A collection of Instagram posts tagged “Eodal Samgeori” highlights the scenic intersection in Donghae, Gangwon Province, which has recently drawn attention from travelers seeking photo spots showing the ocean. Captured from Instagram
The coastal neighborhood of Mukho in Donghae, Gangwon Province, has recently gone viral on social media. Set on a low hill overlooking the vivid blue of the East Sea, the area's winding alleys and tightly clustered homes have captivated travelers seeking scenic backdrops.
The place that put Mukho on the tourist map is Eodal Samgeori, a three-way intersection. At the end of the downhill road, the horizon appears as a dramatic panoramic backdrop, turning the spot into a photo hotspot.
But when this reporter visited Mukho on Feb. 7, the scene behind the beautiful landscape was unexpectedly alarming. To capture photos with the sea as a backdrop, visitors often stood in the middle of the road, leading many tourists to engage in a dangerous standoff with passing cars.
A chair sits on Eodal Beach in Donghae, Gangwon Province, on Feb. 7. Korea Times photo by Shin Eun-byul
Once a prosperous port in the 1970s, the Mukho had sunk into quiet decline and only recently regained attention. Since March 2020, when rail service between Seoul and Mukho began, it has become accessible via public transport and started welcoming travelers who use the area as a base to access scenic walks.
From Seoul Station, the KTX-Eum train reaches Mukho Station in about two and a half hours. During the Lunar New Year holiday, all eight trains departing Seoul for Mukho were sold out. Many visitors also arrive by car, braving the three hour drive from Seoul.
As travel preferences shift from major cities to quieter small towns, Mukho’s appeal has grown. A Donghae City official said, “As solo travel, healing trips and sentimental travel emerge as key trends, Mukho, which is quieter than famous cities like Gangneung and Sokcho, has rapidly risen as a destination.” Boosted by Mukho’s popularity, Donghae recorded more than 12 million visitors last year, up by about 600,000 to 700,000 from the previous average.
Its suitability for day trips adds to Mukho’s charm. Even visiting all 10 Mukho-area attractions listed on the city’s official website takes only about three hours on foot.
Although Eodal Samgeori lies within the Mukho area, it sits slightly apart from the cluster of official attractions, yet travelers treat it as a must-visit stop.
Source: Korea Times News
