Yangyang Donghae Shinmyo Shrine is a place where state-level rituals were performed to pray for national peace and prosperity as well as abundant crops and fishing by the Dragon King of the East Sea. The exact founding date is unknown, but it was established during the Goryeo Dynasty and was designated as a medium-scale national ritual site in the early Joseon period. Due to limited arable land, the East Coast region engaged in fishing in the rough sea since the Silla period, worshipping the Dragon King with rituals. Villages also had Haesindang, sea god shrines unique to coastal villages. Many coastal villages along the East Sea, including those in Goseong, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Uljin, and Samcheok, have Haesindang along with Seonangdang shrines overseeing the entire village, praying for safety and abundant catches. Donghae Shinmyo was designated as a shrine continuing the coastal folk faith tradition and has held rituals every spring and autumn. In 1908 (the 2nd year of King Sunjong), the stele was cut and buildings dismantled due to Japanese cultural suppression policies, but restoration efforts began in 1993 by Yangyang-gun. Every year, the 'Yangyang Donghae Shinmyo Summer Beach Dragon King Festival' is held alongside the opening of the beach. Similar Dragon King festivals are held at Naksan Beach, Seorak Beach, and others to pray for safety when their beaches open.
Ocean Valley Resort is located on the sandy shore of Naksan Beach staring out at the clean blue waters of the East Sea. The resort is the closest accommodation to the ocean in the nation. Since its opening in 2001, the resort has continued to strive to provide the best service in order for customers to have an unforgettable experience. The resort is open all year long, allowing guests to enjoy a range of activities like Naksan Beach in the summer to skiing in the winter.
There are many attractions close to the resort including Naksansa Temple, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Osaek Mineral Spring, and Unification Observatory. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of leisure sports like sea fishing, boating, water skiing and golf. Ocean Valley Resort is an environmentally conscious resort that uses solar power to cover its energy needs.
Ocean Valley Resort is the closest resort to the beach in Korea, located on a wide beach with the endless blue waves of the East Sea and Naksan Beach, allowing guests to relax comfortably year-round to the sound of the waves. Since its opening in 2001, Ocean Valley Resort has been dedicated to maintaining and renovating its facilities so customers can use them pleasantly. It is a four-season tourist destination where visitors can enjoy Naksan Beach in the summer, autumn foliage of Seoraksan, and the romantic winter sea and skiing. Additionally, guests can enjoy historic tourist sites such as Naksansa Temple, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Osaek Mineral Spring, and the Unification Observatory, as well as various leisure sports like sea fishing, motorboating, water skiing, and golf, making it ideal for couples and family trips. Ocean Valley Resort values the environment and humanity, leading a healthy leisure culture and particularly operates as a clean resort by solely using solar fuel developed without any petroleum fuel.
Dongmyeong Seowon, located in Josan-ri, is a Joseon Dynasty seowon established in 1628 by local Confucian scholars to honor Jo In-byeok’s loyalty and virtue by enshrining his memorial tablet in Chunghyun-sa and naming it Dongmyeong Seowon. Yangryeolgong Jo In-byeok was a person who, despite King Taejo Yi Seong-gye’s earnest request, upheld the principle of not serving two kings and lived in seclusion in Yangyang, educating students. The seowon played a role in venerating ancestors and local education but was destroyed during war and later moved and restored in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do in 1787. After repeated closures and restorations, a restoration committee was formed in 1974, completing restoration in 1982. Buildings on site include the three-kan Chunghyun-sa, six-kan Jae-sil, Sinmun, and east and west side gates. The memorial tablet of Jo In-byeok is enshrined at the shrine Chunghyun-sa. The Jae-sil is used for various events, meetings of Confucian scholars, and accommodations for ritual officials during memorial services. The spring rite is held annually here, and at the seowon entrance, visitors can see the red Hongsal Gate and the stele of Yangryeolgong Jo In-byeok.
Naksan Provincial Park refers to the 24 km long coastline area of Yangyang-gun. It includes the coast from Naksansa Temple and Naksan Beach to Osan, Dongho, and Hajodae beaches, with numerous lakes and terraces offering many sights. Naksansa Temple is considered a scenic spot among the Eight Great Views of Kwandong, where visitors can experience the essence of Buddhist culture. The temple grounds house various cultural assets, and the coastal cliffs formed by unique rock formations and old pine trees create a magnificent view attracting many tourists. Naksan Beach is the largest beach in the northern East Sea area, known for its clean white sand, shallow waters, and extensive sandy beach surrounded by dense pine forests, drawing large crowds in summer. The park's entrance has a plaza and clusters of seafood centers, cafes, and accommodations, providing food and rest areas for visitors to the Yangyang coast. As a popular tourist destination, it offers well-developed lodging, entertainment, and convenience facilities, with continuous development of new amenities for tourism.
Naksan Beach is the representative beach of Yangyang, located in Joseon-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. Since its opening in 1963, it has attracted over one million tourists from all over the country every year. It is considered one of the most famous beaches on the East Coast along with Gyeongpodae Beach. The impressive view features a wide 4 km sandy beach in front of a dense pine forest. The water depth is relatively shallow at about 1.5 meters, making it ideal for swimming. In winter, many people visit to watch the sunrise, and a Sunrise Festival is held on New Year's Day, making it a popular spot to wish for blessings. At the end of the beach is Naksan Port, and behind it stands Naksan with Naksansa Temple. On the opposite side, Namdaecheon River flowing from Seoraksan forms a lake at its estuary. Around the beach, cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants are available for convenient use. Accommodation facilities such as guesthouses, condos, and hotels are also well equipped.
