Discovering the Charm of Mukho Lighthouse: A Family-Friendly Getaway on the East Coast of Korea
Hello!
I'm TripNBuddy, a father of many who loves the sea, especially the East Sea.
I often travel around Sokcho, but today, I've come a little further south to talk about another beautiful harbor:
Mukho Harbor.
Mukho Lighthouse is a great place for family trips and is a must-see on the East Coast.
Offering a panoramic view of the East Sea's charm, Mukho Lighthouse is a unique place where the sea and the city harmonize, making it a consistently popular destination for families.
If you're planning a trip to the East Sea, I highly recommend visiting this place connected to Mukho Harbor.
Today, I'm going to share the history, geographical features, and surrounding attractions of Mukho Lighthouse.
The History and Geographical Significance of Mukho Lighthouse
Mukho Lighthouse was built in 1963.
It was established to ensure the safety of ships navigating the East Sea routes.
This cylindrical concrete structure, approximately 12m tall and located 67m above sea level,
may look like a small white pillar from afar, but it emits a powerful light, guiding ships.
Equipped with a prism lens made with domestic technology, its light can be seen from about 40km away.
Geographically, the location of Mukho Lighthouse has been closely linked to the fishing port of 'Mukho Harbor' since ancient times.
Mukho Harbor has been a center for fishing since the Joseon Dynasty,
and it grew into a major squid production area on the East Coast, especially after the Japanese colonial period.
In this context, the lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid:
it's a symbol of the livelihoods and economy of the people of Mukho.
A Scenic Spot Perfect for Family Trips
When you climb Mukho Lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the open East Sea and the harbor.
On a clear day, the ocean's shimmering light extends to the horizon, creating a spectacular sight,
and at dusk, the sunset casts a red glow over the harbor, making it a popular spot for taking photos.
The small park around the lighthouse is well-equipped with benches and walking paths,
making it easy to take a light stroll with children.
In the spring, forsythias and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering a landscape of yellow and pink,
and in the summer, you can enjoy the cool breeze while listening to the sound of the waves.
Dojjaebi-Gull Sky Valley – An Experiential Attraction for Children
Along with Mukho Lighthouse, a must-visit place is Dojjaebi-Gull Sky Valley.
Inspired by goblin legends, this tourist attraction offers both thrills and experiences.
Walking on the Skywalk (sky trail) with a transparent glass floor
allows you to feel the thrill of the East Sea unfolding beneath your feet.
It also features a Sky Cycle where you can experience riding a bicycle over the sea,
and a giant slide that's popular with children, making it a popular destination for families.
Admission is affordable, with the Skywalk costing 2,000 won for adults and 1,600 won for children.
Nongoldam-gil – An Emotional Journey Through Murals and Alleys
Located on the way to Mukho Lighthouse, Nongoldam-gil is
an alleyway where the traces of an old fishing village coexist with artistic murals.
Drawings of squid, pollack, and symbols of the sea are painted on the walls, making it a great place to walk with children,
and it's also perfect for taking family photos.
This road is also part of the Haeparang Trail Route 34,
making it popular with travelers looking for a leisurely stroll.
However, I remember visiting in the summer,
and it was a bit difficult to climb to the top with infants and toddlers.
Note that if you use the parking lot at the lighthouse, you can look around the lighthouse area.
Transportation and Accessibility
If departing from Seoul, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to Donghae Station by KTX,
and from Donghae Station to Mukho Harbor, it takes about 10 minutes by car.
If you're driving, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Dong Seoul Terminal to Donghae,
and it's about 40 minutes from Gangneung to Mukho Lighthouse, making it a recommended driving route.
Parking is available, making it convenient to travel by car.
Mukho Lighthouse is not just an observatory overlooking the sea,
but also a place that preserves the history of the East Coast fishing industry and the local community.
Connecting it to nearby attractions such as Nongoldam-gil and Dojjaebi-Gull Sky Valley
allows you to enjoy a fulfilling day trip,
making it an ideal choice for family trips with children.
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