A sentimental journey through Donghae, the eastern end of Korea

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.

Mukho Port, a sea of nostalgia

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) 

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