“Tourist Attractions in Gangwon Donghae City”
Cheongok Natural Cave Nature Learning Experience Park
The Cheongok Golden Bat Cave Nature Learning Experience Park is a unique destination that not only preserves the secrets of cave formation but also prominently displays Dolina terrain. The park features a variety of attractions including a grassy square, an azalea garden, walking paths, a coneflower garden, a feather grass garden, areas dedicated to spring, summer, and autumn scents, a rock garden, outdoor learning facilities, the Dolina itself, the cave entrance, and the Dolina exploration trail.
The Dolina exploration trail is equipped with a 534-meter wooden deck that winds along the Dolina, allowing visitors to observe the natural vegetation of the Cheongok Golden Bat Cave’s Dolina and the neighboring Uvalla region. The Dolina shelter offers an up-close view of the Dolina terrain, along with a wildflower experience park and a distant view of the Mukho Lighthouse and the East Sea.
The wildflower experience park serves as a space for both sightseeing and relaxation for visitors to the Cheongok Golden Bat Cave. It boasts over 100 species and 50,000 trees and wildflowers planted along the Dolina exploration trail, making it a popular multifaceted tourism destination. The outdoor learning facilities within the park host experiential events for tourists and citizens, providing educational explanations and fostering understanding of wildflowers.
The Cheongok Golden Bat Cave Nature Learning Experience Park also provides exercise equipment and spacious areas with benches, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, and friends to enjoy a picnic. Uniquely located in the city center, the Cheongok Golden Bat Cave maintains a consistent temperature of 14-15 degrees Celsius year-round, offering a cool escape in the summer and warmth in the winter for visitors to enjoy.
• Address (location): 50 Donggul-ro, Cheongok-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
Cheongok Golden Bat Cave
It is the only limestone cave located right in the heart of the city in Korea. Situated in the downtown area of Donghae City in Gangwon Province, this cave was accidentally discovered during apartment construction in 1991 and has been open to the public since 1996. Known to be the habitat of the globally endangered golden bat species, the cave is home to this rare species, which is designated as a first-class endangered wildlife and a natural monument. The 1,510-meter-long cave has an open viewing area of 810 meters for visitors, while the rest is preserved as a conservation area. Visitors can see fascinating cave formations such as large stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and stalactites and stalagmites connected as pillars. The ceiling formation ‘Ceiling Dragon’ that forms a deep trench on the ceiling boasts the largest scale in Korea. Exploring the adjacent natural learning experience park together with the cave visit will be even more enriching. To help visitors understand the cave formation process, a 785-meter-long Dolina Trail (funnel-shaped pits formed when limestone dissolves in water) has been created, and visitors can relax at the wildflower experience park where over 100 species of wildflowers bloom.
• Address (location): 50 Donggul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Battle Rock
In the scenic area of Moorungdo Garden, a unique rock formation known as Betel Rock is nestled between a ridge and a valley. Resembling a betel leaf, this towering rock stands proudly on the rocky cliffs overlooking the tranquil valley. Legend has it that a celestial maiden, as punishment for disobeying a heavenly order, descended to this very spot in Moorungdo Garden, specifically in Salteggang Valley. There, she wove fabric from mulberry trees, repented, and eventually ascended back to the heavens.
To reach Betel Rock, visitors can embark on a 14.9-kilometer hiking trail. The journey begins at the entrance of Moorungdo Garden, passing by Moorungbansok, Samhwasa Temple, and Dutasan Castle before descending through Dutasan. This hike typically takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes to complete. (Source: Donghae Tourism Website)
• Address (location): 538 Samhwa-ro, Mureung Valley Management Office, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
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Chuam Candlestick Rock
Donghae City’s famous spot, Chuam Candlestick Rock, is a breathtaking sight where underwater rock formations blend beautifully with the backdrop of the sea. The peculiar and exquisite rocks, shaped like candles, standing tall in clusters against the sky, create a truly magnificent view. The surrounding sea, along with the Candlestick Rock and other rock formations, constantly changes its appearance. On stormy days, it resembles the rising figure of a dragon covered in white foam, while on calm days, it gives off a serene feeling like a deep lake. The sunrise here is so renowned that it attracts many tourists and photographers, making it a bustling place. It is said that even the patriotic poet, Song Si-yeol, couldn’t tear himself away from this place after gazing at it. The sunrise at Candlestick Rock and Brother Rock is often featured as the background for the first verse of the national anthem.
• Address (location): Chuam-dong, Donghae City, Gangwon Province
Dutasanseong
Duta Mountain, located at the junction of Samhwa-dong in Donghae City and Hajang-myeon and Miro-myeon in Samcheok City, is an ideal destination for tourists looking to enjoy both mountains and the sea, just a short 30 ri away from the East Sea. The name Duta signifies abandoning worldly worries and practicing asceticism. Connected to Cheongok Mountain, which is 4 kilometers away, visitors can enjoy a continuous mountain hike by linking these two peaks.
Duta Mountain Fortress stands tall in the western part of Donghae City, where traditional rituals were held in the past during the spring and autumn seasons. With its majestic mountain views, lush forests, numerous temples, historical sites, and scenic spots scattered throughout, Duta Mountain Fortress offers a captivating experience for all who visit.
• Address (location): 538 Samhwa-ro, Samhwa-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Pure Life Village
This is a rural experience resort village located in Sinheung-dong, Donghae-si in Gangwon Province. As you cross over from Jeongseon County via National Route 42 to Donghae-si, you will encounter this peaceful mountain village. With the Baekdudaegan mountain range in the background and the tranquil Sinheung River flowing in front, around 130 households here make a living farming potatoes and beans. This eco-friendly village boasts lush forests, fresh air, and clean rivers in its pristine surroundings. The village is named ‘Cheongjeong’ to signify its commitment to preserving the pure beauty of nature in the area, which is designated as a water conservation zone, limiting development to maintain its clean and unspoiled environment.
• Address (location): 825-1 Seodong-ro, Sinheung-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
Donghae Hyanggyo
In 1980, Donghae City was established through the merger of Mukho-ri in Myeongju County and Bukpyeong-ri in Samcheok County. This led to the integration of the Confucian educational institutions (Yurims) from each region, forming Donghae Yurim in 1990. Donghae Hyanggyo was then founded to be a central point for spreading Confucian teachings and fostering local cultural development.
Donghae Hyanggyo, the youngest among the 234 Hyanggyos nationwide, was established in 1994. It features a blend of traditional and modern structures, including Daeseongjeon Hall, Myeongnyundang Hall, and a large parking lot capable of accommodating 300 vehicles. The complex is encircled by sturdy walls that evoke the Great Wall of China, symbolizing a scholarly atmosphere.
The construction of Daeseongjeon Hall began in April 1994, with the entrance bridge completed just a month later. The inauguration ceremony for Daeseongjeon Hall took place on September 12, followed by the completion of the main building on November 24, and the overall complex on December 12. Donghae Hyanggyo officially opened its doors on June 29, 1995, after a six-year construction period. The institution now hosts various cultural events, such as traditional ceremonies like Giroyeon, traditional weddings, seasonal festivals, and classes in Confucian etiquette and calligraphy.
• Address (location): 84-3 Seungji-ro, Bugok-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
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Mankyeongdae
Located about 1 kilometer east of Donghae City Hall, Mangyeongdae on the East Sea coast was originally built by Kim Hun, a member of the Kim family from Samcheok. This pavilion was rebuilt by the Kim family 60 years ago after it had been destroyed by a storm. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the endless East Sea with its crashing waves to the east. The circular pavilion represents the origin, while the square pavilion symbolizes integrity and honesty.
Kim Hun, who possessed a noble character and diligently served as a government official, returned to his hometown in 1613 (the 5th year of King Gwanghae’s reign) and built Mangyeongdae in Donghoeri Village to savor the scenic beauty, spending his time fishing with seagulls. To the east lies the vast East Sea, to the north stretches a long coastline lined with lush pine trees for about 10 li, and to the west, the majestic Duta Mountain landscape unfolds along with the backyard. Below the steep cliffs, the Jeoncheon River flows gently into the East Sea.
Mangyeongdae, along with Samcheok’s Jukseoru, formed a pair of scenic spots that attracted many poets and scholars. In 1660 (the 1st year of King Hyojong’s reign), the scholar Heomok (1595-1682) was awestruck by the surrounding scenery and named it ‘Mangyeong,’ which later became known as Mangyeongdae. In 1786 (the 20th year of King Jeongjo’s reign), the official Yu Han Jeon composed a poem and left it as an inscription, and in 1872 (the 9th year of King Gojong’s reign), Governor Kim Wonsik built a monument with the name ‘Sea Beauty Spot,’ leaving a lasting mark on the area.
• Address (location): 4 Gongdan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Yongsan Seowon (Donghae)
In 1705 (the 31st year of King Sukjong’s reign), Choichankyu and Choichanggi, along with local scholars, collaboratively built Sesaedang and Heungheokbigak to honor the academic achievements and virtues of Lee Sae-phil. They named it Yongsansa. The following year after Lee Sae-phil’s passing in 1719 (the 45th year of King Sukjong’s reign), they enshrined his tablet and reorganized it as Yongsanseowon. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1784 (the 8th year of King Jeongjo’s reign) but was reconstructed in 1789 by Park Munsu, Lee Taejwa, and Lee Hyungjwa. It served as a place for Confucian ceremonies and local education until it was forcibly closed by the government in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong’s reign) due to political reasons.
In 1956, Choi Manhee, Hong Jilhyun, and others led the restoration of Yongsanseowon at its current location, adding enshrinements for Yi I and Song Siyeol. In 1984, the tablets of Yi I and Song Siyeol were removed, leaving only Lee Sae-phil’s tablet enshrined. The buildings within the compound include a 3-room shrine, east and and west study halls with 4 rooms each, a lecture hall, and living quarters. The shrine houses Lee Sae-phil’s tablet, while the study halls are used for gatherings, academic discussions, and accommodations for scholars. The living quarters serve as the residence of the caretaker. Today, under the slogan “Emotional Atelier, Yongsanseowon,” the site offers cultural experiences, humanities lectures, and guided tours along the Path of Filial Piety for visitors to enjoy.
• Address (location): 583 Hyoja-ro, Soeun-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Province
Gamchusa
Located in Yongjeong-dong, Donghae City, Gamchusa is a small temple. After crossing the railroad of the Yeongdong Line and passing by a pavilion called Okseokjeong, you will find Gamchusa next to Gyeodoryang. Although there are only four buildings, each one is cleverly nestled in between rocks, showcasing their unique beauty. Most temples by the sea are famous as prayer sites, particularly Gwanumdoryang where the Bodhisattva of Compassion resides by the sea. It is believed that praying to Gwanseumbosal and Yongwang at this site brings peace and prosperity to one’s household and business, attracting visitors from all over the country. Moreover, there is a folklore that wishes made while facing the rising sun over the East Sea come true, drawing many tourists for sunrise trips every year.
At the entrance of Gamchusa, there is a five-story stone pagoda. Legend has it that this pagoda was built upon the last wishes of a grieving mother when her daughter passed away. Being close to the sea, the temple creates a fantastic view with surrounding cliffs. The spring water at the entrance of the temple flows abundantly, attracting many visitors. This spring, called Sujeosu, is known for its longevity-enhancing properties, hence its name. During severe droughts, the villagers come here to offer prayers and intentions.
Gamchusa, which has surpassed a millennium of history, has a founding myth passed down through generations. It is said that Princess Seonhwa, the third daughter of King Jinpyeong of Silla, established the temple. After marrying King Mu of Baekje, the princess fell ill with a disease called Baekpungbyung. Despite trying various remedies, she could not recover. It was then that a monk named Jemyeong, who resided at Sajasa in Iksan, advised the princess to visit Gamchu on the East Coast. The princess followed his advice, praying diligently every day for three years by the natural cave and the statue placed there. Eventually, she was healed, and in gratitude to the Buddha’s grace, she decided to build the present-day Gamchusa. Princess Seonhwa, in her old age, came to Gamchusa to repay her debt of gratitude to the Dragon King and passed away while gazing at the East Sea, where her tomb remains.
• Address (location): 120, Hae-an Road, Donghae-si, Gangwon Province
Samhwasa Temple
Surrounded by Duta and Cheongok Mountains, Samhwasa is a branch temple of Jogye Order’s Woljeongsa. Founded by Jijangyulsa in 642 as ‘Heukryeondae,’ it was renamed ‘Sanggongam’ by Beomil Guksa in 864. With a history of King Wang Geon fervently praying for the unification of the Three Kingdoms at this temple and achieving great success in just 20 years, Samhwasa transcended the conflicts and hatred related to the Three Kingdoms, aiming to foster communication and reconciliation, leading to a change in its name to ‘Samhwasa.’
At Samhwasa, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of staying at the temple, known as Samhwasa Templestay. The pride of Samhwasa Templestay lies in the breathtaking scenery that allows you to experience mountains, valleys, and the sea all at once. Except for communal worship and bedtime, visitors have the freedom to participate in activities according to their own preferences. Whether engaging in conversations over tea with the monks, listening to the sound of water from Duta Mountain’s valley, feeling the wind and the chirping of grasshoppers at the temple, or immersing oneself in nature to seek inner peace, guests can find relaxation and tranquility in the unhurried practice of self-discovery.
• Address (location): 584 Samhwa-ro, Samhwa-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province