Donghae is known for its coastline, but one of the city's finest landscapes lies inland between Dutasan and Cheongoksan mountains. Mureung Valley follows clear water across broad granite slabs, past Samhwasa Temple and through forest to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo Falls.
The route feels like a proper mountain outing without requiring a summit climb. You can choose a short walk around Mureung Rock and Samhwasa, continue to the waterfalls, or branch onto the much harder Dutasan trails. That flexibility makes the valley useful for first-time hikers, families and travelers planning a half-day nature trip in Donghae.
This Mureung Valley guide covers the current admission and parking fees, seasonal visitor hours, the waterfall route, realistic walking times and the safety details that matter after rain or in winter.
π Location: Donghae, Gangwon-do
π₯Ύ Main route: Mureung Rock → Samhwasa → Ssang Falls → Yongchu Falls
π️ Adult admission: KRW 4,000
π§ Teenager or military: KRW 1,500
π§ Child: KRW 700
π΄ Age 65+: KRW 1,500
π Small-vehicle parking: KRW 2,000
⏱️ Suggested visit: About 2–3 hours for the waterfall route
πͺ Difficulty: Easy in the lower valley; moderate near the waterfalls
π§️ Safety: Access may be restricted after heavy rain
Where Is Mureung Valley?
Mureunggyegok Valley begins inland from central Donghae at the foot of Dutasan and Cheongoksan. The scenic area extends for roughly four kilometers from Hoamso Pond toward Yongchu Falls, combining stream scenery, granite formations, a historic temple and several named pools and waterfalls.
538 Samhwa-ro,
Donghae-si,
Gangwon-do, South Korea
Driving is the simplest option, particularly if you plan to visit another Donghae attraction afterward. The official facility page lists four parking areas with 648 spaces in total. Travelers without a car can use a local bus or taxi from central Donghae, but should check the current route and last return service in Naver Map or KakaoMap.
Current Admission, Parking and Visitor Hours
The latest Donghae City Facilities Management Corporation page lists updated admission fees. The adult and senior rates differ from older tourism pages that may still appear in search results.
| Visitor | Individual | Group of 20+ |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | KRW 4,000 | KRW 3,000 |
| Teenager or military | KRW 1,500 | KRW 1,000 |
| Child | KRW 700 | KRW 500 |
| Age 65+ | KRW 1,500 | KRW 1,000 |
Children aged six or younger and several other eligible groups receive free admission when the required identification or documents are presented.
Small vehicle: KRW 2,000
Large vehicle: KRW 5,000
Donghae-registered vehicles and compact cars of 1,000 cc or less: 50% discount
The official English tourism directory currently publishes these visitor hours:
General schedule: 09:00–18:00
July–August: 06:00–20:00
November–February: 08:00–17:00
Weather, trail repairs and holiday arrangements can change access. Check the official Mureung Valley facility page or call the management office before a long journey.
Start at Mureung Rock
The first major landmark is Mureung Rock, a broad granite slab beside the stream. Its surface covers about 5,000 square meters, and the open scale is striking after approaching through a wooded mountain entrance.
Look closely and you will notice names and writing carved into the stone. Scholars, poets and other visitors left inscriptions here over many generations, showing that the valley was admired as a scenic retreat long before modern trails and parking areas existed. The name Mureung evokes an ideal place removed from ordinary life, which suits the calm combination of rock, water and forest.
The inscriptions are part of the valley's history, not modern decoration. Photograph them with the stream or surrounding forest so their setting remains visible.
Samhwasa Temple Along the Trail
Samhwasa Temple appears early in the route and gives the walk a cultural pause before the scenery becomes more rugged. Traditional halls and a stone pagoda stand against the forested mountain wall, while the sound of the valley remains close by.
Allow 15–20 minutes for a quiet look around. Keep voices low, avoid blocking worship spaces and remember that this is an active Buddhist temple rather than a photo set. The temple grounds make a satisfying turnaround point for visitors who do not want to continue onto uneven forest trails.
The Main Mureung Valley Hiking Route
Beyond Samhwasa, the route follows the water past Haksodae, Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang before reaching the two principal waterfalls. The gradual change is part of the appeal: broad granite and temple scenery give way to narrower forest paths, pools and steeper rock walls.
Entrance → Mureung Rock → Samhwasa → Haksodae → Ongnyudong → Seonnyeotang → Ssangpokpo → Yongchupokpo
The official course description estimates about 40 minutes one way from the management office area to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo. That timing assumes steady walking. First-time visitors who stop at the temple, read signs and take photographs should allow much longer.
Short Lower-Valley Walk
Mureung Rock and Samhwasa can be enjoyed without completing the waterfall route. This is the easiest choice for young children, older visitors or anyone arriving late in the day.
Waterfall Route
Continue through the middle valley to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo. The surface becomes more uneven, with steps, roots and wet rock possible near the upper section.
Dutasan and Other Mountain Trails
Summit routes and the Dutasanseong or Beteulbawi trails are separate mountain hikes. Do not follow those signs casually if your plan is only the main valley walk; they require more time, fitness and preparation.
Ssangpokpo: The Twin Falls
Ssangpokpo, usually translated as Ssang Falls or Twin Falls, is the most immediately dramatic viewpoint on the route. Two streams descend from different directions and meet in the same rocky basin. One side spreads across layered rock while the other falls more directly, producing a balanced composition framed by forest.
Use the designated viewing area and keep both watercourses in the frame. Moving beyond barriers for a closer photograph is not worth the risk, particularly when the rock is wet.
Yongchupokpo: The Final Highlight
Yongchupokpo Falls lies only a short distance beyond Ssangpokpo, so it makes sense to see both when conditions are safe. Water drops through a three-level rock formation into rounded pools shaped by long erosion. The tighter gorge creates a different view from the open twin streams at Ssangpokpo.
This is a natural turnaround point for the standard valley itinerary. Continuing toward mountain passes or summits changes the outing into a much longer hike.
Difficulty and Realistic Walking Time
The lower valley is easy, but the trail becomes more demanding as it approaches the waterfalls. Most active visitors can complete the standard route without technical hiking experience in dry conditions.
Mureung Rock and Samhwasa: Easy
Samhwasa to the middle-valley sights: Easy to moderate
Middle valley to Ssangpokpo: Moderate
Ssangpokpo to Yongchupokpo: Short but uneven
Dutasan summit routes: Difficult and separate from this itinerary
Mureung Rock and Samhwasa only: 1–1.5 hours
Lower and middle valley: About 2 hours
Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo round trip with stops: About 2–3 hours
Allow extra time on foliage weekends, during busy summer periods or whenever the trail is wet. Turn around earlier if anyone in the group is uncomfortable on steps or uneven surfaces.
Best Season for Mureung Valley
Summer
Forest shade and moving water make summer popular, but the main viewpoints can become crowded. Arrive early, carry drinking water and do not assume that every part of the stream is open for water play.
Autumn
Autumn offers cooler walking temperatures and strong color around Samhwasa and the waterfalls. Peak foliage weekends are busy, so a weekday or early start is preferable.
Spring
Spring is quieter and comfortable once icy sections have cleared. The forest may look sparse early in the season, but trail temperatures are often pleasant.
Winter
Winter reveals more granite and can produce beautiful ice around the water. It also brings the greatest slipping risk. Shaded areas may remain frozen even when the entrance road looks dry, so check conditions and carry traction equipment when necessary.
Heavy Rain and Trail Safety
Rain is not merely an inconvenience in a granite mountain valley. Water levels can rise quickly, rocks become slippery and damaged sections may be closed. Never cross a barrier or enter a restricted trail because the waterfall looks more impressive after a storm.
• Heavy rain or a storm warning is active.
• The management office has announced a trail restriction.
• Water covers the normal walking surface.
• Ice makes steps or rock sections unsafe.
Ordinary sneakers with strong grip may be enough for the lower valley in dry weather. Trail shoes are the better choice for the waterfalls. Bring water, a light layer, sunscreen, a charged phone and a small snack, and avoid smooth-soled shoes.
Family and Older-Visitor Routes
Families do not need to reach Yongchupokpo for the day to feel worthwhile. Mureung Rock, the stream and Samhwasa already provide a varied short outing. Active school-age children can continue farther when the trail is dry.
Young children or limited time: Mureung Rock + Samhwasa
Comfortable walkers: Add the middle-valley viewpoints
Active hikers: Continue to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo
The official facility information lists public restrooms and extensive parking, but the upper trail is not a fully accessible promenade. Older visitors and anyone with knee or balance concerns should enjoy the lower valley rather than feeling pressured to complete the waterfall route.
Recommended Mureung Valley Route
1. Park and check the current trail notices.
2. Walk across the lower valley to Mureung Rock.
3. Look for the historic inscriptions.
4. Spend 15–20 minutes at Samhwasa Temple.
5. Continue through Haksodae, Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang.
6. Stop at the Ssangpokpo viewing area.
7. Continue the short final section to Yongchupokpo.
8. Return by the same main valley route.
Mureung Valley vs. Mureung Byeolyucheonji
The similar names cause confusion, but these are separate Donghae attractions.
Natural stream, granite slabs, Samhwasa Temple, forest trails and waterfalls
Former limestone quarry, turquoise lakes, viewing areas and paid activity rides
They can be visited on the same Donghae trip, but each has its own entrance, parking, hours and fees. Do not use one attraction's map or operating information for the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to climb Dutasan to see Mureung Valley?
No. Mureung Rock, Samhwasa, Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo are on the main valley sightseeing route. A Dutasan summit hike is a separate and much harder undertaking.
How long does the waterfall route take?
The official course description gives about 40 minutes one way for steady walkers. Allow roughly 2–3 hours for a relaxed round trip with Samhwasa, signs, rest stops and photographs.
Which waterfall should I prioritize?
See both when the trail is open. Yongchupokpo is only a short distance beyond Ssangpokpo, and the two waterfalls have distinctly different rock formations.
Is Mureung Valley suitable for children?
Yes, when the route is adjusted. The lower valley and Samhwasa are the easiest family section; the upper waterfall trail is better for children comfortable with longer, uneven walks.
Can I visit after heavy rain?
Do not enter when access is restricted or water levels are high. Check the management office notice and choose another day if conditions are uncertain.
Final Thoughts
The waterfalls are the dramatic finish, but Mureung Valley works because the scenery changes along the way. The route begins on open granite, pauses at Samhwasa and gradually narrows into forest, pools and steeper rock before reaching Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo.
Start early during busy seasons, wear shoes with reliable grip and choose a turnaround point that suits your group. There is no need to add a summit climb to enjoy one of Donghae's best mountain landscapes.
Place: Mureunggyegok Valley (무λ¦κ³κ³‘)
Address: 538 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
Adult: KRW 4,000
Teenager or military: KRW 1,500
Child: KRW 700
Age 65+: KRW 1,500
Parking: KRW 2,000 small vehicle / KRW 5,000 large vehicle
Phone: +82-33-539-3700
Official website: Donghae City Facilities Management Corporation
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