East Coast Ring Road Uljin Riding the Back of the Coast | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Mangyangjeong Pavilion, one of the Gwandong Palgyeong (Eight Scenic Views of the East), was originally located on a beach hill in Mangyang-ri, Giseong-myeon during the Goryeo period. During the Joseon Sejong era, Chae Shinbo moved it to the foothill of Hyeonjongsan in Mangyang-ri, stating the pavilion was old and worn. After being damaged by a storm in 1517, it was rebuilt in 1518 (the 13th year of King Jungjong) when Anryeomsa Yoon Heein requested the Pyeonghae County Governor Kim Sewoo to restore it. In 1860 (the 11th year of King Cheoljong), Uljin Governor Lee Heeho, along with county officer Im Hakyoung, relocated it to its current site in Dunsan-dong, Sanpo-ri, Geunnam-myeon. The pavilion sits on a hill overlooking the Wangpicheon River flowing in front of Seongryugul Cave and offers a panoramic view of the vast East Sea waves. It is considered the best scenic spot among the Gwandong Palgyeong, and King Sukjong honored it with a calligraphic plaque titled 'Gwandong Jeilru'. Poems by Kings Sukjong and Jeongjo, as well as writings by Jeong Chu, Jeong Cheol, and Chae Su about Mangyangjeong survive to this day.

Wolsongjeong, one of the historical sites of Gwandong Palgyeong, was established during the Goryeo Dynasty and was rebuilt in the mid-Joseon period by the governor Park Wonjong. However, it fell into ruin with only remains left until it was reconstructed in 1933 by local resident Hwang Manyoung and others. During the late Japanese occupation, the stationed navy demolished it fearing it would be a target for enemy aircraft. In April 1964, the Korean diaspora group Geumganghoe built a reinforced concrete pavilion, but as it lacked the old form, it was demolished in 1979 and rebuilt in 1980 based on Goryeo-era style. The name Wolsongjeong comes from four Silla Hwarang warriors, Yeongrang, Sullang, Namsok, and Anyang, who enjoyed the moon in the dense pine forest, or from the planting of pine trees brought from Wolguk. The area surrounding the pavilion is a forest of sea pines where visitors can feel refreshed looking out at the blue East Sea. Especially, the sunrise scene rising above the pines and sea at Wolsongjeong is widely known, attracting tourists and photographers, making it one of the few famous sunrise spots on Korea’s East Coast alongside nearby Mangyangjeong.

Deunggisan Skywalk, located behind Uljin Hupo Port, is a bridge 20 meters high and 135 meters long. Among them, the 57-meter reinforced glass floor section allows you to look down at the blue sea below, giving the sensation of walking on the sea. About halfway along the skywalk, there is a signboard for Hupo Gatbawi, which promises to grant one wish. At the end, a sculpture depicting Seonmyeo Nangja, who transformed into a dragon out of admiration for Uisang Daesa, welcomes visitors with a smile. Crossing the cloud bridge connected to the skywalk leads to Hupo Deunggisan Park. Besides the Hupo Lighthouse, the park features world-famous historical lighthouse sculptures, including models of Incheon Palimido Lighthouse, Korea's first modern lighthouse, France's oldest Cordouan Lighthouse built in 1611, and Egypt's Pharos Lighthouse, offering insights into the history and significance of lighthouses.

Hupo Port, located at the southern end of Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a major fishing port in the central waters of the East Sea. It is a distribution hub for all fish species caught in the East Sea, including saury, squid, mackerel, snow crab, and flatfish. Near Hupo Port are the Hupo Fisheries Cooperative, built in the shape of a ship, the Hupo Fisheries Cooperative Seafood Distribution Center, the fish auction market, Hupo Fish Market, and sashimi restaurants. Behind these are Deunggisan Mountain and Hupo Lighthouse, and around them is Hupo Deunggisan Park. At the dock of Hupo Port, visitors can watch various seafood being unloaded from fishing boats early in the morning, enjoy the atmosphere of the fish market, and purchase fresh sashimi and seafood at reasonable prices.

Hupo Beach, located at the southernmost part of Hupo-myeon, has a white sandy beach 250 meters long and was designated as a beach in 1992. It lies just below Hupo Port and is notable for its clean and fine sand. The wide sandy beach and the blue waves of the East Sea combine to create a fantastic scenery, attracting crowds of people enjoying swimming during the peak summer season. Hupo Port, situated above the beach, is the gathering place for all fish species from the East Sea, including mackerel pike, squid, and red snow crab. Visitors can observe the fish market in the early morning and enjoy fresh sashimi and snow crab at reasonable prices. On the hill north of the beach stands the Hupo Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the endless East Sea and the scenery of Uljin.