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Most travelers come to Donghae for the coast.
But only a short drive inland is one of the city's most impressive natural landscapes: Mureunggyegok Valley.
The valley runs between Dutasan and Cheongoksan mountains, where clear water flows over enormous sheets of granite before narrowing into pools, forest streams and waterfalls.
The route is unusually varied.
You begin beside the huge Mureung Rock, pass a historic Buddhist temple, walk through shaded forest, see clear mountain pools and eventually reach two of the area's strongest highlights — Ssangpokpo Falls and Yongchupokpo Falls.
You do not have to climb a mountain summit to enjoy it.
That makes Mureung Valley one of the best choices in Gangwon-do for travelers who want real mountain scenery but do not want a difficult all-day ascent.
In summer, the cool water and forest shade make it a natural escape from the heat.
In autumn, the same granite valley becomes surrounded by changing leaves.
And because the trail passes Samhwasa Temple along the way, the experience feels more cultural than a normal waterfall hike.
QUICK ANSWER
π Location: Donghae, Gangwon-do
π️ Valley length: About 4 km
π₯Ύ Recommended route: Mureung Rock → Samhwasa → Ssang Falls → Yongchu Falls
π️ Adult admission: KRW 2,000
π§ Teenager: KRW 1,500
π§ Child: KRW 700
π Ώ️ Small car parking: KRW 2,000
π Normal hours: 09:00–18:00
☀️ July–August: 06:00–20:00
❄️ November–February: 08:00–17:00
⏱️ Recommended visit: 3–4 hours
πͺ Difficulty: Easy to moderate for the main waterfall route
π Location: Donghae, Gangwon-do
π️ Valley length: About 4 km
π₯Ύ Recommended route: Mureung Rock → Samhwasa → Ssang Falls → Yongchu Falls
π️ Adult admission: KRW 2,000
π§ Teenager: KRW 1,500
π§ Child: KRW 700
π Ώ️ Small car parking: KRW 2,000
π Normal hours: 09:00–18:00
☀️ July–August: 06:00–20:00
❄️ November–February: 08:00–17:00
⏱️ Recommended visit: 3–4 hours
πͺ Difficulty: Easy to moderate for the main waterfall route
π Where Is Mureung Valley?
Mureung Valley is located inland from central Donghae at the base of Dutasan and Cheongoksan.
The tourist area stretches roughly four kilometers from Hoamso Pond toward Yongchu Falls.
Unlike a narrow gorge where you see only one waterfall, Mureung contains large granite slabs, pools, temple scenery, forest and multiple waterfalls along one continuous route.
MAIN ENTRANCE
538 Samhwa-ro,
Donghae-si,
Gangwon-do, South Korea
538 Samhwa-ro,
Donghae-si,
Gangwon-do, South Korea
MUREUNG VALLEY AT A GLANCE
✔ Approx. 4 km scenic valley
✔ Huge Mureung Rock granite slab
✔ Samhwasa Temple
✔ Haksodae cliff scenery
✔ Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang pools
✔ Ssangpokpo twin waterfalls
✔ Three-tier Yongchu Falls
✔ Summer cooling destination
✔ Excellent autumn foliage
✔ Main route possible without summit hiking
✔ Approx. 4 km scenic valley
✔ Huge Mureung Rock granite slab
✔ Samhwasa Temple
✔ Haksodae cliff scenery
✔ Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang pools
✔ Ssangpokpo twin waterfalls
✔ Three-tier Yongchu Falls
✔ Summer cooling destination
✔ Excellent autumn foliage
✔ Main route possible without summit hiking
πͺ¨ 1. Start With Mureung Rock
The first major landmark is not a waterfall.
It is a huge sheet of exposed granite called Mureung Rock.
The flat rock surface covers roughly 5,000 square meters and is large enough that hundreds of people can sit on it.
What makes it especially interesting is the writing carved into the stone.
For centuries, scholars and poets visited the valley and left names and inscriptions behind.
One historic inscription described the area as a world of immortals separated from ordinary life.
That idea helped reinforce the name Mureung, which refers to an idealized paradise or utopia.
DON'T WALK PAST IT TOO QUICKLY
The carved stone is one of the best clues that Mureung Valley was appreciated as a scenic retreat long before it became a modern tourist attraction.
The carved stone is one of the best clues that Mureung Valley was appreciated as a scenic retreat long before it became a modern tourist attraction.
π― 2. Samhwasa Temple Changes the Mood
Continue into the valley and you reach Samhwasa Temple.
The temple is traditionally associated with a foundation date in the Silla period and today contains important cultural properties, including a three-story stone pagoda and a seated iron Buddha.
The most important thing for a casual traveler, however, is the setting.
Traditional temple roofs sit directly beneath the forested mountain walls.
The sound of the valley remains nearby.
That makes Samhwasa feel like part of the landscape rather than a separate attraction added beside it.
LOCAL TIP
Spend 15–20 minutes inside the temple grounds before continuing. The route becomes more natural and less cultural after this section.
Spend 15–20 minutes inside the temple grounds before continuing. The route becomes more natural and less cultural after this section.
π² 3. After Samhwasa, the Real Valley Walk Begins
Once you move beyond the temple, the route follows the valley deeper into the forest.
You pass rocky cliffs, clear pools and several named scenic points.
Haksodae appears beneath steep rock.
Ongnyudong is known for clear water.
Seonnyeotang — literally associated with a pool where heavenly maidens were said to bathe — adds another layer of local legend.
This middle section is what makes the hike feel complete.
If you jumped directly from the entrance to the waterfalls, you would miss the gradual change from broad valley to narrower mountain gorge.
MAIN SCENIC SEQUENCE
Mureung Rock
↓
Samhwasa
↓
Haksodae
↓
Ongnyudong
↓
Seonnyeotang
↓
Ssang Falls
↓
Yongchu Falls
Mureung Rock
↓
Samhwasa
↓
Haksodae
↓
Ongnyudong
↓
Seonnyeotang
↓
Ssang Falls
↓
Yongchu Falls
π¦ 4. Ssangpokpo Is the Most Dramatic Waterfall View
Ssangpokpo means “Twin Falls.”
The name makes sense immediately when you arrive.
Water approaches from two directions and drops into the same rocky basin.
One side descends across layered rock while the other appears more vertical.
The contrast gives the waterfall much more visual energy than a single straight drop.
A viewing area allows visitors to stop safely and look directly toward both streams.
PHOTO TIP
Use a vertical composition wide enough to include both streams. Cropping too tightly can make Ssangpokpo look like an ordinary single waterfall.
Use a vertical composition wide enough to include both streams. Cropping too tightly can make Ssangpokpo look like an ordinary single waterfall.
π 5. Yongchu Falls Is Only a Little Farther
Do not turn around immediately after Ssangpokpo.
Yongchu Falls is located only about 70 meters farther upstream.
The waterfall is made up of three main levels.
Water from Cheongoksan drops through deep pot-shaped rock formations created by long-term erosion.
The lower pool gives the waterfall its distinctive appearance.
VISITKOREA places Yongchu approximately 2.5 km west of Samhwasa Temple, which gives a useful sense of how far into the valley you have walked by the time you reach the final highlight.
π₯Ύ 6. How Difficult Is the Main Route?
The main valley route is much easier than climbing Dutasan or Cheongoksan.
That does not mean every section is flat.
As you move farther toward the waterfalls, you encounter uneven rock, steps and forest trail surfaces.
But under normal conditions, most active travelers can complete the major sightseeing route without technical hiking experience.
DIFFICULTY GUIDE
π’ Mureung Rock + Samhwasa: Easy
π’ Samhwasa → Haksodae: Easy to moderate
π‘ Haksodae → Ssang Falls: Moderate
π‘ Ssang Falls → Yongchu Falls: Short but uneven
π΄ Dutasan summit routes: Separate, difficult mountain hiking
π’ Mureung Rock + Samhwasa: Easy
π’ Samhwasa → Haksodae: Easy to moderate
π‘ Haksodae → Ssang Falls: Moderate
π‘ Ssang Falls → Yongchu Falls: Short but uneven
π΄ Dutasan summit routes: Separate, difficult mountain hiking
This distinction is important.
You can enjoy the famous valley without committing to a summit climb.
⏱️ 7. How Much Time Should You Allow?
A fast visitor can see the lower valley much more quickly.
But if your goal is Yongchu Falls, allow enough time for stops and photographs.
REALISTIC VISIT TIMES
πͺ¨ Mureung Rock + Samhwasa only: 1–1.5 hours
π² Valley walk to mid-route scenic points: 2–3 hours
π¦ Ssang Falls + Yongchu Falls round trip: About 3–4 hours for most first-time visitors
πͺ¨ Mureung Rock + Samhwasa only: 1–1.5 hours
π² Valley walk to mid-route scenic points: 2–3 hours
π¦ Ssang Falls + Yongchu Falls round trip: About 3–4 hours for most first-time visitors
Wet trail conditions or crowded summer weekends can increase the time.
☀️ 8. Why Summer Is So Popular
Summer is when Mureung Valley feels most obviously useful.
The forest provides shade and mountain water lowers the temperature around the stream.
VISITKOREA extends the official July–August operating window to 06:00–20:00, reflecting the heavy summer use of the valley.
Early morning is particularly good.
You avoid the hottest part of the day and reach the waterfalls before the biggest crowds.
SUMMER RULE
Go early. Shade helps, but summer weekends can still become crowded around the water and major scenic points.
Go early. Shade helps, but summer weekends can still become crowded around the water and major scenic points.
π 9. Autumn May Be the Most Beautiful Season
In autumn, the granite and water stay visually simple while the forest surrounding them changes color.
That combination works particularly well around the temple and waterfall sections.
The walking temperature is also much more comfortable than midsummer.
Peak foliage weekends can be busy, but if scenery matters more than swimming weather, autumn is probably the strongest overall season.
❄️ 10. What About Winter?
Winter changes the valley again.
Vegetation becomes sparse, granite is more exposed and ice can form around water and shaded sections.
The official operating window is shorter from November through February, currently listed as 08:00–17:00.
The biggest issue is footing.
Even if the main road looks dry, shaded forest sections can remain icy.
For a casual first-time visit, spring through autumn is easier.
π§️ 11. Heavy Rain Changes Everything
Mureung is built around moving water.
That means heavy rain is a real safety issue, not simply an inconvenience.
Water levels can rise, rocks become slippery and access may be restricted during severe weather.
Korea Tourism Organization specifically warns that access can be controlled depending on heavy-rain conditions.
DO NOT FORCE A RAINY-DAY VISIT
If heavy rain or a storm warning is active, choose another day. A waterfall being larger does not make a flooded mountain valley safer.
If heavy rain or a storm warning is active, choose another day. A waterfall being larger does not make a flooded mountain valley safer.
π 12. What Shoes Should You Wear?
Ordinary sneakers with good grip can be enough in dry weather for the main route.
Trail shoes are better if you plan to continue all the way to the waterfalls.
Avoid smooth-soled fashion shoes.
Wet granite can be extremely slippery.
WHAT TO BRING
π Grippy walking or trail shoes
π§ Water
π§’ Hat in summer
𧴠Sunscreen
π§₯ Light layer in spring / autumn
π± Charged phone
π Battery pack
π₯ͺ Small snack
π Grippy walking or trail shoes
π§ Water
π§’ Hat in summer
𧴠Sunscreen
π§₯ Light layer in spring / autumn
π± Charged phone
π Battery pack
π₯ͺ Small snack
π️ 13. Admission and Parking in 2026
INDIVIDUAL ADMISSION
π€ Adult: KRW 2,000
π§ Teenager: KRW 1,500
π§ Child: KRW 700
π΄ Age 65+: Free
πΆ Age 6 and under: Free
π€ Adult: KRW 2,000
π§ Teenager: KRW 1,500
π§ Child: KRW 700
π΄ Age 65+: Free
πΆ Age 6 and under: Free
PARKING
π Small vehicle: KRW 2,000
π Large vehicle: KRW 5,000
π Small vehicle: KRW 2,000
π Large vehicle: KRW 5,000
These are the current rates listed by VISITKOREA.
π¨π©π§ 14. Is Mureung Valley Good for Families?
Yes, if you adjust the route.
Families with young children can stay around Mureung Rock, Samhwasa and the lower forest sections.
Older children who are comfortable walking can continue farther toward the waterfalls.
There is no requirement to reach Yongchu Falls for the day to feel worthwhile.
FAMILY ROUTE
Young children → Mureung Rock + Samhwasa
Active school-age children → Add Haksodae / valley walk
Strong walkers → Continue to Ssang Falls and Yongchu Falls
Young children → Mureung Rock + Samhwasa
Active school-age children → Add Haksodae / valley walk
Strong walkers → Continue to Ssang Falls and Yongchu Falls
π΄ 15. What About Older Travelers?
The lower valley is suitable for many older visitors because you can enjoy major scenery without a long summit climb.
Accessibility information lists designated parking and accessible restrooms in the tourist area.
However, the upper waterfall trail becomes less suitable for visitors with balance or knee problems.
There is no need to push beyond the point where the surface becomes uncomfortable.
π 16. Is Driving the Best Option?
Driving is the easiest option for most travelers.
The entrance has large parking areas, and a car lets you combine the valley with another Donghae attraction afterward.
For travelers without a car, local bus or taxi connections from central Donghae are possible, but check the current schedule on Naver Map or KakaoMap.
The Mureung Valley area is inland, so do not assume transport frequency will be the same as central coastal Donghae.
πΈ 17. Best Photo Moments
Mureung Rock
Photograph the old inscriptions with water or forest included so the image has context.
Samhwasa
Use the temple buildings and mountain forest together.
Haksodae
Vertical rock surfaces work well in a tall composition.
Ssang Falls
Show both streams at once.
Yongchu Falls
Emphasize the layered rock pools rather than only the falling water.
πΊ️ 18. My Recommended 3–4 Hour Route
SIMPLE MUREUNG VALLEY PLAN
1️⃣ Arrive and park
2️⃣ Enter the valley tourist area
3️⃣ Spend time at Mureung Rock
4️⃣ Visit Samhwasa Temple
5️⃣ Continue toward Haksodae
6️⃣ Walk past Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang
7️⃣ Reach Ssang Falls
8️⃣ Continue the short final section to Yongchu Falls
9️⃣ Rest briefly and return by the same main route
1️⃣ Arrive and park
2️⃣ Enter the valley tourist area
3️⃣ Spend time at Mureung Rock
4️⃣ Visit Samhwasa Temple
5️⃣ Continue toward Haksodae
6️⃣ Walk past Ongnyudong and Seonnyeotang
7️⃣ Reach Ssang Falls
8️⃣ Continue the short final section to Yongchu Falls
9️⃣ Rest briefly and return by the same main route
π 19. Don't Confuse It With Mureung Byeolyucheonji
This is worth clarifying because the names are similar.
Mureung Valley is the natural valley route with Samhwasa, granite slabs and waterfalls.
Mureung Byeolyucheonji is a separate attraction created from a former limestone mining site and now has emerald quarry lakes and activities such as the Sky Glider and Alpine Coaster.
MUREUNG VALLEY
Nature • Temple • Forest • Waterfalls
Nature • Temple • Forest • Waterfalls
MUREUNG BYEOLYUCHEONJI
Former mine • Quarry lake • Rides • Activity park
Former mine • Quarry lake • Rides • Activity park
They can be combined in one Donghae trip, but they are not the same destination.
❓ BEST 3 QUESTIONS
1. Do I have to hike Dutasan to see Mureung Valley?
No. The main tourist route to Samhwasa, Ssang Falls and Yongchu Falls is separate from a full Dutasan summit hike and is much easier.
2. Is Mureung Valley worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Summer is one of the most popular seasons because of the shaded forest and mountain water. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the busiest period.
3. Which waterfall should I prioritize?
See both. Ssang Falls and Yongchu Falls are only about 70 meters apart, so once you reach Ssangpokpo there is little reason to skip the final short section to Yongchu.
π‘ A Local's Final Advice
The biggest mistake at Mureung Valley is thinking only about the waterfalls.
Ssangpokpo and Yongchu are the dramatic ending, but they are not the whole experience.
The broad granite at the entrance tells you why poets came here.
Samhwasa adds history.
The forest trail gradually narrows the landscape.
Then the water becomes faster and the rock walls steeper until the waterfalls finally appear.
That progression is what makes the route satisfying.
Start early in summer.
Wear shoes with good grip.
Do not enter during heavy rain.
And unless you specifically want a serious mountain climb, ignore the pressure to reach a summit.
Mureung Valley already gives you one of Donghae's best mountain experiences without needing to climb one.
π Official Information
Place: Mureunggyegok Valley (무λ¦κ³κ³‘)
Address: 538 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
Normal hours: 09:00–18:00
July–August: 06:00–20:00
November–February: 08:00–17:00
Adult admission: KRW 2,000
Teenager: KRW 1,500
Child: KRW 700
Parking: KRW 2,000 small vehicle / KRW 5,000 large vehicle
Inquiry: +82-33-539-3700
Weather, heavy rain, trail damage or seasonal conditions can cause access restrictions. Check current operating information before visiting.
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