Donghae/Samcheok

Top Attractions in Donghae/Samcheok

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위)

A candlestick-shaped rock carved by waves rising above the sea, which appeared in the national anthem video, making it Donghae's top sunrise spot. You can cross the suspension bridge along the coastline to admire the superb view created by the strange rock formations up close.

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) 1Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) 2Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) 3Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) 4Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) 5

Mureung Valley (무릉계곡)

A 12km long valley stretching between Samcheok's Dutasan and Cheongoksan mountains, boasting scenery so outstanding it's called the 'Best Immortal Dwelling in Gwandong.' The wide Mureung flat rocks, jade-colored pools, and multiple waterfalls make it perfect for summer vacationing and trekking along the gentle promenade.

Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) 1Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) 2Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) 3Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) 4Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) 5

Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길)

Known as the 'Art Museum with an Ocean View,' the alleys leading up to the Mukho Lighthouse are painted with murals depicting the lives of old fishing village residents. Reaching the Mukho Lighthouse at the top provides a panoramic view of the blue East Sea and the harbor, making it a great photo spot.

Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길) 1Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길) 2Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길) 3Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길) 4Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길) 5

Jangho Port (장호항)

A hidden gem of the East Coast called the 'Napoli of Korea' due to its jade-colored sea and coastal cliffs. You can participate in unique activities such as transparent kayaking and marine cable cars to look into the clear water. It is a clean sea area often cited as a top snorkeling spot due to its shallow, clear waters.

Jangho Port (장호항) 1Jangho Port (장호항) 2Jangho Port (장호항) 3Jangho Port (장호항) 4Jangho Port (장호항) 5

Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴)

Korea's largest limestone cave, where you meet majestic stalactites, waterfalls, and ponds after a 6-minute monorail ride. As a representative attraction in the Daeiri cave district of Samcheok, it maintains a temperature of 10-14 degrees year-round, making it a comfortable visit in both hot summers and cold winters.

Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴) 1Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴) 2Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴) 3Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴) 4Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴) 5

Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산)

A famous 1,567m mountain spanning Samcheok and Taebaek in Gangwon-do. In January and February, when snow flowers bloom around the Janggunbong peak, the Taebaeksan Snow Festival attracts hikers from across the country for the rime and snowy scenery. In May and June, the ridge is dyed red with royal azaleas. It is a national park that beginners can challenge comfortably via various gentle courses like the Yuilsa ticket office.

Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) 1Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) 2Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) 3Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) 4

Samcheok Jukseoru Pavilion (삼척 죽서루)

The only site among the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong designated as a National Treasure. Built on a cliff where the Osipcheon Stream winds around, it harmonizes nature and artificial beauty perfectly. It has maintained its place for over 600 years since its reconstruction in 1403. Its unique construction method (Geureongi) where pillars were cut to fit the height of natural rocks is a feature. It was elevated to National Treasure status in December 2023.

Samcheok Jukseoru Pavilion (삼척 죽서루) 1Samcheok Jukseoru Pavilion (삼척 죽서루) 2

Samcheok Maritime Cable Car (삼척해상케이블카)

Korea's first maritime cable car connecting Yonghwa-ri and Jangho-ri in Samcheok, crossing a 874m section over the sea without intermediate towers. Since its opening in 2017, you can admire the emerald sea and strange rock formations through the glass floor of the cabin. It is an essential course to fully appreciate the charm of Jangho Port, known as the 'Napoli of Korea.'

Samcheok Maritime Cable Car (삼척해상케이블카) 1Samcheok Maritime Cable Car (삼척해상케이블카) 2

Recommended Routes in Donghae/Samcheok

Donghae/Samcheok Nature Exploration Course

See the Chotdaebawi Rock, trek through Mureung Valley, and explore the massive Hwanseongul limestone cave.

  1. 1Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위)
  2. 2Mureung Valley (무릉계곡)
  3. 3Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴)
  4. 4Samcheok Jukseoru Pavilion (삼척 죽서루)

Donghae/Samcheok Coastal Village Course

Walk through mural alleys to Mukho Lighthouse and enjoy transparent kayaking at Jangho Port.

  1. 1Nongoldam-gil (묵호항 논골담길)
  2. 2Jangho Port (장호항)
  3. 3Samcheok Maritime Cable Car (삼척해상케이블카)

Taebaeksan National Park Trekking Course

A healing trekking course through the ridges of Taebaeksan, famous for its seasonal snow flowers and azaleas.

  1. 1Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산)