Donghae

동해

A charming East Sea coastal town known for its pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed seaside atmosphere, Donghae offers easy access to beautiful coves, hiking trails along dramatic cliffs, and the quirky Sambangsan Coastal Trail. The town is perfect for beach lovers seeking a quieter alternative to crowded resorts.

Things to do

• Sambangsan Coastal Trail — Hike the scenic cliffside path offering panoramic views of the East Sea and access to small hidden coves and rock formations.
• Mureung Valley & Waterfall — Explore this dramatic granite canyon with a cascading waterfall and swimming holes, surrounded by steep cliff walls.
• Donghae Beach — Relax on this quieter sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing without the crowds of major Korean resorts.
• Cheongsong Cliffs & Lighthouse — Walk to a historic lighthouse perched above dramatic rocky cliffs with excellent photo opportunities and sunset views.
• Donghae Marine Cable Car — Take a scenic aerial ride across the coastline offering bird's-eye views of beaches, rocky outcrops, and the open sea.
• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling — Experience diving in clear East Sea waters where local operators offer guided tours to see marine life and underwater rock formations.

Food to try

• Donghae Squid (오징어) — Fresh local squid grilled or served raw as sashimi, caught daily and best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants near the harbor.
• Sea Urchin (성게) — Uni is a local specialty served fresh over rice or eaten directly from the shell, particularly abundant during spring season.
• Grilled Fish (생선구이) — Seasonal catches including mackerel, rockfish, and sea bream grilled whole and served with side dishes at beachfront eateries.
• Donghae Abalone (전복) — Premium abalone sourced locally, typically steamed or grilled and served as a special delicacy at upscale seafood restaurants.
• Jjigae Stew with Seafood (찌개) — Hot fermented soybean or spicy red pepper stew loaded with fresh local seafood, squid, and vegetables for warming coastal comfort food.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit during Squid Festival Season — Late summer and fall bring local squid festivals with fresh catches, outdoor grilling, and reduced prices—plan accordingly for the best experience.
• Respect Beach & Trail Safety — Coastal cliffs and rocky areas can be treacherous; stay on marked trails, check weather conditions, and never venture near cliff edges during storms.
• Cash for Local Vendors — While larger restaurants accept cards, small beachside stalls, family-run seafood shops, and hiking refreshment stands often prefer cash only.
• Early Morning Fish Market Visits — The local harbor fish market operates earliest in the morning; arrive by 7 AM to see the freshest catches and meet fishing families selling directly.