East Coast ring road Donghae driving the spine
The East Coast Coastal Road is a drive course along National Route 7, over 500 km in total length, accompanied by the deep and blue path of the East Sea. This route along the east side of the Korean Peninsula passes through beautiful coastal cities, starting from Goseong and continuing through Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, Uljin, Yeongdeok, and reaching Pohang, Ulsan, and Busan. Among these, Donghae is a city gifted by nature, like a comprehensive natural present, boasting deep blue seas, numerous beaches, scenic mountains, and beautiful valleys. Donghae is also famous as a mecca for various leisure activities. Recently, new attractions have gained popularity. For these reasons, Donghae is considered a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime. ※ You can zoom in on the map below to check detailed locations by course. Please zoom in to confirm overlapping courses on the map. (You can zoom in on the map using the mouse wheel or your fingers at desired locations.)
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This course is a sample 2-day itinerary. Save it as-is or expand it into an AI itinerary.

Day 1
Mangsang Beach 〉
Mangsang Beach is a national tourist destination located about 3 km north of Mukho Port and is one of the famous seaside resorts on the east coast along with nearby Okgyeye, Gyeongpo, and others. It features a broad white sandy beach, dense pine forest (20-30 years old), clean seawater, and shallow depth (slope 2-4 degrees, average water depth 0.5-1.5 m), making it the largest and most pleasant environment among east coast beaches. It is well equipped with various conveniences such as parking lots, campgrounds, showers, and public restrooms, making it convenient for tourists. There is an auto camping site just above the beach, popular with family tourists. Nearby attractions include Cheongok Natural Cave, Mureung Valley, and Chuam Candle Rock, along with a row of small beaches to the south (Nobong, Daejin, Eodal, Hanseom, Gamchu, Chuam beaches). Together with Mukho Port, it is one of the coastal tourist spots connecting Gangneung to Samcheok, known for its abundance of seafood such as squid, conch, sea cucumber, sea squirt, and flatfish, which conveys a sense of richness and generosity.
Mukho Lighthouse 〉
★4.2(191)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.
논골담길 〉
묵호항에서 묵호등대로 올라가는 골목에는 논골담길이 있다. 과거 묵호항에 대한 역사와 그곳에서 산 사람들의 삶이 벽화로 고스란히 전해진다. 논골 1길은 생업에 관련된 이미지를 논골 2길은 사라진 추억의 공간을, 논골 3길은 강인하고 엄했던 어머니, 아버지의 모습 등 개인적인 일화를 담고 있다. 등대오름길은 풍경을 담은 작품으로 묵호의 과거와 현재가 공존하는 환경을 표현하고 있다.
Day 2
Hapyeong Beach 〉
Located within a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from Donghae Express Bus Terminal, Hapyeong Beach features shallow water and clear sea color, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere along with the pine forest behind it. It is popular with families who enjoy swimming or relaxing. Situated in Pyeongneung-dong, Donghae-si, the beach is 200m long and 20m wide with white sand and blue sea. Hapyeong Beach has rounded shores lined with rocky reefs that form a beautiful scene and act as a breakwater to block strong waves, allowing children to safely play in the water. The rocks often have mussels attached, crabs walking around, and barnacles scattered, making it ideal for ecological experiences.
Chuam Candle Rock 〉
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.
For this course, these stays make an easy overnight stop
Selected for easy access around the course and strong guest ratings
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