Top Things to do in Donghae
Top 10 Things to do in Donghae, South Korea
Discover the best top things to do in Donghae, South Korea including Chotdaebawi (Candlestick Rock), Samcheok Ocean Railbike, Chuam Beach, Hwanseongul Cave, Mukho Port, Jangho Port, Mangsang Beac, Mukho Lighthouse Park, Mureung Valley, Cheongok Cave.
Restaurants in Donghae
1. Chotdaebawi (Candlestick Rock)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Sheryl A - Liverpool, United Kingdom
We took a bus (mid-week) from Donghae here (1200 won). Spent 1-2 hrs exploring the area. Lovely craggy rocks (was a sunny day!) an dwaves crashing in. Great vistas from the look-out post rising above and plenty of great views around the free park. If you walk north it leads to some Seating areas with more great views south (then on to another 'art-park' at the northern most area. Small, pleasing beach to the south and plenty of food/drink places. (Bus schedule is on the bus shelter - they are infrequent!) Relaxing time....
2. Samcheok Ocean Railbike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By SarahB0Barah - Stevenson, Maryland
This was a really interesting thing to do while visiting Samcheok. I wouldn't travel all the way over there just for this, but if you're in the area, this is really very cool, especially if you're traveling with a group. The rail is pretty long and there are some nice tunnels along the way, plus a short break stop to use the restroom or grab a quick refreshment. Well worth it!
3. Chuam Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By SHIRLEY_LYY - Penang Island, Malaysia
This is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful sea view while sipping a cup of tea at a cafe just along the beach. The café even played the theme songs from a few of the Korean hit drama. Such a nice cosy ambience .
Remember to bring along a big straw hat and apply enough sunscreen as there are not many places with shade. The sea is very clear and the place is currently not crowded with people.
4. Hwanseongul Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Christina B - Europe
The biggest lime stone cave in Korea. Its length is 6.5km and there are fantastic stalagmites, stalactites, about 10 lakes and Waterfalls. Some spots of interest include stalactites that look like the Great Wall of China and many other uniquely shaped figures.
The temp inside of the cave stands at 12-24℃ in the summer and 8-9℃ in the winter.
It was raining lightly on the day we visited. & I was actually thankful for it! If it hadn't been raining we would have walked up to the cave which was really steep! Since it was raining we took the monorail instead!
Was the kids first time ever going to a cave. They thought it was pretty neat.
5. Mukho Port
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By KEVINHWANG
Nice place to see scenery and swimming. Hoei(Korean Food) is good dish to try. Scenery : all year round, you can enjoy. Swimming : summer (late Juky and early August)
6. Jangho Port
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Angelica C - Lubbock, Texas
Went here with a Meetup group for a bit of beach fun and snorkeling.
The views here are incredible. Just the vast ocean and the cliff decorate the lovely port.
Snorkeling was fun. The area is a bit crowded because everyone is trying to snorkel or kayak. There wasn't very many fish or anything to see, but there were tons of starfish and baby crabs.
The beach itself is nice and plain, and crowded with tourists and locals alike. The restaurants are lined up and down the beach but be wary that you may not be able to use a credit card. The town is small and local so I'm sure at some restaurants you can use a credit card but take cash for sure.
7. Mangsang Beac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Julbo09 - Seoul, South Korea
The beach is long and wide, so there are lots of people and no shortage of space on the sand. There are also lots of shops and restaurants, loud speakers, and the constant whistles of obnoxious, speedo-clad (horrifyingly small), lifeguards. It's not a relaxing or quiet experience, but could be fun for families and groups who'd like a lot of space.
The beach/sand has a pretty sharp drop off to the water, which makes for pretty hard waves and a strong current I suppose. The lifeguards are very strict about people going out in the water. I will grant them that it's pretty dangerous, especially for people not used to the ocean or young swimmers, but they whistle non stop and very rudely order you back out of the water (I was literally standing in water up to my shins when I was whistled). One guy in a tube went out in the water a good deal further than they liked and four lifeguards dramatically swam out and pushed him back to the sand.
Stick to the small and pleasant Beaches around Donghae. Mangsang's waves and surf is tough and the lifeguards ruin it anyway.
8. Mukho Lighthouse Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By AfflatedMizzlinG - Singapore
This lighthouse appeared in a number of K dramas/movies, hence there is some popularity among fans. Near the lighthouse is a small cafe where you can get a drink and enjoy the view, and a footpath to the red suspension bridge featured in "Brilliant Legacy".
Other than this having been featured in dramas and movies, I can't say what is so special about this place. There's a lighthouse, ok. There's a view of the sea, but not the best I've come across in east coast. The bridge was disappointing (it looked better in the drama).
Drop by only if it's on your way. You don't need more than half an hour here.
9. Mureung Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Sheryl A - Liverpool, United Kingdom
We took the 1200 won bus here from Donghae (near the intercity south bus station) takes up to 1 hr as traffic can get busy here! The 'Valley' is littered with hotels and Korean eateries but at the far end is the Valley Park. 4000 won entrance fee. Here yo have access to the Temp and then a whole set of amazing walks (see pics). We spent 5+ hours here walking, trekking and photo stopping! Several Waterfalls and lovely valley views. Many steps and walkways too to assist. Take water/snacks as it can get steep. Information here was poor - no English speakers and poor maps. Just follow the locals and ask - the Koreans are friendly and helpful! See photos here which may help. Just get there and try - a great day! Possibly the best walk/views we did in S.Korea..
10. Cheongok Cave
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Julbo09 - Seoul, South Korea
Korea has a lot of caves worth visiting, and this one is also worth the trip.
3,000 for an adult ticket. You have to wear a helmet before entering, which I'm thankful for as I bumped my head a number of times. I'm not particularly tall, so for taller people there will be some tough spots to crouch through and plenty of opportunities to test your helmet.
It's very easy to get to as it's in town, a 5 minute walk from the Hyunjin Tourist, Picasso, Eastern, Meridian, etc.
