[Living in Korea] Recommended places to check out - East Coast, Korea (Sokcho, Donghae, Gangneung)

[Recommended Places to check out]

I have visted to the 3 cities located in East Coast of Korea.

Korea shows various different natural views though its small size. If you already have been to City area like Seoul in Korea and wants to experience Korea more, you should visit the other cities having wonderful landscapes.

Actually, Gangwon-do Province is well known as natural scenary for Korean people.



[Transportataion]

I recommend you us Vehicle Rental Service. I used public transporation (Bus, Train and Taxi). But, it was very uncomfortable.






I recommend this 'East Coast trip' to following Travelers :

 - want to see the mountains (Valley, Waterfall, Cliff, Canyan), Sea, Rivers.
 - want to have a taste the Korean Traditional Sea food
 - want water sports
 - want to visit to Temples



1. Sokcho

1) Yeongnang lake

The circumference of the lake is about 8 km (2 hours by walk).

You can walk along the lake and check several sightly spots.

I post some photos that you can also see if you visit this lake.

 

At the Beombawi Rock - Looking at the Ulsanbawi and the Seolak Mountain

Beombawi



Yeongnang lake

Bogwangsa Temple - Garden

2) Sokcho Fish market (Fisheries Wholesale Market)

The Market is so big. You can choose one among the small traditional restaurants. Employees or owners of restaurants cook foods on the table of the shop front. So, you can choose what you want to eat among the several alternatives.

Sweet and Sour Prawn (Left) & Squid Korean Sausage (Right)

3) Seolak Mountain

I couldn't go hiking becuase my wife didn't want it.

Anyway, I can tell you that Seolak Mountain is the one of representative mountains in Korea. I think Halla (Hanra) Mountain and Seolak Mountain are the most famous mountains.

2. Gangneung

1) Jeongdongjin

This place is well known as Sunrise Attraction for Korean People. Actually, the long coastal road of East Coast including the Jeongdongjin is beuatiful. I think you can just drop by here if you are passing near here. This place is a 30 minutes drive away from the Gangneung.

The third photo shows the 'Sun Cruise Hotel' - 5 starts. You can also here if you visit to Gangneung.

2) Gyeongpodae

The Gyeonpodae is the place the lake meets the East sea. It was quite and peaceful place. You can walk along the lake or jog here.

There are some delicacies here also. I recommend you to eat the 'Soondubu jjigae with Jjampong'. This food is famous and one of the representative goods in Gangwon-do Province.

Lake in Geongpodae

The Orange Color Soup at left of the picture is the Soondubu jjigae

3. Donghae

1) Mooreung Valley (Duta mountain)

It is located in Duta Mountain which is 30 minutes drive away from the Donghae City Center.

You can see the geography of typical Korean Mountains. It was the best choice for the Green shower with walking the forest path. You need to spend 3 hours at least to go hiking here. This is the 'must check out place' if you are staying in Korea!

You can see this beautiful view after walking for 20 minutes from the Entrance of the Mountain

Yongchupokpo - Waterfall

Entrance of the Mountain (Valley)

At a restaurant

Grilled Deodeok is the most famous in this area. It has saponin which is good for Lung, Stomach , and Stamina.



2) Cheon-gok Cave

This cave is 'Linestone' Cave. The lengh of the cave is 1.4 km approximately. It is about 400~500 million years old. You can see the various and beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars.

3) Mukho Lighthouse

Around of the Lighthouse, there is a small and simple park. But, it is also beautiful. When you arrive at the top of the park, you can see a cafe. You can have a moment of meditation at this cafe. Because the seascape is awesome.
There are nice restaurants near the park. You can eat 'Moray eel' Soup here. Most of the restaurants are placed in the bottom of the hill near by the sea.

Moray eel Soup - Moray ell looks ugly and unsavory. But, it doesn't have fishy smell almost. I have eaten various fishes before. Actually, this was so special for me. If you don't hate fish, I would like to recommend you to have a taste of it here.

4) Candlestick Rock (Chotdaebawi)

The first photo shows the Candlestick Rock. It looks like a candlestick. Actually, you should visit here early in the morning. You can capture the moment the sun rises at the edge of the candlestick rock. Many people come here to take such pictures.

Additionally, there is a Beach park consist of fantastic rocks and pine trees.