Walk the Muan octopus road along a treasure filled coast | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Doripo is a port located at the southern tip of the Chilsan Sea extending to Hampyeong and Yeonggwang, at the end of the Haeje Peninsula, where you can see both sunset and sunrise. It is selected as one of the 100 Beautiful Fishing Villages in Korea by the Korea Tourism Organization. The Chilsan Bridge, connecting Yeomgwang-myeon in Yeonggwang-gun and Doripo in Haeje-myeon, Muan-gun, is popular as a driving course. The Hamhae Bay, surrounded by the Haeje Peninsula and the land areas of Muan, Hampyeong, and Yeonggwang counties, is the largest spawning ground for fish along the southwest coast. Various fish species such as sea bass, snapper, croaker, and stingrays lay eggs here, hatch their young, which later venture into the open sea and return as adults to spawn. Additionally, there are seaweed and oyster farms in Hamhae Bay, and soft, plump Muan mud octopuses are caught in abundance. At the end of the breakwater in Muan-gun, there is a lighthouse shaped like an octopus, honoring the Muan mud octopus and symbolizing the origin of the bountiful sea and the fishing village harbor scenery.

Muan-gun Songgye Fishing Village has been called Songgye because the village was historically abundant with pine trees (松) and the character for 'valley' (계) from Seonggye-dong, combining to form its name, and it is still known as Songgye Fishing Village. The village prides itself on the quiet harbor and the sunrise full over Hampyeong Bay, as well as the delicious fresh sea fish from the pristine Doriport area. Visitors can enjoy various mudflat experiences around the tourist information center. At Songgye Fishing Village, it is possible to see both sunrise and sunset on the West Coast, and on a 3km white sand beach lined with pine forests, a variety of activities such as clam, conch, and whelk gathering can be enjoyed on the mudflats.

Muan Gaetbeol maintains the primitiveness of natural ecology and a clean environment. The site allows observation of the formation and disappearance processes of the mudflat in the same location, granting it high geological preservation value. Additionally, its mudflat shape and biodiversity were recognized, resulting in it being designated as the nation's first wetland protection area in 2001, and later registered as a Ramsar wetland and Gaetbeol Provincial Park in 2008. Muan Hwangto is called 'oxygen to eat' and contains a large amount of germanium, which is effective for anti-cancer, immune function enhancement, and anti-aging. Centered around the Muan Ecological Gaetbeol Science Museum, there are attractions including a bonsai-themed exhibition hall and bonsai exhibition room, as well as accommodations such as a hwangto igloo, hwangto hut, bungalows, caravans, and auto camping sites. Facilities include restaurants, a store, cafe, and barbecue area. Visitors can learn about the importance of mudflats and the diverse characteristics of mudflat organisms through exhibition facilities and experience learning centers for mudflat activities and making marine creature figures and fin buttons. At Muan Hwangto Gaetbeol Land, families and friends can spend healing and restorative time together.

Holtong Recreation Area is a recreational site located in Hampyeong Bay, surrounded by the three counties of Yeonggwang-gun, Muan-gun, and Hampyeong-gun in Jeollanam-do. The name Holtong originated from the land jutting out alone in the middle of the beach, initially called Holtu and changed to Holtong after the Korean War. It is located north of Muan International Airport and is a natural recreational area with dense pine forests and a long white sandy beach forming a magnificent view. This place allows visitors to enjoy sea bathing, camping, sea fishing, and sea water steaming all at once, making it a popular summer vacation spot. The gentle slope of the beach and the mudflats exposed during low tide allow for experiences like gathering clams and oysters, making it suitable for bathing and vacation trips with children. There is ample space between the pine trees for camping with cooking available; there are free camping areas as well as paid ones with electricity. The shallow water and calm waves make it suitable for enjoying marine sports like windsurfing.