Samcheok City
Samcheok City (삼척시; map) is the southernmost coastal district in Gangwon State, just above Uljin County and flanked by the East Sea. Samcheok sports a diverse geography, claiming a chunk of the Taebaek Mountains and a long stretch of coastline along Korea’s east coast.
- Population: 62,651 (154th out of 232)
- Size: 1,187.83 km² (9th out of 232)
- Density: 52 people per km²
Historically, Samcheok City has been shaped by its location, nestled between the mountains and the sea. The area’s rich natural environment has been well-preserved, earning it a reputation for diverse flora and fauna. Its economy has traditionally relied on mining and fishing. However, in recent times, it has boosted its tourism and agriculture industries.
Today, Samcheok City offers a blend of scenic beauty and historical sites. Its rugged mountains and serene beaches provide unique recreational opportunities, from beach lounging to mountain trekking to cave exploring.
Coastal Samcheok
Samcheok City’s coastline extends for 58.4 kilometers along the East Sea. It features a mix of pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and unique geological formations. This coastal region is not only a popular tourist destination but also plays a crucial role in the local economy, primarily through its ports, which are centers for fishing, trade, and cultural activities.
Samcheok Ports
Below, find a list of major ports in Samcheok City.
- Samcheok Port (삼척항; map) originally opened in 1976 for to transport cement mined and processed nearby. In 1991, it was designated a public trading port. Distinguished by its rocky seabed and diverse fish population. Managed by the East Sea Headquarters of Gangwon Province, the port features Asia’s largest tsunami-prevention floodgate, opened to the public in July 2022.
- Jangho Port (장호항; map) features a scenic beach with shallow, calm waters and a crescent-shaped coastline. Often called “Korea’s Naples,” it’s popular for transparent canoeing and snorkeling. Jangho Port has been a “fishing experience village” since 2004, offering various fishing activities for the public. It also sports a scenic walk and Samcheok Marine Cable Car.
- Imwon Port (임원항; map): Situated closer to the southern edge of Samcheok, Imwon Port is notable for its historical significance and traditional charm. The port is a testament to the region’s long-standing fishing culture, offering insights into the traditional fishing techniques and lifestyles of the local community.
Food
Samcheok is renowned not only for its landscapes and tourist attractions but also for its food. Here’s a glimpse into the city’s culinary scene, highlighting some of the must-try eateries:
- Bumyeong Kalguksu (부명칼국수; map)
- Famous for its hearty and chewy noodles served in a refreshing broth, reminiscent of homemade dishes.
- Operating Hours: Closed on Wednesdays; Other days 11:30-20:00 (Break Time: 14:20-17:00)
- Buil Makguksu (부일막국수; map)
- Known for its buckwheat noodles, offering a unique taste and texture, complemented by savory broth and tender boiled meat.
- Operating Hours: Closed on Tuesdays; Other days 11:30-20:00 (Break Time: 15:00-16:30)
- Deoksan Seafood Restaurant (덕산바다횟집; map)
- A go-to place for fresh sashimi and side dishes, praised for its high quality and flavors.
- Operating Hours: Daily 10:00-19:30 (Last Order: 19:00)
- Samgojeongmun (삼고정문; map)
- Near Samcheok Sol Beach, this restaurant is celebrated for its variety of seafood dishes, including marinated crab and grilled fish.
- Operating Hours: Closed on Tuesdays; Other days 10:30-21:00 (Break Time: 15:30-17:00)
- Samcheok Handmade Burger Ocean Table (삼척 수제버거 오션테이블; map)
- Offers a range of unique burgers, including a specialty burger with local crab meat, enjoyed with an ocean view.
- Operating Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00 (Last Order: 20:00)
Traditional Market and Local Specialties
Samcheok Central Market (삼척중앙시장; map), open from 7 AM to 8 PM, is a vibrant marketplace that offers a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, and unique local snacks like squid sundae and barley rice/ Here’s a brief list of specialties to Try:
- King Crab (대게): Fresh and flavorful, caught from the local deep sea. Known for its tender meat and sweet taste, a specialty in the region.
- Buckwheat Dishes (메밀 요리): Including buckwheat porridge (메밀죽) and noodles (메밀국수), a staple in the local diet, celebrated for their nutty flavor and health benefits.
- Gomchi Soup (곰치국): A local delicacy made from gomchi (곰치), a unique type of fish, known for its refreshing and hearty flavor, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
- Wild Vegetable Pickles (곰취 장아찌; Gomchui Jangajji): Made from locally foraged mountain greens, these pickles offer a tangy and slightly bitter taste, complementing many traditional dishes.
- Seogeori Kimchi (서거리 김치): A unique kimchi made with fish parts, highlighting the integration of seafood in local cuisine, known for its strong and spicy flavor.
- Squid Sundae (오징어 순대): A popular Korean street food, the dish is squid stuffed with various ingredients, offering a unique texture and rich flavor.
- Barley Rice (보리밥): A common Korean dish often served with seafood, known for its chewy texture and mild flavor, providing a balanced complement to seafood dishes.
Samcheok City in Gangwon State, South Korea, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Its “Ten Highlights” showcase the region’s varied landscape and history. These landmarks range from natural wonders, like ancient caves, to cultural sites like historic temples.
- Jukseoru (죽서루; map): A unique architectural structure on a rock cliff along the Oshipcheon stream. It’s recognized as the first of the “Eight Scenic Wonders of Gwandong” and is a national treasure (Treasure No. 213). It was built before 1266, as historical records show the scholar Lee Seung-hyu composed a poem here in that year.
- Haesindang Park (해신당성민속공원; map) is unique for its celebration of a local legend involving a maiden’s tragic love story, leading to the area’s unique phallic worship culture.
- New Millennium Coastal Park (새천년해안유원지; map) is a park that sits in the middle of a scenic coastal road that stretches 4.6 kilometers. Built for the new millennium, the park includes sculptures, a “Tower of Wishes,” and a time capsule.
- Hwang Young-cho Memorial Park (황영조기념공원; map) commemorates the victory of Samcheok-born Hwang Young-cho. He won the marathon at the 25th Barcelona Olympics. The park features exhibits on his life and achievements.
- Hwanseongul Cave (환선굴; map) is a natural limestone cave formed about 530 million years ago. It is one of the largest caves in Asia and was designated as Natural Monument No. 178. It features various stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
- Deokpung Valley (덕풍계곡; map) is known for its natural beauty. It is a popular spot for hiking and water activities, especially in the summer.
- Cheokjudonghaebi Monument (척주동해비; map) was erected in 1661 by Heo Mok, a Joseon Dynasty official to combat severe tidal surges and flooding in Samcheok. It features philosophical insights and mystical prose and was believed to possess powers to calm the tides and prevent natural disasters.
- Maengbang Beach (맹방명사십리; map) is a pristine beach surrounded by dense pine forests, known for its clean water and sandy shores. It’s a popular family vacation spot, offering a peaceful retreat.
- Cheonunsa Temple (천은사; map) is a historic temple famous for its association with the scholar Lee Seung-hyu, who wrote the “Jeungun-gi” on its walls. The temple was founded in the 8th century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries.
- Jun-gyeong Tomb (준경묘; map) is the resting place of Lee Yang-mu, a general and the fifth ancestor of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. It is a significant historic site, reflecting the area’s royal connections.
Inland Samcheok
Inland Samcheok contrasts its coastal counterpart. The Taebaek Mountain Range provides a scenic backdrop of rugged hills and dense forests. Central to its appeal are many caves, like the renowned Hwanseongul Cave, a natural wonder that also educates visitors about the geological history of the Korean Peninsula with its intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Inland Samcheok is also dotted with traditional villages and historic sites, with temples like Cheonunsa and shrines nestled in the mountains, offering a glimpse into the area’s spiritual and historical depth. These sites are often enveloped in myths and legends, such as tales of mountain spirits and ancient protectors, adding a mystical layer to the visitor’s experience. Folklore about celestial beings descending to the earth and historic battles between good and evil spirits imbue these locations with a sense of wonder and tradition.
The inland region of Samcheok boasts tranquil valleys and gushing waterfalls. Duta and Deokhang Mountains are popular among hikers, offering trails that meander through forests and beside crystal-clear streams, providing an immersive natural experience.
