Samcheok Isabu Festival 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the Updated Event!

Hello everyone! Many people search for "Samcheong-dong Maritime King Isabu Festival," but the correct name is "Samcheok Maritime King Isabu Festival."
With D-11 until this festival in Samcheok City, Gangwon Province, here's a quick guide to everything you need to know!

Key Changes for 2025:
- Dates: Significantly changed from July to September!
- Duration: Extended from 2 days to 3 days
- Date: September 5th (Fri) ~ 7th (Sun)
- Location: Samcheok Rose Park
Getting There: Transportation & Parking Guide
By Car:
- Seoul → Samcheok: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Route: Yeongdong Expressway → Donghae Expressway
- Parking: Free parking available at Rose Park (500 spaces)
By Public Transportation:
- KTX (High-Speed Rail): Seoul Station → Donghae Station (2 hours 40 minutes)
- Donghae Station → Samcheok City Bus: 20 minutes
- Recommendation: KTX + Rental Car combination

Free Activities & Discount Tips
Free Experience Zones:
- Isabu General Armor Experience (Photo Zone)
- Traditional Games Experience Zone
- Dragon Boat Viewing (Don't miss the eye-dotting ceremony!)
Discount Summary:
- Local Tip: 50% discount on parking at Samcheok Beach during the festival
- Associated Benefits: 20% discount coupon for Hwanseongul Cave admission
Photo Zone Guide by Time

- Morning (9:00-11:00):
- In front of the Isabu statue at Rose Park (no backlight)
- Dragon Boat installation site (popular photo spot)
- Sunset (17:00-19:00):
- Recommended shooting at Samcheok Beach
- Fantastic combination of festival scenery + ocean backdrop
Locals' Top 3 Restaurants
- Samcheok Mulhoe's House:
- 5-minute walk from the festival grounds
- Mulhoe (raw fish soup): ₩15,000
- 50-year tradition, highly praised by locals
- Maritime King Tofu:
- Near Rose Park
- Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew): ₩8,000
- Isabu-themed interior
- Donghae Bada Raw Fish Restaurant:
- Directly managed by Samcheok Port
- Assorted Raw Fish (Large): ₩35,000
- Freshly caught fish of the day

Samcheok Festival Checklist
Essentials:
- Comfortable sneakers (lots of walking within the park)
- Portable charger (many photo opportunities)
- Light jacket (September sea breeze can be chilly)
Optional:
- Picnic mat (for watching performances)
- Simple snacks (long waits for food at the festival)
- Cash (some experience booths may not accept cards)
Perfect 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Focus on the Festival
- 13:00 Arrival in Samcheok + Lunch at a Local Restaurant
- 15:00 Enter the Festival Grounds + Experience Zones
- 19:00 Watch the Opening Performance
- Accommodation: Pension in Samcheok City
Day 2: Sightseeing Combination
- 09:00 Hwanseongul Cave Tour (30 minutes)
- 11:00 Stroll along Samcheok Beach
- 13:00 Lunch + Return to Seoul
Samcheok vs. Samcheong-dong: Clarification
Many people get them confused:
Samcheok (Actual) | Samcheong-dong (Seoul) | |
---|---|---|
Location | Samcheok City, Gangwon Province | Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu |
Distance | 3 hours 30 minutes from Seoul | Within Seoul |
Festival | Isabu Festival (September) | Let's Jongno (April, October) |
Features | Beach + History Theme | Hanok Village + Gallery |
D-11 until the Samcheok Isabu Festival!
This weekend is the last chance to prepare. Book your accommodation and transportation now!

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