Photo: Nongoldam-gil Street
Donghae, one of the easternmost cities of
Korea, is surrounded by mountains on one side and an ocean on the
other. This brings an immensity of natural resources and attractions
waiting to be discovered in the area. Popular tourist sites include
Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock,
Mukho Port,
Nongoldam-gil Street,
Mureung Valley,
and many others. Day trips will likely be insufficient to cover all of
these beautiful spots, therefore we recommend making plans to last for
two days at least, with certain points to visit in mind. For the
non-expert planning out a trip by oneself, here are some good
suggestions to help you make the most of your trip.
Muk is inkstone that was traditionally
used for paintings and writings in ancient times. Ancestors used the
stone by mixing it with water, making it into a pitch-black ink. People
back then saw the resemblance of color with the Mukho, therefore it
ended up being named after it.
Opened in 1941, this port used to be the most prolific trading
dock in the eastern region, transporting the nation's largest coal
cargo for export. But as the mining industry slowly declined, the
port's role shifted into recession. Although it now has become a quiet
fishing center, the village's fish markets are still full of energy,
bustling at dawn every morning with fishmongers and buyers.
☞ Address: Mukhojin-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
☞ How to get there: From Donghae Bus Terminal, take a taxi to the market.
(Total travel time: approx. 10 min.)
Nongoldam-gil Street, a warm and friendly mural village
The neighborhood of
Nongoldam-gil Street is stacked with slate-roofed houses, cheerfully dotted with vibrant colors on each. This
doldam-gil,
literally meaning “stone-walled street,” spreads into four smaller
alleys that add more charm for you to enjoy. Discovering various themes
as you walk through Nongol 1-gil, Nongol 2-gil, Nongol 3-gil, and
Deungdaeoreum-gil, visitors will be able to see witty paintings on the
wall, such as the one and only Mukhobucks café, as well as the ajumma
(middle-aged woman) as superwoman, and also more affectionate memories
of Mukho Port.
This street was also featured in the TV dramas
The Inheritors (2013) and
Shining Inheritance
(2009), both of which filmed romantic scenes here. If you can remember
each story line, following the path of the main characters in the
films is a fun activity to try. Make sure to visit the orange-colored
slate house and rope bridge to take pictures, which will leave you with
a fantastic souvenir to take home.
☞ Address: Nongol 3-gil, Mukhojin-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (Mukho Lighthouse)
☞ How to get there: From Manmul Market (만물슈퍼),
walk following the trails leading up to Mukho Lighthouse, then continue
to the rope course, which offers the best viewing attractions.
Bukpyeong 5-Day Market, the largest traditional market in Gangwon-do
Photo: Fresh seafood feast found at stands of Bukpyeong 5-Day Market
Bukpyeong-dong in Donghae-si comes alive during the
Bukpyeong 5-Day Market,
which is held on days when the date ends with the number 3 or 8
(roughly every five days). The market's history goes back to around the
year 1796 in the Joseon Dynasty, during the reign of King Jeongjo. It
became the largest and oldest traditional market in the Gangwon-do
region. Watching sellers and buyers from various regions come to
bargain is a unique experience in which to partake. If you'd like to
catch a glimpse of this, make sure to check your dates to make sure the
market is open when you go.
☞ Address: 137 Daedong-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (Bukpyeong-dong Community Service Center)
☞ How to get there: From Bukpyeong-dong Community Service Center, start browsing the neighborhood and the market areas.
Witness a beautiful sunrise at Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock
Chuam Beach, located at the boundary of the cities of Donghae and Samcheok, is famous for
Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock,
which is loved by all visitors, photographer or not, for its gorgeous
sunrise views. The magnificent beauty of the sun slowly peeking its way
over the edge of the rock face draws hoards of visitors who line up to
catch the view in the right spot. While in the area, visiting nearby
attractions like Chuam Sculpture Park will also give you a gorgeous
backdrop to take some memorable pictures.
☞ Address: 2-ho Chotdaebawi-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
☞ How to get there: From Chuam Sculpture Park, continue walking towards Chuam Beach, where you will find a signpost for Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock
Cheongok Cave, nature's downtown monument
Photo: Inside view of Cheongok Cave
Cheongok Cave
is a limestone cave that extends horizontally for 1,400 meters.
Estimated to have been created 400 to 500 million years ago, it is the
only natural cave located in the downtown area of Donghae, and the
longest of its kind in Korea. Accidently discovered when construction
workers were digging on a residential site, the cave was subsequently
well protected since then. It is safely maintained to keep its original
condition. The cave is also highly recognized by researchers for its
speleological evidence and other rare rocks and formations. Visitors to
the cave are required to wear safety helmets, which are available
on-site.
☞ Address: 50 Donggul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
☞ How to get there: Approximately 20-minute taxi ride from Cheongok Cave
☞ Hours: Regular hours 08:00-17:30 (Hours are subject to change depending on the season.)
☞ Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teens 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won
Mureung Valley, a hidden paradise
Photo: Ssangpok Falls
Mureung Valley, which spans from Hoamso Pond to
Yongchu Waterfall,
refers to a four-kilometer stretch where, according to legend, a tiger
drowned to death. Another legend has it that it was formed by the gods
for them to come down and play to enjoy the lavish natural views from
the valley floor. Near the entrance
sits a gigantic rock called Mureung Banseok, which stretches
from
Samhwasa Temple to Yongchu Waterfall,
and is roughly estimated to be able to hold 1,000 people or provide
a nice nice table for the gods to throw a party.
☞ Address: 538 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
☞ How to get there: Approximately 35-minute of taxi ride from Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock
☞ Admission: Adults 2,000 won / Teens 1,500 won / Children 700 won
More Info
☞ Recommended itinerary (2 days)
Day 1: Mokho Port → Nongoldam-gil Street → Bukpyeong 5-Day Market
Day 2: Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock → Cheongok Cave → Mureung Valley
☞ Transportation: Seoul to Donghae
1.
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal → Donghae Intercity Bus Terminal
(Fare: 16,800 won / Travel time: approx. 2 hrs 50 min)
2.
Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line) →
Donghae Express Bus Terminal
(Fare: 16,800 won (regular), 24,800 won (deluxe) / Travel time: approx. 3 hrs 5 min)
☞ Donghae City Tour: www.dhtour.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Mangsang Beach Tourism Information Center:
+82-33-530-2800 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian) / Language service schedules may vary by dates.
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more updates about Korea Tourism, Like/Follow these following
Official SNS Accounts of Korea Tourism Organization both Korea and
Manila Office.
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