Goseong: A Refreshing Unification 'Makguksu' Healing Trip

Hwajinpo features many scenic spots offering views of dense pine forests, lakes, and the open sea all at once. As the largest natural lagoon on the East Coast, Hwajinpo boasts not only blessed natural landscapes but also historical sites that embody the hope for peace, such as the Hwajinpo History and Security Exhibition Hall, Kim Il-sung's Villa, and the Unification Observatory. Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) is a local specialty traditionally enjoyed in Gangwon-do, where buckwheat was cultivated. What makes Goseong's makguksu exceptionally delicious is its tangy dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth topped with slushy ice. The refreshing North Korean-style dongchimi brings comfort and temporarily eases the longing for one's hometown.

Along the way

1. 1

   Hwajinpo

   화진포

   Adjacent to the East Sea, Hwajinpo is Korea's premier lagoon boasting scenic natural beauty, with dense pine forests unfolding like a folding screen around an expansive lake covering an area of 720,000 pyeong.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Hwajinpo History and Security Exhibition Hall

   화진포역사안보전시관

   The Hwajinpo History and Security Exhibition Hall (Villas of Kim Il-sung, Lee Ki-poong, and Rhee Syngman) is a signature tourist destination in Goseong, boasting exceptional natural scenery that harmoniously blends dense pine forests, an expansive lake, vast sandy beaches, and the pristine sea.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Castle of Hwajinpo (Kim Il-sung's Villa)

   화진포의 성(김일성별장)

   The Castle of Hwajinpo features displays of replicas of relics such as the reception furniture set used by Kim Il-sung's family, as well as photographic materials showing the former appearance of the villa. Located at the foot of a coastal mountain, it was built shortly after National Liberation and frequently used by Kim Il-sung with his son Kim Jong-il and daughter Kim Kyong-hui until before the Korean War. Originally a stone structure with one basement floor and two above-ground floors, it was heavily damaged during the war; in 1964, the Army demolished the original structure and rebuilt it as the current single-story building.MoreLess

   

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4. 4
   Unification Observation Tower

   통일전망타워

   Standing at the Unification Observatory, located at an altitude of 70 meters above sea level where the Demilitarized Zone and the Southern Limit Line meet, visitors can view Mount Geumgang's Guseonbong Peak and Haegeumgang up close, and see Ongnyeobong, Chaehabong, and Ilchulbong Peaks on clear days.MoreLess

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