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A hand-shaped sculpture faces the ocean in Wonpyeong Beach. It is a 10 minute walk away from Geundeok Station on the Donghae Line in Samcheok, Gangwon Province. The installation is reminiscent of the "Hands of Harmony" at Homigot in Pohang, a well-known sunrise landmark./Kim Yong-jae |
With the full stretch of South Korea’s Donghae Line now operational—from Gangneung in the northeast to Bujeon in the southeast—this summer marks the first peak season for travelers to explore the newly linked East Coast rail route. The line’s final section, between Samcheok and Pohang, opened on New Year’s Day, connecting a previously isolated segment of the coastline.
Ahead of the holiday season, the Donghae Line—particularly the Donghae Jungbu (Central East Coast) segment—is drawing attention for its access to quiet, largely undiscovered beaches. These include destinations ideal for car camping, snorkeling, surfing, and pet-friendly outings. Many are also reachable by car via National Route 7, offering flexibility for non-rail travelers.
Excluding Samcheok Haebyeon Station—located just a two- to three-minute walk from the beach on the old Samcheok Line—the stations most noted for beach access this summer are Geundeok Station (Samcheok), Goraebul Station (Yeongdeok), and Wolpo Station (Pohang). All three are situated close enough to the shoreline to offer ocean views from the platform. Beaches are typically accessible within a 10-minute walk or under five minutes by car or taxi.
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Geundeok Station is the newest addition to the Donghae Jungbu Line. With its close proximity to the beach, it only takes 10 minutes by foot to get to the shoreline./Kim Yong-jae |
Geundeok Station in Samcheok’s Geundeok-myeon offers the most direct access, facing Wonpyeong and Chogok beaches. From the station, visitors cross a two-lane road into a pine forest that opens to sweeping views of cobalt-blue waters. The untouched sands, vivid contrast between sea and sky, and drifting clouds create a striking natural panorama.
An abandoned railway line runs through the pine grove, lending a nostalgic charm. Visitors on the Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike occasionally pass through, waving from the vintage tracks. Red and white lighthouses, a scenic breakwater trail, and coastal photo spots round out the setting. The forested area hosts overnight car campers, while the nearby breakwater draws fishing enthusiasts. The beach is also known for its abundance of shellfish, collected freely on a first-come, first-served basis.
On July 3, Jang Chang-guk, a visitor from Bucheon, proudly displayed a large pot full of clams. “It took less than 20 minutes to collect all of these,” he said. On good days, visitors may also spot freshwater crabs, shrimp, or octopus.
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An old railway line runs through the pine forest at Wonpyeong Beach, where the Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike occasionally passes by./Kim Yong-jae |
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A whale-shaped sculpture appears to leap from the sand at Wonpyeong Beach. This is an additional photo spot for tourists./Kim Yong-jae |
From Wonpyeong Beach, the northern path leads to Gungchon Beach and Gungchon Harbor, a popular sunrise viewing spot. Southward, the trail extends past Chogok Beach to Munam Beach. The pine forest trail connecting Gungchon Harbor to Munam Beach is considered one of the most scenic sections of the Haeparang Trail’s 30th course, which traces Korea’s eastern coastline. The route is especially picturesque at dawn and sunset. Visitors arriving at Geundeok Station can also access the Samcheok City Tour’s coastal route in the morning, though advance reservations are required.
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On July 3, Jang Chang-guk and his group visited Wonpyeong Beach in Gundeok-myeon, Samcheok, displaying the quantity of clams they collected in about 20 minutes from the sea./Kim Yong-jae |
Once part of a restricted military zone, Bunam Beach lies about a 10-minute drive from Geundeok Station. Though set deep within a village and difficult to reach by public transport, the beach has gained popularity in recent years as a destination for snorkeling and haerujil, a traditional form of hand-catching shellfish. It became more widely known after being featured in the final scene of the film Decision to Leave. Previously open only during the summer, the beach is now accessible year-round following the removal of coastal fencing—though some say the area has lost a degree of its former seclusion.
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Featured in the final scene of the film "Decision to Leave" is Bunam Beach in Samcheok. Once part of a military restrictive zone and open seasonally during the summer, it is now accessible year-round. Known as a snorkeling and shellfish-gathering spot, this secluded beach remains difficult to reach./Kim Yong-jae |
Public beaches in Samcheok—including Wonpyeong, Bunam, Samcheok, Maengbang, Jageunhujin, Jeungsan, Hamaengbang, Yonghwa, and Jangho—will remain open through Aug. 17.
[Park Geun-hee]
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