East Coast Coastal Road (Donghae): Riding Along the Spine of Korea!

The East Coast Coastal Road along National Route 7 is a driving course spanning over 500 km that runs alongside the deep, blue East Sea. Passing through beautiful coastal cities on the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, this scenic drive begins in Goseong and extends through Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, Uljin, and Yeongdeok to Pohang, Ulsan, and Busan. Among these, Donghae is a city blessed with an array of natural gifts, preserving deep blue seas, numerous beaches, magnificent mountains, and scenic valleys. Donghae-si is also renowned as a hub for various leisure sports. Recently, new attractions have been steadily gaining popularity as well. For these reasons, Donghae is counted as a must-visit destination in one's lifetime. ※ Zoom in on the map below to check the detailed location of each stop. 　 If course routes overlap on the map, please zoom in to view. 　 (You can zoom in on the map using your mouse wheel or fingers at the desired location.)

Along the way

1. 1
   Mangsang Beach

   망상해수욕장

   With clean and fine white sand stretching for 5 km all the way north to Okgye, it boasts one of the largest scales in Korea. The clear, transparent waters are shallow, making it ideal for summer water activities, and the dense pine forest spreading behind the beach creates cool shade, serving perfectly as a resting spot. Right behind the beach is Mangsang Auto Camping Site, making it an excellent spot for car camping.MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Mukho Lighthouse Observatory

   묵호등대전망대

   During the Japanese colonial period, it was merely a small port transporting anthracite from the Samcheok area, but through large-scale expansion and breakwater reinforcement in the 1970s, it was reborn as a key fishing base on the East Coast and continues to transform today. In particular, Mukho Port is a lively fish market where live and fresh fish are actively traded, offering visitors a vibrant sight. Walking up the alley from the entrance of Mukho Port leads to Mukho Lighthouse on the hill, where you can admire the beautiful East Sea.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Nongoldam-gil Street

   논골담길

   Along the alley leading up from Mukho Port to Mukho Lighthouse lies Nongoldam-gil Street. The history of Mukho Port and the lives of the people who lived there are vividly portrayed through murals. Nongol 1-gil features images related to livelihoods, Nongol 2-gil captures spaces of vanished memories, and Nongol 3-gil contains personal stories such as memories of resilient and strict parents. Deungdaeoreum-gil showcases landscape artworks, depicting an environment where Mukho's past and present coexist.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Hapyeong Beach

   하평해변

   Located in Hapyeong-ri, Sacheon-myeon, this beach features a 200-meter-long, 4,000-square-meter white sand shore. Hapyeong was named Hapyeong-dong after the pen name of Heo Bong, the second son of Chodang Heo Yeop, who lived here. With white sands connecting to Dwitbul Beach and an expansive pine forest behind it, this quiet and clean spot is widely visited by families.MoreLess

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5. 5
   Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock

   추암 촛대바위

   The coastal cliffs lined with fantastic rock formations and the fine sandy beach are superb. Although small and cozy, the beach is an ideal spot to take in breathtaking views. It is especially renowned as a sunrise viewpoint, and Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock in particular is beloved for its unique shape, attracting visitors throughout the year.MoreLess

   

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