Dangjin’s Sapgyoho Tourist Area, Linking Warships and a Ferris Wheel at Sapgyocheon Embankment with a West Sea Deck

The Boundary Between ‘Lake and West Sea’ Created by the Sapgyocheon Estuary Embankment in 1979

Sapgyoho Tourist Area is not a recreational area formed beside a natural lake; it is a space created after the embankment project blocked the mouth of the Sapgyocheon River. The Sapgyocheon Estuary Embankment was completed in October 1979 and is 3,360 m long. It was infrastructure built to supply agricultural water to farmland around Dangjin, Asan, Yesan, and Hongseong.

The tourist-area development plan was approved in 1983, and development continued until 1993. According to Dangjin City data, the designated area of Sapgyoho Tourist Area is 231,583㎡, and its initial designation date was October 10, 1983. As a result, freshwater-lake scenery inside the embankment, the outer West Sea, a seafood market, and amusement facilities are all located within one area.

Dividing Sapgyo Sea Park, the Naval Park, and the Amusement Park Based on 100 Sapgyocheon 3-gil

The representative address of the tourist area is 100 Sapgyocheon 3-gil, Sinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do, and the inquiry phone number is 041-363-6960. Since destinations differ even within the same tourism zone, it is better to enter the specific facility into the navigation system: ‘Sapgyo Sea Park’ for a walk, ‘Sapgyoho Naval Park’ to see the warships, or ‘Sapgyoho Amusement Park’ for rides.

The Naval Park is located at 79 Sapgyocheon 3-gil, and its representative phone numbers are 041-363-6960 and 041-363-9229. The amusement park operates separately at 15 Sapgyocheon 3-gil and can be reached at 041-363-4589. The address of the Sea Park is listed as Unjeong-ri 214-5, making it the appropriate destination for walks focused on seaside decks and observatories.

• Walks: Sapgyo Sea Park
• Exhibitions: Sapgyoho Naval Park
• Ferris wheel and amusement rides: Sapgyoho Amusement Park
• Sashimi and grilled shellfish: Around Sapgyoho General Fish Market

Actual Conditions of the Flat Sea Park Deck and 1.5 km Coastal Trail

Sapgyoho Sea Park is described as an outdoor space with no admission fee and no restricted opening hours. Since it was developed on reclaimed land, the walking surfaces inside the park are relatively flat. Facilities include an observation deck, walking paths, sports facilities, and a performance venue. Because it is an open area exposed to West Sea winds, it is advisable to bring a hat and water in midsummer and windproof outerwear in winter.

The Sapgyoho Coastal Trail connecting Dangjin Marine Camping Park and Maetdolpogu is approximately 1.5 km long. Wheelchair access is reportedly possible, but only one wheelchair entry point is specified, in front of Yongtae Susan. Accessible parking spaces and restrooms are indicated around the Sea Park, making it a more practical choice for stroller and wheelchair users who prioritize a flat walk over a lengthy warship tour.

Meeting the Hwasan, Built in 1945, at Sapgyoho Naval Park

Sapgyoho Naval Park is a warship-themed park using decommissioned landing ships and destroyers. According to an introduction by Dangjin City, the landing ship Hwasan was built in the United States in May 1945, delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in October 1958, and named Hwasan. Visitors who want to see the ship’s interior and exhibitions related to the Navy and Marine Corps should allow additional time beyond a walk around the Sea Park.

The Naval Park was described in previous visitor information as being open for viewing from 09:00 to 18:00, but current operating hours, closing days, and admission fees may change. It is safest to confirm them before visiting by calling 041-363-6960 or 041-363-9229. The warship interior may include stairs and narrow passageways, so wheelchair and stroller users should plan their route around the outdoor exhibits and Sea Park decks.

Calculate Ride-Specific Fees First at Sapgyoho Amusement Park

Sapgyoho Amusement Park is located at 15 Sapgyocheon 3-gil, Sinpyeong-myeon, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do, and its phone number is 041-363-4589. Recent information lists its hours as 10:00–21:50 on weekdays and Sundays and 10:00–22:50 on Saturdays, but these may vary depending on the weather and on-site circumstances. Calling ahead is especially necessary if you are planning to ride the Ferris wheel at night.

The amusement park is known to charge separately for each ride without a general admission fee. Recent on-site information listed the large Ferris wheel at 6,500 won for adults and 4,500 won for children, and one standard ride at 5,500 won for adults and 4,500 won for children, although prices may change. If you plan to use several rides, first check whether individual tickets or package passes are available. Travelers who only want to walk can reduce costs by using the Sea Park and public parking lot.

An Evening Route Combining Sapgyo Drainage Sluice, Public Parking, and the Fish Market

Drivers can enter toward Sapgyoho Tourist Area from the Songak Interchange of the West Coast Expressway and continue to the Naval Park. Public parking and Sea Park parking are indicated. A Chungcheongnam-do travel account introduced the Sea Park parking lot as relatively small and noted that the Sapgyoho public parking lot can also be used. Since restaurant and amusement-park traffic may overlap on weekend evenings, it is better to park before sunset.

At Sapgyoho General Fish Market, visitors can choose sashimi on the first floor and eat it at a restaurant on the second floor; one example lists a table-setting fee of 2,000 won per person. This may vary by business and date, so confirm it before ordering. If photography is the priority, look toward the Ferris wheel from near the Sapgyo Drainage Sluice, pass through the Sea Park observation deck, and then continue to a meal at the fish market or a nighttime visit to the amusement park to reduce driving.

Public-Transit Visitors Should Allow Plenty of Time After Sapgyocheon Terminal

Sapgyoho Tourist Area is not arranged for walking directly from a railway-station exit. Nearby Sapgyocheon Terminal is located at 181-6 Unjeong-ri, Sinpyeong-myeon, and is close to the amusement park, fish market, and Naval Park areas of the tourist zone. Bus routes and schedules may be adjusted frequently, so after checking the arrival time of a Dangjin city or intercity bus from your departure point, plan to leave the tourism zone before the last bus.

For first-time visitors, an efficient order is to see the Sea Park and Naval Park during the day, then choose the amusement park’s nighttime scenery after a meal. Allow 40–60 minutes for just the Sea Park, 1.5–2 hours including the Naval Park, and 3–5 hours if adding a meal and amusement rides. Those seeking only a quiet natural coastline may find a nearby harbor-style coast more suitable than this area, where shops, amusement facilities, and tourist vehicles are concentrated.