Cooling off the heat in breezy Donghae | 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.

Mukho Lighthouse is a lighthouse located near Mukho Port, a major harbor in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, and it serves as the endpoint of Nongoldam-gil. Climbing the lighthouse's spiral staircase offers an unobstructed view of the East Sea, providing a refreshing landscape. Below the hill where the lighthouse stands are several cafes and guesthouses facing the East Sea. Nongoldam-gil, a tourist attraction in Donghae-si, features murals engraved on walls that depict the history of Mukho Port and the lives of coastal residents. In 2010, local elders and artists communicated and collaborated to paint these murals, which is why they are called 'damhwa' (talking pictures) rather than just 'murals.' Nongoldam-gil in Nongol Village consists of four sections: Nongol 1-gil, Nongol 2-gil, Nongol 3-gil, and Deungdao Oreum-gil, all leading to Mukho Lighthouse. Along the winding hill paths, visitors can see paintings reflecting the simple lives of villagers, including phrases like 'Even without a groom, you can't live without rain boots,' a grandmother carrying a large bundle on her head, and porters carrying squid and pollock. The 'Hill of Wind' at the end of Nongol 1-gil boasts the most beautiful views of Nongoldam-gil, with a photo spot set against the East Sea backdrop, capturing the colorful rooftops of the village and the Mukho Port area in one view. Additionally, LED lights in various colors are installed to showcase a beautiful nighttime illumination.

논골담길은 1941년 개항된 묵호항의 역사와 마을 사람들 삶의 이야기를 고스란히 간직한 감성스토리 마을로 동해문화원이 주관한 2010 어르신생활문화전승사업 묵호등대담화마을 '논골담길'프로젝트를 시작으로 지역 어르신과 예술가들이 참여하여 현재의 모습을 갖추게 되었다.

Chuam Candle Rock, a famous spot in Donghae-si, is a breathtaking place where unusual underwater rock formations blend with the sea backdrop. The candle-shaped, strange and exquisite rocks rise like a group piercing the sky, creating a truly spectacular sight. The sea surrounding Candle Rock and nearby bizarre rock clusters constantly changes its appearance. On stormy days, waves hide the rocks in white foam, resembling a dragon ascending; on calm days, the sea gives the impression of a deep lake. The sunrise here is very well-known, attracting many travelers and photographers. It is said that scholar Song Si-yeol of the Wooam era once visited this site and was reluctant to leave. The sunrise over Candle Rock and Brother Rock is frequently featured in the background of the first verse of the national anthem.

Chuam Suspension Bridge is a 72-meter-long sea suspension bridge newly established in June 2019 at Chuam Beach, where the sunrise-famous Chuam Chotdaebawi (Candlestick Rock) is located. It is uniquely the only suspension bridge built over the sea in Korea. It is a great place to take stunning photos with the scenic background of Chuam. From the bridge, you can take in views of the harbor, beach, and rocky shore all at once. Access may be restricted during severe weather (heavy rain, snow, strong winds, etc.).

Mureung Valley stretches 4 km from Hoamso, located below Dutasan and Cheongoksan, to Yongchu Waterfall. The name 'Mureung Valley' comes from the idea that it is as beautiful as a fairyland where immortals live. It has been designated a national tourist site, supporting the valley's stunning scenery. Attractions in the valley include Mureung Banseok, Seonnyeo Tang, Yongchu Waterfall, and Ssangpokpo. Mureung Banseok is an enormous rock formation large enough to seat over 1,000 people. Numerous inscriptions engraved on the rock were left by ancient poets and scholars who visited the valley. Yang Sa-eon, considered one of the four great calligraphers of the Joseon Dynasty, described the valley's scenic beauty as 'a unique world where immortals roamed.' At the far end of the valley are Yongchu Waterfall, which falls in three tiers, and Ssangpokpo, where two waterfalls face each other.

Located at the entrance of Murung Valley, this is an environmental disease prevention and management center operated directly by Donghae City. Environmental diseases refer to illnesses caused by environmental factors such as atopy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. On approximately 24,000㎡ of land, it includes an eco-friendly healing lodging building, theme experience rooms, a health counseling room, a thermal therapy room, and a healthy natural restaurant. The lodging building, made with eco-friendly materials like loess and hinoki cypress, provides a healthy place to sleep. The theme experience rooms are jjimjilbangs utilizing natural materials such as stone, soil, and salt. Facilities like the white muscovite jjimjilbang that emits far-infrared rays and natural anions, the loess jjimjilbang effective for detoxification, and the salt cave where nano salt particles cleanse the respiratory system help improve environmental diseases. In the thermal therapy room, lying in a capsule-shaped bed stimulates blood circulation through heat. A resident nurse offers free health consultations based on basic tests. Visitors can also participate in natural material crafting experiences, theme experience rooms, health counseling, and healthy natural food experiences without staying overnight. The Oseonnyeo Bath operated in summer is an eco-friendly water playground using water from Murung Valley.