Donghae is a port city on Gangwon's east coast, formed in 1980 from the merger of the fishing town of Mukho and the industrial district of Bukpyeong, and today known for its harbor, limestone caves, and beaches.
History
Donghae's modern shape dates to April 1, 1980, when the historic fishing port of Mukho and the cement and industrial area of Bukpyeong were merged into a single city. Mukho Harbor has been a working fishing port for generations and remains the city's commercial anchor, while Bukpyeong's port facilities grew around cement and other heavy industry. Since 2008, Donghae's harbor has also run an international passenger ferry service to Vladivostok, Russia and Sakaiminato, Japan.
Highlights
- Mureung Valley, a forested valley in the Taebaek Mountains popular for hiking and known for its clear streams and rock pools.
- Cheongok Cave, a limestone cave system in the hills above the city.
- Mangsang Beach, one of Donghae's main swimming beaches on the East Sea.
- Mukho Harbor, the city's historic fishing port, still active with a working fish market.
Food
As a fishing harbor, Donghae's food centers on the day's catch — squid and other fresh seafood sold straight off the boats and served raw (hoe) at the restaurants clustered around Mukho's harbor market.
Getting there
Donghae Station sits at the junction of several lines — the Yeongdong Line, Samcheok Line, Mukhohang Line, and Bukpyeong Line — and has had direct KTX service from Seoul since 2020, with KTX-Eum added in 2021, cutting the trip to around two to three hours. Intercity buses from Seoul's terminals also serve Donghae directly.
How long
Donghae's sights are spread between the harbor, the inland valley, and the caves, so a day trip covers the essentials, but it pairs naturally with neighboring Samcheok for an overnight if you want to see both without rushing.