Home to spectacular caves and a beautiful stretch of beach, Samcheok is a coastal city overlooking the East Sea. It features a number of unique cultural attractions, including one of South Korea’s quirkiest sculptural parks.

Things to do

Want to see the largest limestone cave in Asia? Ride the monorail through the magnificent Hwanseongul Cave, which is adorned in stalagmites and stalactites. Traditional houses and a waterfall can be seen along the pathway leading to the cave, with more than 450 different species of wild plants growing around it.

Take the monorail up into the spectacular Daegeumgul Cave, home to cascading falls and crystal-clear pools. Cave pearls, helictites and flowstones adorn the interior, while walking trails meander through the ecological park that surrounds it.

Experience the coastal landscapes of Samcheok while “railbiking" along an unused section of old train track. Pedal-powered carts have been installed on the historic railroad that leads through an ocean tunnel and features picturesque rest stops along the way.

Learn about the lifestyle of East Sea fishermen at the Fishing Village Folk Museum of Samcheok. It’s situated within Haesindang Park, where giant art sculptures depict the male sexual organ, and is believed to have played an influential role in a local legend.

Getting around

Samcheok is four hours’ drive east of Seoul and connected by frequent buses. Regional buses access the sights surrounding Samcheok and the city is easily explored on foot.