Top 20 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Samcheok, Korea
Samcheok, located at the southernmost tip of the East Coast in Gangwon-do Province, is a pristine region renowned for its clear and clean natural environment. In spring, cherry blossoms and canola flowers create beautiful landscapes. In summer, it's a popular vacation spot with cool seas. In autumn, the red maple leaves offer a sentimental atmosphere, and in winter, it's perfect for a quiet retreat.
The city of Samcheok actively develops and manages its abundant tourism resources, offering many worthwhile places to visit. There are so many attractions that it's hard to see them all in just a day or two, making it a destination that feels new with each visit. This guide summarizes the main tourist spots for those planning a trip to Samcheok, hoping it helps you prepare for your journey.
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| A Trip to Samcheok |
Gangwon General Museum
The Gangwon General Museum was established by collecting various archaeological materials, artworks, historical relics, and academic data. It features exotic exhibits from around the world, including religion, culture, minerals, and crafts, with exhibitions on various themes. The natural environment around the museum, with its mountains and valleys, is also stunning.
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| Gangwon General Museum |
Samcheok Port
Samcheok Port is a place you'll likely visit at least once during your trip to Samcheok. The raw fish center sells sashimi at reasonable prices and is recommended for those who want to get it to-go. Samcheok is famous for snow crabs, and there are many snow crab specialty restaurants, raw fish restaurants, and eateries around the port. Depending on the season, it's recommended to try local delicacies of the Gangwon East Coast like Gomchi-guk (Slime Flounder Soup) or Dorumuk-jjim (Steamed Sandfish). It's also a good idea to stop by Samcheok Port at the end of your trip to buy semi-dried squid or other dried fish products.
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| Samcheok Port |
Lightning Market (Bungeasijang)
It's called the 'Lightning Market' because it opens and closes in a flash, just like lightning. It operates from 5 AM to 10 AM, and you can buy a variety of fresh seafood at very low prices. If you want to purchase seafood affordably, a visit to the Samcheok Lightning Market is highly recommended.
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| Lightning Market (Bungeasijang) |
Deokpung Valley
Deokpung Valley is the ultimate summer retreat. There's a campground and bungalows run by the village committee, where you can enjoy various activities like camping and swimming. In the fall, the maple leaves turn the valley water red, making it great for trekking and enjoying the magnificent scenery.
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| Deokpung Valley |
Sol Beach Samcheok
Sol Beach Samcheok is the largest resort facility in the city. It's equipped with various amenities, and the dinner buffet is particularly highly rated for its food. Kids can enjoy Ocean Play (a water park), while parents can relax in the sauna. Even if you're not staying overnight, the resort has many cafes with great views, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea while gazing at the sea.
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| Sol Beach Samcheok |
Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock & Chuam Sculpture Park
Although Chuam Beach is technically in Donghae City, it borders Samcheok. Nearby is the famous Chuam Chotdaebawi (Candlestick) Rock, and the newly created sculpture park and suspension bridge make it a great place for a walk while enjoying the sea view. If you're staying at Sol Beach Samcheok, it's only a 5-minute drive away, so a visit is highly recommended. It's also a great spot to visit at the beginning or end of your trip.
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| Chuam Sculpture Park |
Hwanseongul & Daegeumgul Caves
Hwanseongul is a limestone cave formed 530 million years ago and boasts the distinction of being one of the largest in Asia. Daegeumgul Cave was discovered near Hwanseongul and opened to the public in 2007. It has a daily visitor limit, so online reservations are essential. When visiting these caves, be sure to bring a long-sleeved jacket even in summer and wear comfortable athletic shoes.
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| Hwanseongul Cave |
Samcheok Beach
Samcheok Beach is a popular summer destination. The Sol Beach Samcheok resort is located nearby, along with many great restaurants. It also features a fine sandy beach and a well-maintained walking deck.
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| Samcheok Beach |
Samcheok Central Market
Samcheok Central Market is a traditional market located in downtown Samcheok. You can buy goods at affordable prices, and the Youth Mall section is a great place to visit for a meal or a coffee. The main market day, or 'Jangnal,' is on the 2nd and 7th of every month. In Korea, many traditional markets operate on a 5-day cycle. If your travel dates coincide, it's highly recommended to visit on a market day for a more vibrant experience.
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| Samcheok Central Market |
Coastal Road Drive (Saecheonnyeon Road to Old Route 7)
Samcheok has a famous coastal drive course called Saecheonnyeon Road (New Millennium Road). This scenic route features the small Hujin Beach, the Beach Sculpture Park, the New Millennium Coastal Park with its time capsule, and Isabu Square. However, the course is quite short, which can be a bit disappointing.
If you find the drive too short, I recommend taking the winding Old Route 7 all the way to Imwon Port. Along the way, you'll be able to experience the true beauty of Korea's East Coast.
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| Saecheonnyeon Road, Beach Sculpture Park |
The destinations recommended from now on are located on or not far from the Route 7 drive course.
Rose Park (Rose Festival)
Samcheok Rose Park is a famous spot that attracts many tourists for its Rose Festival held every May. If you plan to visit Samcheok in May, be sure to stop by the Rose Park.
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| Rose Park |
Freshwater Fish Exhibition Hall
This is a small aquarium that exhibits native freshwater fish of Korea. It's a place that children absolutely love. Despite its small scale, it has been recently renovated and features well-organized exhibits. Outside, there is a fish farm facility, and you can buy fish food from a vending machine for a hands-on feeding experience. Additionally, the newly established ecological learning center offers various activities, and there are play facilities for children to have a great time.
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| Freshwater Fish Exhibition Hall |
Maengbang Beach
Maengbang Beach is a famous summer destination with a well-maintained sandy beach, a forest bathing area, and an ecological trail. It has become even more popular after being known as a filming location for a BTS album cover. There is also Maengbang Beach Camping Site, making it a recommended spot for camping enthusiasts.
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| Maengbang Beach |
Maengbang Canola Flower Festival (Cherry Blossom Road)
The Maengbang Canola Flower Festival is held every April. It's where you can see the best spring scenery in Samcheok, with canola flowers in full bloom across a wide field, harmonizing with the cherry blossoms along Route 7. It can be crowded during the festival period, but the festival is quite large in scale, offering plenty for all ages to enjoy.
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| Maengbang Canola Flower Festival |
Samcheok Ocean Railbike
You can find railbikes in almost any region, but the scenery each one offers is different. The Samcheok Ocean Railbike allows you to feel the cool sea breeze while admiring the ocean, and you can enjoy uniquely wonderful views as you pass through several tunnels.
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| Rail Bike |
Yonghwa Beach & Jangho Beach
These small beaches are highly recommended for a family summer vacation. The villages in Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok, have various large and small beaches. Among them, Yonghwa and Jangho beaches are particularly recommended because they are well-equipped with various amenities, guesthouses, and pensions, making them convenient to use.
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| Yonghwa Beach |
Jangho Port & Galnam Port
This area has become famous for summer snorkeling. During the summer season, the village committee operates it with safety personnel on-site for security. When you enter the waters of Jangho and Galnam ports, you can see fish and various seaweeds in the clear sea. It's a place that shows you just how clean and beautiful the East Sea is.
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| Jangho Port & Galnam Port |
Haesindang Park (Penis Park) & Fishing Village Museum
There are many sculptures here that might be a bit awkward for couples just starting their relationship. For families with children, Haesindang Park can be an interesting topic of conversation. The legend of Haesindang was once featured on a classic Korean TV show called 'Hometown of Legends', similar to 'The Twilight Zone'. If you want to know more about the legend, visit and find out for yourself. Also, inside the park is a Fishing Village Museum, where you can see the life and equipment of fishermen in detail. It's an educational place for children as well.
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| Haesindang Park |
Personally, I believe the most beautiful sea in Samcheok can be seen from Haesindang Park. Go and see if you agree.
Geombongsan Recreational Forest
This is a place where you can enjoy quiet rest and forest bathing. If you love mountains, it can also serve as a base camp for climbing Geombongsan Mountain. For me, this is where I realized just how many stars are in the sky. On a clear winter night at Geombongsan Recreational Forest, you can see countless stars.
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| Geombongsan Recreational Forest |
Imwon Port (Lady Suro Flower Tribute Park & Imwon Port Breakwater)
Imwon Port is famous for its raw fish center. For KRW 50,000 (about $36), a group of 2-3 people can enjoy a hearty meal of various types of raw fish and spicy fish stew. You can also buy various seafood products at low prices. My family, for instance, always stops by Imwon Port to buy semi-dried flounder whenever we travel to Samcheok.
Imwon Port is also a famous fishing spot, attracting many anglers to its breakwater. Next to the breakwater, a former military checkpoint has been transformed into the Lady Suro Flower Tribute Park. When you visit Imwon Port, I highly recommend taking a stroll through this park.
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| Imwon Port |
So far, I've introduced 20 travel destinations in Samcheok. With so many places to see, it's practically impossible to visit them all in one trip. I recommend choosing your destinations based on the season and weather.
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