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  Donghae City, South Korea, is a hidden gem filled with stunning beaches and diverse tourist attractions. This guide recommends the top 10 must-visit destinations in Donghae, perfect for a memorable trip with family and friends.

Chuam Beach

  Chuam Beach is a famous scenic spot known for the Candlestick Rock (Chotdaebawi), the thrilling suspension bridge, a beautiful beach, and a sculpture park. Its wide, fine sandy beach is ideal for children to play and swim in the summer. Beyond the peak season, the surrounding walking trails and various sights make it a charming destination year-round. Don't miss the spectacular sunrise view where strangely shaped rock formations blend with the sea. For those who enjoy camping, the Chuam Auto Campsite, located right behind the beach, is a great place to stay while enjoying the scenic views.

     

Chuam Beach

Chuam Candlestick Rock & Suspension Bridge

  The path to the Candlestick Rock goes up a small hill. It's a short, gentle climb that is well worth the effort. Just past the rock, you'll find a newly built coastal walkway. Follow this path and cross the small suspension bridge to get a closer look at the beautiful East Sea.

Chuam Candlestick Rock and suspension bridge

Mureung Byeolyucheonji

  Mureung Byeolyucheonji is a tourist site developed from a limestone quarry that was in operation for about 40 years. It is full of diverse activities and sights, with an emerald-colored lake at its center. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, and in June, the site hosts a lavender festival, covering the landscape in a beautiful shade of purple.

     

Mureung Byeolyucheonji

• Travel Tips
  • Since Mureung Byeolyucheonji was a quarry, it's quite large but has very little shade. Be sure to bring a parasol or a hat. (Umbrellas and parasols are available for rent near the ticket office.)
    
    
  • For a breathtaking panoramic view, visit the Dumireu Observatory to see the entire landscape of Mureung Byeolyucheonji.      
    
    
•     Admission Fees     
  • Entrance Fee: Adults ₩6,000 (approx. $4.50 USD) / Children ₩3,000 (approx. $2.25 USD) / Toddlers ₩2,000 (approx. $1.50 USD)
    
    
  • Residents of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province receive a 50% discount.     
    
    
  • For integrated pass fees, please refer to the official website. 
    
    
• Experience Facilities
• Sky Glider: A four-person ride that gives you the sensation of flying. (Fee: ₩30,000 / $22.50 USD; Two rides: ₩55,000 / $41.25 USD)
  
  
• Alpine Coaster: Reaching speeds of up to 40km/h (25 mph), this ride is equipped with safety sensors and an automatic braking system for a thrilling yet safe experience. (Fee: ₩20,000 / $15 USD; Two rides: ₩35,000 / $26.25 USD)
  
  
• Off-Road Luge: A non-powered gravity cart ride. (Fee: ₩15,000 / $11.25 USD; Two rides: ₩25,000 / $18.75 USD)   
  
  
• Roller Coaster Zipline: A 300m (984 ft) curved zipline ride. (Fee: ₩20,000 / $15 USD; Two rides: ₩35,000 / $26.25 USD)

Mureung Valley (Mureung Banseok, Samhwasa Temple)

Mureung Valley is a 4km (2.5 miles) long valley that stretches from Hoamso Lake to Yongchu Waterfall, nestled at the foot of Dutasan and Cheongoksan mountains. It's a great place for swimming in the summer or a light trek to Yongchu Waterfall to enjoy the stunning autumn foliage.

     

Mureung Valley

• Mureung Banseok: This is a large, flat rock that can accommodate many people. The water here is shallow, making it perfect for children to play in. Mureung Banseok is a popular spot, especially in the summer, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool off in the valley's refreshing waters.
  
  
• Samhwasa Temple: A historic temple built during the Silla Dynasty, it houses valuable artifacts, including the Three-Story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No. 1277) and the Iron Seated Vairocana Buddha (Treasure No. 1292). Located in Mureung Valley, Samhwasa offers beautiful natural scenery year-round, with stunning flowers in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage.  

Cheongok Golden Bat Cave

This limestone cave was discovered by accident during an apartment construction in 1991, right in the middle of the city. It's known to be a habitat for the endangered golden bat. After exploring the cave, visitors can also check out the cave exhibition hall, fossil exhibition hall, a nature learning park, and the GG PARK virtual reality experience center. The cave's internal temperature is around 14°C (57°F), so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket, even in summer. Also, the cave floor can be damp and slippery, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is highly recommended.

     

        Cheongok Golden Bat Cave            

Hanseom Beach

  This is a small but incredibly beautiful and quiet beach. It's a great place for a peaceful stroll along the well-maintained boardwalk, which offers numerous photo zones. The tunnel photo zone is especially popular—place your camera inside the tunnel and capture a stunning shot with the blue sea and sky as your backdrop. The beach is also beautifully lit at night, offering a fantastic evening view. Hanseom Beach is an excellent spot to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the East Sea.

     

Hanseom Beach

Dodam-i Valley Sky Valley

  Dodam-i Valley, located between Mukho Lighthouse and Wolso residential area, gets its name from "Dodam-i," a local dialect word for "Dokkaebi" (a type of goblin). Dodam-i Valley Sky Valley offers a thrilling experience with breathtaking views of the East Sea. It features various attractions like a Skywalk, a Skycycle, and a Giant Slide. The Skywalk has a transparent glass floor that makes you feel like you're walking in the sky. The Skycycle and Giant Slide provide an exhilarating ride. With many goblin-themed photo zones, it's also a great place for taking pictures. We also recommend visiting the Haerang Observatory, located right next to the port.

     

Dodam-i Valley Sky Valley

Haerang Observatory

  This is a maritime observatory built over the sea, offering the unique experience of walking on water. With a glass floor, you can watch the waves crashing beneath your feet. At night, the observatory is lit up, creating an even more beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

     

Haerang Observatory

Mukho Port

  Mukho Port is a bustling hub where people catch ferries to Ulleungdo Island. It's conveniently located near other famous Donghae attractions like Dodam-i Valley Sky Valley, Haerang Observatory, and Nongol Village. Right across from the port is the Mukho Market, a lively place with many restaurants and dried seafood shops. Here, you can buy fresh seafood like red snow crabs or sashimi at affordable prices and have them prepared for a small table setting fee. It's a great stop during your trip to enjoy a delicious seafood meal and experience a local market.

     

Mukho Port

Mukho Nongol Village

  Located near Mukho Port, Nongol Village has become a popular spot thanks to the unique murals painted by artists on its old hillside houses. After a meal at the port, you can walk to the nearby Dodam-i Valley Sky Valley. Although the uphill walk through Nongol Village can be a bit challenging, the many photo opportunities make it worth it. As you climb higher, you'll get a panoramic view of the Mukho Port area, and from the small observatory, the wide-open sea view will leave you in awe. For parking, we recommend using the Mukho Port Public Parking Lot, Mukho Lighthouse Public Parking Lot, or Donghae Port Public Parking Lot.

     

Nongol Village

Eodal Beach

  After the summer peak season, Eodal Beach becomes a quiet and peaceful spot, perfect for fishing or a romantic date. It's known for its clear water and soft sand, making it great for snorkeling and for children to play in the sand. This beach is highly recommended for a family summer getaway. Its proximity to other major attractions like Mukho Lighthouse, Nongol Village, and Chuam Candlestick Rock makes it easily accessible.

Eodal Beach with clear water

Mangsan Beach & Nine Beach 37

  Mangsan Beach is Donghae's largest beach, boasting a 1.4km (0.87 miles) long, wide, and clean sandy shore with clear water. Next to the tall, red clock tower that symbolizes the beach, you'll find a free locker and phone charging station. The beach also has an auto-campsite and glamping facilities, making it a popular choice for campers.

                               

             

Mangsan Beach

Nine Beach 37

  At the end of the Mangsan Beach's second auto-campsite lies Nine Beach 37, a surfer's paradise. From the entrance, it feels like a Southeast Asian resort. This beach is dedicated to surfers, and while you can't build sandcastles, it's the perfect spot for surfing enthusiasts. The Nine Beach 37 pub is open to everyone, and you can use the outdoor facilities when you order a drink. It's a great place to relax after surfing or to visit with family and friends to enjoy various beverages.

             

Nine Beach 37

  We've now explored 10 must-visit destinations in Donghae City. Donghae is full of beautiful nature and diverse attractions. Visit these wonderful places to create precious memories with your family, loved ones, and friends.

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