From Mureung Rock to Yongchu Falls: A First Walk Through Mureung Valley
Mureung Valley in Donghae, Gangwon State, is a nationally designated scenic site formed over approximately 4 km between Dutasan and Cheongoksan Mountains. This guide explains the operating hours, admission fees, parking, sights along the way to the waterfalls, and the differences between the hiking sections for international visitors.
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Why the 4 km Valley Between Dutasan and Cheongoksan Became a Scenic Site
Mureung Valley stretches for approximately 4 km against the backdrop of Dutasan and Cheongoksan in Donghae, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. It is National Scenic Site No. 37, and within the valley are Mureungbanseok Rock, Hoamse Pond, Seonnyeotang Pool, Janggunbawi Rock, Ssangpok Waterfalls, and Yongchupokpo Falls.
The name is said to have been given by Kim Hyo-won, the magistrate of Samcheok during the Joseon period. It is also introduced as the place where Yi Seung-hyu, a scholar of the Goryeo period known as Dongan Geosa, lived and wrote Jewang Ungi. The current landscape is best understood not simply as a walking trail, but as a scenic site where the valley terrain, rock inscriptions by literary figures, and temple remains have been preserved together.
Mureungbanseok Rock, the First Sight After Crossing Sinseongyo Bridge
After entering the Mureungdowon Scenic Site, you cross Sinseongyo Bridge near the entrance. Since you pass Hakso-dae, Byeongpungbawi Rock, Seonnyeotang Pool, Geumnanjeong Pavilion, and Samhwasa Temple early in the route, a short visit around the entrance is also possible if you do not plan to walk as far as the waterfalls.
Mureungbanseok Rock is a broad rock surface measuring approximately 1,500 pyeong. It bears stone inscriptions by Bongnae Yang Sa-eon, introduced as one of the four great calligraphers of the Joseon period, as well as writings by several poets and literary figures, including Maewoldang Kim Si-seup. Yang Sa-eon’s inscription, “Mureung Seonwon Jungdae Cheonseok Dutadongcheon,” is especially well known. Wet rock surfaces can be slippery, so hiking shoes are recommended even when sightseeing.
The 642 Founding Tradition of Samhwasa Temple and the Temple Route in the Valley
Using Samhwasa Temple as the reference point, the address is 584 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Donghae City’s information states that Samhwasa was founded in 642 by Jijang Yulsa under the name Heukryeondae, and that in 864 National Preceptor Beomil renamed it Sanggongam.
Donghae City’s information also introduces the history of King Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo praying at this temple for the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms and achieving that great undertaking 20 years later. Samhwasa is therefore not merely a building passed briefly at the entrance to the valley, but a destination connecting Mureung Valley’s natural scenery with Goryeo and Buddhist history.
Ssangpok Waterfalls, a 20 m Cascade with Two Different Sources
Ssangpok Waterfalls is a waterfall where two streams descend from a height of approximately 20 m. Its distinctive feature is that the two streams originate in different places; viewing it simply as a waterfall formed by one valley stream splitting in two would miss the site’s geographic character.
The stream on the left originates at the summit of Dutasan and in Bakdal Valley, while the stream on the right originates at Cheongoksan and Gogeokdae, passing through Yongchupokpo Falls before descending. If you are walking through Mureung Valley with the waterfalls as your destination, Ssangpok Waterfalls and Yongchupokpo Falls are the key points, but the wet rock around the waterfalls can be slippery.
The 7.3 km Betelbawi Fortress Trail Is Different from a Valley Walk
The Betelbawi Fortress Trail is a total of 7.3 km. It connects Samhwasa Temple, Hakso-dae, Okryudong Valley, Byeongpungbawi Rock, Janggunbawi Rock, Eolreji Rest Area, Seonnyeotang Pool, Ssangpok Waterfalls, Yongchupokpo Falls, Macheonru, Seokgansu Spring, Betelbawi Rock, Mireukbawi Rock, and the Geumgangsong Rest Area.
Because it includes Betelbawi at an elevation of 550 m and Macheonru at 470 m, its difficulty differs from a visit limited to Mureungbanseok Rock and Samhwasa Temple. Macheonru is described as a suspended deck path built above Geumgangsanbawi Rock. There are also routes leading to the summits of Dutasan and Cheongoksan, so foreign visitors should avoid treating “scenic valley sightseeing” and “mountain hiking” as the same itinerary.
Check Hours and Fees by Season and Visitor Category
Korea Tourism Organization data lists operating hours as 06:00–20:00 in summer and 09:00–18:00 in winter, with no regular closing days. Based on the fee schedule applicable from July 12, 2024, admission is 4,000 won for individual adults, 1,500 won for teenagers and soldiers, 700 won for children, free for children aged six and under, and 1,500 won for visitors aged 65 and over.
Group admission is 3,000 won for adults, 1,000 won for teenagers and soldiers, 500 won for children, free for children aged six and under, and 1,000 won for visitors aged 65 and over. Part of the admission fee may be refunded in Donghae Sarang gift certificates, so you can check how this is applied when purchasing tickets. Detailed operating hours and fees may change, so it is advisable to note the date of the current information.
What to Know When Departing from Donghae Intercity Bus Terminal
The tourist site address for Mureung Valley is 538 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, while the address based on Samhwasa Temple is 584 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Information is available about taking a local bus from Donghae Intercity Bus Terminal to Mureung Valley, but the current route number and interval have not been confirmed.
Parking is available for cars, with capacity listed at approximately 600 small vehicles. The parking fee was not available on the current official page, while search materials for the 2024 fee schedule list 2,000 won for small vehicles. The tourist information office phone number is 033-530-2802, and the phone number for Mureung Valley management information is 033-539-3700.
Whether to Visit Only Mureung Valley or Combine It with a Donghae Itinerary
Donghae City states that an interconnected sightseeing course in the order of Chuam Beach → Mureung Valley Scenic Site → Cheongok Natural Cave takes approximately four hours on average. An itinerary allowing about one additional hour is suggested if you also visit Cheongok Natural Cave. This is not the sightseeing time for Mureung Valley alone and should not be used as the valley’s independent viewing time.
Another same-day Course 2 connects Cheongok Golden Bat Cave, local restaurants in Mureung Valley, Yongchupokpo Falls in Mureung Valley, and Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock and Seokrim. Mureung Valley generally has basic facilities such as restrooms, ticketing, information services, and parking, but it may be crowded during peak season. Since no confirmed information is available about section-by-section accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, photography-restricted areas, or English information and audio guides, it is better to prepare conservatively regarding hiking equipment and route planning.
Before You Go
- Address
- Tourist site information address: 538 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province / Based on Samhwasa Temple: 584 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours
- Korea Tourism Organization data: summer 06:00–20:00 / winter 09:00–18:00. Other information materials list 08:00–17:00 and 06:00–20:00 in July and August, so reconfirm before visiting
- Closed
- Open year-round
- Admission
- Fee schedule applicable July 12, 2024: individual adults 4,000 won, teenagers and soldiers 1,500 won, children 700 won, free for children aged six and under, and 1,500 won for visitors aged 65 and over. Groups: adults 3,000 won, teenagers and soldiers 1,000 won, children 500 won, free for children aged six and under, and 1,000 won for visitors aged 65 and over. Partial refunds may be available in Donghae Sarang gift certificates
- Phone
- 033-539-3700 (Mureung Valley management information) / 033-530-2802 (Mureung Valley Tourist Information Office)
- Official site
- https://dh.go.kr/tour/index.do?menuCode=07020202
- Transport
- Some materials provide information about taking a local bus to Mureung Valley from Donghae Intercity Bus Terminal, but the current route number and service interval could not be confirmed
- Parking
- Parking available, approximately 600 small vehicles. The fee could not be confirmed on the current official page; 2024 fee schedule search materials list 2,000 won for small vehicles
- Time needed
- The on-site viewing time based on visitor reviews could not be confirmed. Donghae City’s interconnected sightseeing course of Chuam Beach → Mureung Valley Scenic Site → Cheongok Natural Cave takes approximately four hours on average; this is not the viewing time for Mureung Valley alone
- Accessibility
- The slope, stairs, and wheelchair-accessible range of each section of the barrier-free route could not be confirmed
The information above is based on the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 3
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1
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2
Cheongok Golden Bat CaveWalk through a natural cave in the heart of the city and admire its geological features. -
3
Chuam BeachTake a walk along the beach while enjoying the East Coast scenery and the sunrise.
Food & Dining 2
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5
MureungilgaEnjoy a set meal featuring fresh fish and wild vegetables, along with native Korean chicken stew.
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