 10 observational research programs per year from KASI and/or other research institutes and universities. The main observational fields are photometric monitoring observations of variable stars and transits of extrasolar planets, minor planets, active galactic nuclei, and gamma-ray bursters. In addition, SOAO participates in international observation campaigns such as Gaia follow-up observations. SOAO staff and their colleagues actively present their research by publishing papers in SCI journals. Moreover, SOAO supports research education programs and internship program for students from high schools and universities, such as the Summer/Winter School on CCD photometry data reduction and analysis courses for university students. As part of its public outreach efforts, SOAO provides about 2000 people with an opportunity to visit its astronomical facilities and offers chances to observe heavenly bodies to about 50 small groups every year. Additionally, SOAO offers an idea exchange workshop program between scientists and writers as one of its public outreach programs. A three-day workshop has been held twice yearly, in spring and autumn. Fifty or more writers, producers, and artists take part in the workshops.