Murals on the way to Mukho Lighthouse | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

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 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.

Mukho Port in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, opened in 1937. It began as the first trade port on the East Coast and has since transformed into a fishing base. If you arrive early in the morning when fishing boats return, you can buy fresh sashimi right at the fish market, and watching auctions for freshly caught fish is a unique experience. There are also shops where you can buy dried seafood and other goods. On Dongmunsan near Mukho Port stands the Mukho Lighthouse, a staffed lighthouse built in June 1963. It is a 12-meter-high circular reinforced concrete structure with two internal floors, its pure white color blending with the blue sea to create a clear and clean image. Around the lighthouse is a small park with a panoramic view of the sea, and right at the park's entrance lies a wide sculpture engraved with the words 'From the Sun to the Boy.'

Buheung Raw Fish Restaurant is a representative raw fish restaurant in Mukho Port boasting a 50-year tradition. It offers a variety of seafood menus including mulhoe (cold raw fish soup), assorted sashimi, and sashimi bibimbap, with mulmangchi spicy fish stew being especially popular. Side dishes such as squid and seaweed stems are neat and delicious, and fresh seafood can be enjoyed at reasonable prices. It has been featured on various broadcasts including 'Gourmet Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey' and 'Live Tonight.' It is also popular among travelers for its dining experience along with the nearby sea scenery.

Chuam Beach is a beautiful beach with a coastline of unique rock formations and fine white sand. The beach is relatively small but sufficient for enjoying the stunning scenery. It is famous as a sunrise spot, especially for Chuam Chotdaebawi, a rock formation that attracts visitors year-round. The rock that appears in the background of the first verse of the national anthem resembles a candle flame with the sun hanging on its pointed tip, hence the name 'Chuam Chotdaebawi.' About 200 meters from Chuam Chotdaebawi is the sea suspension bridge, another attraction. The 72-meter-long Chuam Chotdaebawi suspension bridge, installed over the rocks crossing the sea, offers thrill and photo opportunities with the East Sea as the backdrop. On the way from Chuam Chotdaebawi to the suspension bridge is Bukpyeong Heoamjeong, a pavilion built in 1361 by Shim Dong-ro, the progenitor of the Samcheok Shim clan, who retired there. The current pavilion dates from its renovation around 1790. The end of the suspension bridge connects to the Chuam Sculpture Park, making it convenient to visit both together.

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.