Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위)

12.6Km 2022-12-26

Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-530-2801

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do is one of Korea’s most famous tourist attractions. The beautifully formed rock towers high into the sky and resembles a candlestick, from which it gets its name. Chotdaebawi Rock and the nearby rock formations seem to change the shape they resemble along with the waves that crash against the rocks. The view of the sunrise from behind Chotdaebawi Rock is so popular that it attracts photographers and tourists nationwide.

* The Legend of Chotdaebawi Rock
Once upon a time, there was a man who lived in Chuam who had a concubine. His wife was jealous of the second wife and the conflict between the two women continually escalated. One day, god became enraged over their continual quarreling and threw lighting down from heaven, striking both women dead. The newly-made widower missed his wives so much that he remained frozen in his loneliness and eventually turned into a rock, which is now called Chotdaebawi Rock.

Chuam Beach (추암해변)

12.6Km 2025-01-16

26 Chotdaebawi-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Chuam Beach is a white sandy beach with various unique rock formations. Even though the beach itself is small, there are plenty of things to see like beautiful sunsets, a suspension bridge over the ocean, and the famous Chotdaebawi Rock. The suspension bridge is a perfect photo spot with the East Sea in the backdrop. There is also Haeamjeong Pavilion, first built in 1361 and renovated in 1790. Chuam Sculpture Park at the end of the suspension bridge is also worth a visit.

Donghae Station Railroad Experience Center (동해역 (철도체험학습장)

12.9Km 2025-01-23

69 Donghaeyeok-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

KORAIL, Korean Railroad, offers diverse and high-quality educational and creative programs to nurture future talents. Utilizing its well-established infrastructure, it provides career counseling, safety education, and hands-on experience programs, catering to different age groups. After participating in the experience programs, visitors can explore nearby tourist attractions, such as Donghae Port, Mangyeongdae Pavilion, and Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock.

Maengbanghaebyeon Beach (맹방해변)

13.7Km 2025-01-16

228-239 Maengbanghaebyeon-ro, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-572-3011

Maengbanghaebyeon Beach is located 7 kilometers from downtown Samcheok and was developed as a tourist attraction. During summer, there are various beach events such as the Myeongsasimni Race, bare-hand trout catching contest, and more. The area quickly became popular after featuring as a filming site for BTS' Butter album jacket.

Deokbongsan Coastal Eco-trail (덕봉산 해안생태탐방로)

14.3Km 2024-08-05

Deoksan-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

The Deokbongsan Coastal Eco-trail allows visitors to see unique rock formations and coastal scenery. The trail features two courses: course A (317m) goes up to the summit of Deokbongsan Mountain, while course B (626m) is a circular course along the coast and base of the mountain. Each course offers its own breathtaking views, with rest areas located throughout.

Cheongok Golden Bat Cave (천곡황금박쥐동굴)

14.7Km 2021-09-24

50, Donggul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-539-3630

Cheongok Golden Bat Cave in Donghae is the only natural cave in Korea located in a downtown area. Estimated to have been created 400 to 500 million years ago, the cave is known to serve as a habitat for the endangered golden bats. The cave's total length stretches for 1,510 meters, with only 810 meters of the cave open the public while the rest of cave remains protected for preservation purposes. The cave features ceiling craters, one of which is the longest in Korea, along with stalactite curtains, travertine terraces, stalactite cascades, and many other fantastic rock formations. The cave's unique features provide a grand spectacle for tourists and great speleological samples for researchers. A 785-meter walkway was made using the sinkhole created by dissolved limestone to help visitors get a better understanding of cave formations.

Gamchuhaebyeon Beach (감추해변)

14.7Km 2025-07-18

120 Haean-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Gamchuhaebyeon Beach is easily accessible thanks to its vicinity to Donghae downtown of Cheongok-dong. This 300-meter-long quiet beach is not only a charming recreational spot, but it's also a popular fishing spot. Nearby the beach are restaurants serving fresh sliced raw fish, and Gamchusa Temple, a perfect spot to look around while in the area.

Gamchusa Temple (감추사)

14.7Km 2025-07-18

120 Haean-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Gamchusa Temple is a small temple in Yongjeong-dong in Donghae. There are only four buildings in the premises, but each building is neatly tucked away among the rocks, creating a picturesque scene. Most temples located near the sea are usually popular prayer spots, believed to be overseen by the Buddha and the Dragon King, who resides in the ocean. As such, many flock to the temple to pray asking for family well-being and prosperity. By the entrance of the temple is a five-story pagoda, which is said to have been built by a man who wanted to grant his mother's will before passing away. Due to its location by the sea, the temple offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley cliffs and the ocean.

Picasso Hotel (피카소호텔(강원))

15.0Km 2024-12-19

123-6 , Donggul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-533-2500

The Hotel Picasso in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, has a ground-level parking lot, and offers four kinds of room: Korean, western, deluxe, and villa-style. Villa-style rooms are spacious with separate living and bed rooms, and basic cooking facilities. Some rooms are equipped with computers. Nearby attractions include Cheongok Golden Bat Cave, Chuam Beach, Dutasan Mountain, and Mureung Valley.

Hanseomhaebyeon Beach & Hanseom Gamseong Sea Trail (한섬해변&한섬감성바닷길)

15.3Km 2025-07-18

9 Hanseomhaean-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Hanseomhaebyeon Beach is a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to Donghae downtown and its convenient transportation access. As visitors descend while crossing the bridge, they are greeted by the vast blue sea and white sand beach. The tranquility and white sand make it a perfect spot for a leisurely beach stroll. Mukho Lighthouse, visible in the distance alongside the blue sea and white sand, serves as a picturesque backdrop for photos. The Hanseom Gamseong Sea Trail is a 2.2-kilometer-long trail, connecting Hanseomhaebyeon Beach, Gobulgae, and Gase Village. Part of the trail is a deck-built promenade, making it a perfect course for a stroll while enjoying the lush pine forest on one side and the blue sea on the other.

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위) - Area information - Korea travel information