Stories from Forgotten Mukho Port | Travel Course | Staypick

This is the only limestone cave located in the middle of an urban area in Korea. Situated in the center of Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, the cave was accidentally discovered during apartment construction in 1991 and has been open to the public since 1996. It is known to be home to the golden bat, a globally endangered species. The golden bat, which has a deep orange color, is a rare species designated as both first-class endangered wildlife and a natural monument. The cave is 1,510 meters long, but only 810 meters are open to visitors, with the rest preserved for conservation. Visitors can see extraordinary cave formations such as large stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and pillars formed by stalactites and stalagmites connecting. The ceiling also features Korea's largest ceiling corrosion gully. The adjacent nature experience park adds to the educational value. A 785-meter doline trail (a funnel-shaped limestone depression formed by water erosion) allows easy understanding of cave formation, and visitors can rest at a wildflower experience park blooming with over 100 species.

논골담길은 강원 동해시 묵호항에서 묵호등대를 오르는 길을 말한다. 동해문화원은 논골마을 어르신들을 일일이 찾아다니며 그들이 살아온 인생이야기를 바탕으로 2010년 8월부터 골목길과 담벼락에 그림을 그리기 시작했다. 미대생 출신들로 구성된 ‘공공미술 공동체 마주보기’ 회원들이 스케치하고 채색은 60~70대의 마을 어르신들이 맡아, 논골마을의 벽화길이 열리게 된 것이다. 논골담길에는 매일 새벽 명태와 오징어를 가득 실어 나르는 어선들로 활기를 띄었던 묵호항을 배경으로 살아온 사람들의 인생 스토리가 재밌는 벽화로 그려졌다.

Mukho Port in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, opened in 1937. It began as the first trade port on the East Coast and has since transformed into a fishing base. If you arrive early in the morning when fishing boats return, you can buy fresh sashimi right at the fish market, and watching auctions for freshly caught fish is a unique experience. There are also shops where you can buy dried seafood and other goods. On Dongmunsan near Mukho Port stands the Mukho Lighthouse, a staffed lighthouse built in June 1963. It is a 12-meter-high circular reinforced concrete structure with two internal floors, its pure white color blending with the blue sea to create a clear and clean image. Around the lighthouse is a small park with a panoramic view of the sea, and right at the park's entrance lies a wide sculpture engraved with the words 'From the Sun to the Boy.'

Bukpyeong Folk Five-day Market is the largest five-day market in Donghae-si, Gangwon Province. A five-day market refers to a traditional market that opens every five days. Each market has different days, and Bukpyeong Folk Five-day Market opens on days ending in 3 and 8. The market began in 1796, the 20th year of King Jeongjo of Joseon, boasting over 220 years of tradition. The market is bustling on opening days with vendors setting up and customers bargaining. The 43,400㎡ site has about 800 shops selling agricultural and marine products, food, clothing, and miscellaneous goods, making it fun to explore. As a market in Donghae-si, adjacent to the East Sea, and only 1km from Donghae Port, the seafood is especially fresh. You can buy seasonal seafood freshly caught in Donghae such as squid, snow crab, and sandfish at reasonable prices. Other offerings include various mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, and reishi, buckwheat dishes, handmade knife-cut noodles, and abundant market snacks. A parking lot with space for over 350 vehicles is also available.

Chuam Beach is a beautiful beach with a coastline of unique rock formations and fine white sand. The beach is relatively small but sufficient for enjoying the stunning scenery. It is famous as a sunrise spot, especially for Chuam Chotdaebawi, a rock formation that attracts visitors year-round. The rock that appears in the background of the first verse of the national anthem resembles a candle flame with the sun hanging on its pointed tip, hence the name 'Chuam Chotdaebawi.' About 200 meters from Chuam Chotdaebawi is the sea suspension bridge, another attraction. The 72-meter-long Chuam Chotdaebawi suspension bridge, installed over the rocks crossing the sea, offers thrill and photo opportunities with the East Sea as the backdrop. On the way from Chuam Chotdaebawi to the suspension bridge is Bukpyeong Heoamjeong, a pavilion built in 1361 by Shim Dong-ro, the progenitor of the Samcheok Shim clan, who retired there. The current pavilion dates from its renovation around 1790. The end of the suspension bridge connects to the Chuam Sculpture Park, making it convenient to visit both together.