Donghae City in Gangwon-do is a treasure trove of secret spots cherished by locals, from peaceful valleys to historic temples and untouched stretches of coastline. In this blog, we’ll guide you through Donghae’s best-kept natural wonders.
1. Mureung Valley & Samhwasa Temple
Mureung Valley Address: 97 Igi-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)
Samhwasa Temple Address: 860-1 Samhwa-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
Nestled between the dramatic cliffs and lush forests of Mureung Byeolyucheonji, Mureung Valley is a true natural paradise. Crystal-clear streams wind through smooth rock formations, creating natural pools perfect for a summer hike.
The valley is also home to Samhwasa Temple, a historic Buddhist sanctuary dating back to the reunification of the three Koreas.
2. Gamchu Beach & Gamchusa Temple
Address: 120 Haean-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
Tucked away from the busier beaches & crowds, Gamchu Beach is a quiet stretch of coast with beautiful white sand.
Just a short walk along this beach, you’ll find Gamchusa Temple. According to legend, the temple was founded by Princess Seonhwa, the third daughter of King Jinpyeong of Korea’s Silla Dynasty, after she was cured of an illness at the site.
3. Hanseom Gamsung Sea Trail
Address: 31 Cheongok-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
Stretching along rugged cliffs & the sandy shoreline, the Hanseom Gamsung Sea Trail offers visitors not only gorgeous views of the ocean, but also unique art installations & light shows. Whether you stroll by day or under the glow of evening lights, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in Donghae’s coastal charm.
4. Mangsang Beach
Address: 50 Mangsanghaean-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
A locally beloved destination for summer fun, Mangsang Beach is famous for its soft sand and clear blue waves. Framed by a lush pine forest, this beach offers calm, shallow waters & plenty of shade, making it perfect for families.
5. Hapyeong Beach
Address: 100-1 Hapyeong-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
Popular for its various Instagrammable photo spots, Hapyeong Beach is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a quieter oceanside spot to relax. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in Donghae, Hapyeong offers a lowkey setting ideal for leisurely walks and photo ops.
6. Daejin Beach
Address: 1 Daejin 2-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (KakaoMaps)
Perfect for beginner & novice surfers, Daejin Beach is a hidden favorite for those in the know. With clear waters, a gentle slope & relatively shallow tide, this beach is naturally a great spot to learn to surf. Daejin Beach also lets visitors enjoy both fresh and seawater in one location as the Songcheoncheon Stream cuts across the beach to feed into the ocean.
We hope your next trip to South Korea’s east coast is filled with fun, feed-worthy adventures. Book your tickets and tours now at Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
