Korean East Coast Bicycle Route icon.

Haesindang Park

Gangwon Bike Path

Disclaimer: Haesindang Park is an outdoor sculpture museum with phallic sculptures. These artworks are part of the cultural heritage and folklore of the region, intended for educational and cultural enrichment. Reader discretion is advised.

Haesindang Park (해신당공원; map) covers a seaside mountain above Sinnam Port (map) near the bottom of Samcheok City. The park, also known as “Penis Park,” features hundreds of phallic sculptures. Rooted in local folklore, these sculptures take many forms—from carved totem poles to 2-meter-tall marble sculptures with zodiac figures tucked inside.

The logo for Naver Maps.
Map

The Legend of Aebawi Rock

The origins of Haesindang Park trace back to the story of Aebawi Rock, located just a few hundred meters off the nearby coast. According to legend, a young woman was engaged to a local fisherman. One day, they set out on his boat to gather seaweed. The fisherman left his bride-to-be on a rocky outcrop, far from shore, promising to return. As she waited, a storm engulfed the area, and the fisherman couldn’t reach her before the swelling waves swept her out to her watery grave.

A panoramic overview of the tiered courtyard at Haesindang Park, featuring the central phallic sculpture and symmetrical steps on either side.
A panoramic overview of the tiered courtyard at Haesindang Park, featuring the central phallic sculpture and symmetrical steps on either side.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Foreground focus on penis sculptures at Haesindang Park, with Shinnam Port's breakwater and red lighthouse in the distance, set against the rocky mountain coast of the East Sea.
A small, tranquil shrine dedicated to the lost maiden, located at the end of a hiking path at the bottom of Haesindang Park, surrounded by pine trees, with people standing at its entrance.
A small, tranquil shrine dedicated to the lost maiden, located at the end of a hiking path at the bottom of Haesindang Park, surrounded by pine trees, with people standing at its entrance.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: An elevated perspective of the Samcheok Fishing Village Folk Museum at Haesindang Park, showcasing a clearer view of the sign above the museum, set against a white building and blue sky.
East Coast
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A view from a wooden deck at Haesindang Park, featuring blue support poles and a white tarp, overlooking the East Sea and seaside mountains.
cultural art
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Intriguing two-meter tall stone penis sculptures with embedded Chinese zodiac animals, set in a courtyard against a backdrop of blue sky and the East Sea.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Binoculars on a hiking path in Haesindang Park offering a focused view of the blue East Sea and the park's rocky coastline, with the background slightly out of focus.
A poignant wooden sculpture of the young lost maiden from local folklore, hand raised, set against a backdrop of pine trees and a blue sky in Haesindang Park.
A poignant wooden sculpture of the young lost maiden from local folklore, hand raised, set against a backdrop of pine trees and a blue sky in Haesindang Park.
A close-up of two stone penis sculptures at Haesindang Park, with the serene East Sea and mountainous landscape forming a picturesque backdrop.
A close-up of two stone sculptures at Haesindang Park.
A wide-angle shot capturing an array of tall wooden penis sculptures with faces, and a depiction of a woman in a cage, chained in between, at Haesindang Park.
A wide-angle shot capturing an array of tall wooden penis sculptures with faces, and a depiction of a woman in a cage, chained in between, at Haesindang Park.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A detailed close-up of a rabbit sculpture within a stone phallic figure at Haesindang Park, blending traditional symbolism with modern artistry.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A scenic walking path on a hill in Haesindang Park, featuring crooked pine tree trunks in the foreground and a view of Shinnam Port, water, and breakwater in the background.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: The misty seascape of Shinnam Port on the East Sea, featuring a red lighthouse at the end of the breakwater and a lamp pole with a sailing ship design, set against seaside mountains.

Rituals and Ceremonies

To appease the spirit, villagers crafted wooden phallic sculptures. They believed they would calm the maiden’s spirit. As legend tells, the fish soon returned to their waters, and prosperity was restored.

This miraculous turnaround birthed a tradition that endures to this day. Twice annually, the community gathers for ceremonies at Haesindang. These rituals commemorate the folklore but also pray for safe and bountiful hauls from the East Sea.

Exploring Haesindang Park

Haesindang Park visitors can view an array of sculptures that pay a tribute to local folklore. Many of the artworks in the park feature phallic sculptures in a variety of forms: squid, flowers, zodiac sculptures, towering wooden structures with. Each tells their own story of joy, spirituality, and sexuality.

Beyond the sculptures, the park offers beautifully maintained trails that boast panoramic views of Sinnam Port and the East Sea.

The entrance to Haesindang Park, marked by a circular blue arching gateway with the park's name prominently displayed on top.
The entrance to Haesindang Park, marked by a circular blue arching gateway with the park's name prominently displayed on top.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: The red lighthouse at the end of Shinnam Port's breakwater, framed by pine trees in the foreground, with concrete tetrapods forming the breakwater and seaside mountains in view.
A wooden staircase at Haesindang Park, flanked by distinctive penis statues with human faces, leading up to a serene pine tree forest atop a hill.
A wooden staircase at Haesindang Park, flanked by distinctive penis statues with human faces, leading up to a serene pine tree forest atop a hill.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Unique two-meter tall stone sculptures shaped like penises, each encasing a Chinese zodiac animal, set in a courtyard with mountains in the background.
A striking array of tall wooden penis sculptures with faces, and a depiction of a woman in a cage, resonating with local folklore at Haesindang Park.
A striking array of tall wooden penis sculptures with faces, and a depiction of a woman in a cage, resonating with local folklore at Haesindang Park.
A rugged coastal rocky outcrop beside Haesindang Park, with waves energetically crashing against the rocks in the shallow waters of the East Sea.
A rugged coastal rocky outcrop beside Haesindang Park, with waves energetically crashing against the rocks in the shallow waters of the East Sea.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: The unique entrance of the Samcheok Fishing Village Folk Museum in Haesindang Park, featuring the bow of a wooden ship, with the park's name visible above the main building against a white exterior and blue sky.
A striking giant penis sculpture centered in a tiered courtyard at Haesindang Park, flanked by grassy slopes and steps, with whimsical whirlygigs at the top, under a clear blue sky.
A striking giant penis sculpture centered in a tiered courtyard at Haesindang Park, flanked by grassy slopes and steps, with whimsical whirlygigs at the top, under a clear blue sky.
contemporary design
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Close-up of ox and monkey zodiac stone sculptures beside a pine tree trunk, set against the horizon of the East Sea at Haesindang Park.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Outside view of a traditional Hanok house at Haesindang Park, showcasing its characteristic thatched roof and wooden doors.
The intriguing wooden phallic sculptures at Haesindang Park, often humorously termed "Penis Park," reflect the area's unique folklore and fishing heritage.
The intriguing wooden phallic sculptures at Haesindang Park, often humorously termed "Penis Park," reflect the area's unique folklore and fishing heritage.
A stone sculpture of the young lost maiden, in the same iconic pose, set against a hillside and surrounded by penis zodiac statues in Haesindang Park.
A stone sculpture of the young lost maiden, in the same iconic pose, set against a hillside and surrounded by penis zodiac statues in Haesindang Park.
unique artwork
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A row of eclectic three-meter tall wooden penis sculptures, including one with a penis-shaped nose, humorously displayed in Haesindang Park.

The Fishing Village Folk Exhibition Hall

A highlight of Haesindang Park is the Fishing Village Folk Exhibition Hall (어촌민속전시관; map). This exhibition space overlooks the East Sea coast near the bottom of the park. It delves into the historical and cultural aspects of the local fishing community. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and displays that illustrate the daily lives and maritime skills of the people who have lived along the East Sea for generations.

Hours of Operation and Admission Fees

Haesindang Park is open to the public year-round.

  • Operating hours:
    • 9 AM to 6 PM in summer
    • 9 AM to 5 PM in winter
  • Admission:
    • ₩3,000 for adults
    • ₩2,000 for teenagers
    • ₩1,500 for children and senior citizens.
  • The park is closed on the 18th of every month.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A charming corner view of a traditional Hanok house, featuring a low stone wall and trees, with the East Sea horizon in the background at Haesindang Park.
unique artwork
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Close-up view of the top of a unique sculpture in Haesindang Park, depicting a penis emerging through a bulbous flower, blending nature and folklore.
A closer view of the peaceful shrine dedicated to the lost maiden at Haesindang Park, nestled beside pine trees under a clear blue sky, with no people present.
A view of a shrine dedicated to the lost maiden at Haesindang Park.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Inside the shrine, a painting of the lost young maiden adorns the wall, accompanied by offerings of fruits and rice, with colorful paintings embellishing the ceilings and rafters.
A path at Haesindang Park adorned with African-inspired statues of people and phallic figures, with the East Sea waters forming a tranquil backdrop.
A path at Haesindang Park adorned with African-inspired statues of people and phallic figures, with the East Sea waters forming a tranquil backdrop.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A wide parking lot situated at the entrance of Haesindang Park, located atop a hill with a road running adjacent to it.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A view of the rugged and rocky coastline of the East Sea at Haesindang Park, with the historic outcrop where the young maiden perished visible in the distance.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Three unique fishermen sculptures, each holding their phallic representation, adorned in greenish-blue robes and headbands, with white dogs beside them in Haesindang Park.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: Stone zodiac sculptures in a courtyard with two kneeling penis sculptures, all under a soaring white awning against a blue sky in Haesindang Park.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A tasteful bedroom scene inside a traditional Hanok house at Haesindang Park, featuring sculptures of a man and woman sitting on blankets.
A whimsical sculpture of an old Asian man with a long mustache incorporated into a penis statue, set against a small bay in the East Sea with pine trees and blueish-green waters.
A whimsical sculpture of an old Asian man with a long mustache incorporated into a penis statue, set against a small bay in the East Sea with pine trees and blueish-green waters.
misty day
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A serene view of the East Sea coastline on a misty day, with distant mountains and waves gently crashing against the rocks.
South Korea
Samcheok City, South Korea - December 28, 2023: A series of meter-tall black penis sculptures, adorned with Korean writing, aligned along a walking path and nestled under pine trees in Haesindang Park.
Highlights
Get There
The Coast
East Sea
East Coast Gyeongbuk Bicycle Path logo
East Coast Gangwon Bicycle Path logo
Cross-Country Routes logo.
East Coast Routes logo.
Western Routes logo. Korean bicycle paths.
Jeju & More Routes logo. Korean bicycle paths.