Deokbong Mountain
Deokbong Mountain (덕봉산; map) is a 53.9-meter-tall coastal mountain nestled between Maengbang and Deoksan Beach in Samcheok. For decades after the Korean War, the military forbade visitors from climbing the seaside mountain. However, in 2021, Samcheok and Korea’s military opened Deokbong and built a kilometer-long walking trail that crosses over the mountain and through picturesque beaches.
Legend of Deokbong Mountain
According to local folklore, Deokbong Mountain once sat far in the north, in Yangyang County, along with two other seaside peaks, collectively known as “The Three Brothers”. One day, they drifted south along Korea’s east coast and settled in their present-day locations.
- Deokbong Mountain, the oldest brother, settled in northern Samcheok City.
- Haemang Mountain (해망산; map), the middle brother, took root in southern Samcheok and became a guardian overlooking the town.
- Biraebong Peak (비래봉), the youngest brother, ventured further to Uljin County.
Deokbong Mountain was originally an island, known as Deoksan Island (Deoksan-do). Over time, sediment from Maeup Stream (마읍천; map), which flows into Deokbong, collected around the mountain’s base, connecting it to the mainland.
Locals believed that the mountain resembled a traditional water jar, 물독 (muldok) in Korean. So its ancient name was a variation: “Deomeongsan.” Over time, the name evolved into Deokbong Mountain.
Deokbong Mountain Coastal Eco Trail
Deokbong Mountain Coastal Ecological Trail (덕봉산 해안생태탐방로; map) is a walking trail that spans 943 meters. It crosses bamboo forests, encircles and leads to the top of Deokbong Mountain, and meanders 626 meters through Maengbang and Deoksan Beach.
- Deoksan Beach (덕산해변; map) sits just south of Deokbong Mountain. Less developed than Maengbang Beach, it offers clear waters and a more relaxed atmosphere than other nearby beaches. A raised, S-shaped wooden plank walking path snakes along the beach and lands at the base of Deokbong Mountain. The small Deoksan Village (덕산리; map) sits just behind and offers a handful of restaurants and accommodations.
- Maengbang Beach (맹방해변: map) lies north of Deokbong Mountain. It is famed for its 4-kilometer-long sandy shores and its Maengbang Beach Campground (맹방해변산림욕장; map) where visitors can camp beneath pine trees. The campground also has auto camping spots for families to park their RVs or SUVs and pitch tents near the beach. In 2021, BTS visited Maengbang Beach to shoot their album jacket for “Butter.” Immediately afterward, the beach was inundated with superfans trying to grab a spot along the beach to recreate the same photo. At its peak, the BTS mania drew 8,000 visitors daily to the beach.
