Trip embracing mountains, valleys and sea | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Cheonghakdong Sogeumgang, located in the eastern district of Odaesan National Park, is called Sogeumgang because the shapes of the rocky peaks resemble a small Geumgangsan. It is also called Cheonghaksan because it is said to resemble a crane spreading its wings. The main peak is Hwangbyeongsan at 1,470m elevation, with Noinbong and Maebong to the left forming a mountain shape like a crane spreading its wings. Among the dense forests of Sogeumgang, the beautiful rocky peaks captivate visitors at first sight. Along the approximately 40-ri length from the first bend of Murung Valley, there are many scenic spots including Murung Valley, Sipseoso, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdang-am, Guryong Falls, Gunja Falls, Manmulsang, and Geumgangsan Fortress (also known as Amisanseong), where the Silla prince Ma-ui is said to have raised the banner for Silla's revival and trained troops.

Jumunjin Port mainly serves cargo ships and functions as a major fishing harbor base on the East Coast. Around 350 fishing vessels come and go here. Due to the unique East Sea currents where warm and cold currents meet, species such as squid, icefish, pollock, herring, and anchovies are abundantly caught. The sashimi freshly unloaded from the boats is very fresh and highly appealing to tourists. It is possible to enjoy a lot of sashimi at an affordable price. Furthermore, Jumunjin Market, which has existed since 1936 around Jumunjin Port, is a traditional market including various types of stores such as a general market, dried seafood market, and sashimi center. It is the largest fish market on the East Coast and a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The central region of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province had no particularly developed ports, so lighthouses were installed later than in other regions. Jumunjin Lighthouse was the first to be built in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province on March 20, 1918 (Joseon Governor-General Notice No. 61). The lighthouse tower, constructed with white circular bricks, has a maximum diameter of 3m and a height of 10m, with white lime mortar painted on the exterior walls. This brick structure lighthouse corresponds to an early stage of lighthouse architecture in Korea and is highly valued architecturally. The lighthouse light flashes once every 15 seconds and is visible from 37 km away. Jumunjin Lighthouse was damaged during the Korean War and restored in 1951. It is currently the oldest lighthouse in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and was the first lighthouse to operate a leading mark station on the East Coast.

Located beyond the white lighthouse at the edge of a hill in Jumunjin while heading up the coastal road north of Gangneung-si, Sodol Adeulbawi Park features exquisitely and strangely shaped rocky formations carved by wind and waves. From the road, the dark, sharply angled rocks resemble a strong bull, and the park is filled with naturally formed fascinating and peculiar rocks such as Elephant Rock. Sodolbawi is a rock that was under the sea during the Jurassic period 150 million years ago and emerged on land due to tectonic changes. There is a legend that after an elderly couple prayed for a hundred days, they had a son, so couples without children visit to pray and fulfill their wishes, making it a popular spot for newlyweds.