"While You Were Sleeping"Samcheok:Where Dreams Meet Reality Inspired by K-Drama

When it comes to escaping the scorching summer heat, Koreans know that Donghae is the go-to destination for a stimulating flight. But amidst Donghae’s multitudinous lodestones lies a retired treasure staying to be discovered. Nestled in Samcheok, frequently appertained to as the “Naples of Korea,” lies a realm of prodigies that captivates the imagination and enchants the soul.

But what makes Samcheok’s beautiful and interesting bank indeed more famous is the K- Drama “While You Were Sleeping,” where the stunning supereminent characters orchestrate romantic scenes. Let’s explore how the beauty of the drama impeccably complements the alluring destination of Samcheok.

Enter the World of K-Drama Romance in Samcheok

In the drama ‘While You Were Sleeping,’ there are captivating elements that entertain the audience. That is, fantasy, love, and conspiracy. There are stories that cross the boundaries between reality and dreams, and mysteries of life.

Even in scenes where the main couple in the drama date against the backdrop of Samcheok, you can feel Samcheok’s unique atmosphere of love and fantasy. This is created by the clean water and the surrounding scenery. So let’s take a closer look at Samcheok, which shines as a charming backdrop for this captivating drama.

It is often called the hidden gem of the East Sea and also referred to as Korea’s own Naples. Among them, Jangho Port is famous for its fresh sashimi and seafood, and it is a popular destination for families where you can snorkel and ride boats. To overlook Jangho Beach, you can take the Samcheok Maritime Cable Car enjoying both the sky and the sea at the same time.

Samcheok Port is famous for its crabs. So there are more places selling crabs than raw fish restaurants. There’s also a crab alley, so try crabs at a place you like. Koreans eat steamed crabs by cracking them open, and crab fried rice in crab shells is a delicacy.

Maengbang Beach is famous as a filming location for BTS, making it one of the pilgrimage sites for BTS fans. You can enjoy both walking and swimming, and it’s also close to downtown.

Moreover Samcheok has two famous caves. Hwanseon Cave and Daegumul Cave are both extremely large and beautiful.

Hwanseon Cave is a limestone cave formed about 530 million years ago. It is said to be cool in summer and warm in winter, maintaining a constant temperature. So it’s a great place to visit all year round, and it’s a place where you can’t help but admire the mysteries of nature. There’s a monorail here for easy access. It takes about 1 to 2 hours to see everything, and you can visit without a reservation.

Next to it is Daegumul Cave, which operates by reservation only. The ticket office for Hwanseon Cave and Daegumul Cave is in the same place, and the roof is shaped like a bat.

Additionally there’s Bunam Beach, a beautiful place with a pretty transparent sea color. There’s also Deokpoong Valley, which is very remote and has poor cell phone and Wi-Fi reception. But you can spend a day without looking at your cell phone and truly become one with nature.

Don’t miss the view of Jukseoru. It’s a pavilion, the largest in the Gwandong Eight Sceneries, and it’s designated as a treasure. You can see Jukseoru located on a cliff, and you can also see Yongmun Rock and prehistoric rock carvings. There’s a story that if you pass through the hole in Yongmun Rock and make a wish, your wish will come true. Would you like to make a wish and visit?

There’s a sea train at Samcheok Beach. This tourist-only train connects Gangneung to Samcheok, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful and cool sea while moving.

Finally, there’s Samcheok Dae Myung Sol Beach, which appeared in the drama ‘While You Were Sleeping.’ It’s the large building you see behind the scenes where the main characters in the drama go on a date in the sea. It’s one of the most famous resorts in Samcheok, and it’s hard to make a reservation during the summer vacation season. So making a reservation far in advance is recommended.

Enter the World of K-Drama Romance

Samcheok’s allure doesn’t stop at its natural wonders; it’s also a hotspot for K-Drama enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the magic of television romance. “While You Were Sleeping,” a beloved K-Drama, has cemented Samcheok’s coastline as a backdrop for unforgettable romantic moments. The drama follows the story of Hong-joo, who foresees tragic events in her dreams, and Jae-chan, a prosecutor striving to alter fate’s course. Lee Jong-suk’s portrayal of Jae-chan captivates audiences worldwide, infusing the drama with undeniable charm and allure.

Exploring Samcheok’s Real-Life Fantasy with the Drama

Combining elements of fantasy, romance, and legal intrigue, “While You Were Sleeping” blurs the lines between reality and dreams, inviting viewers to ponder life’s mysteries. But beyond the realm of television, Samcheok offers a chance to experience its enchanting landscapes firsthand. From the breathtaking vistas of Seoro Park to the historic charm of Isabu Road, there’s no shortage of wonders to explore. For thrill-seekers, cycling along the coast or riding the sea train promises an adventure like no other.

Embrace the Magic of Samcheok

As you traverse the enchanting coastline of Samcheok, let the allure of K-Drama romance and the beauty of reality intertwine. Whether you’re captivated by the drama’s fantasy or mesmerized by Samcheok’s natural wonders, one thing is certain – an unforgettable journey awaits in this captivating corner of Korea.Let’s explore how the beauty of the drama perfectly complements the enchanting destination of Samcheok.

Discovering Samcheok’s Hidden Gem

Samcheok is home to Jangho Port, often likened to Korea’s very own Naples. Here, the coastline beckons with its rugged beauty, offering a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable moments. But the real magic lies within the depths of Hwanseon and Daegumul Caves. Within these colossal caverns, majestic waterfalls cascade down, casting a spellbinding glow that transports visitors to a realm of fantasy. Picture-perfect scenes reminiscent of the Phanthom of the Opera unfold before your eyes, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.

Tourist Attractions

Surobuin (Lady Suro) Flower Tribute Park (수로부인 헌화 공원)

Nestled along the tranquil beaches of Gangneung, the Surobuin Flower Tribute Park unveils a slice of history intertwined with natural beauty. Legend has it that during the reign of Queen Seongdeok of the Silla Dynasty, a captivating scene unfolded on these very shores. As Sunjeonggong and his wife, Lady Suro, indulged in a seaside lunch before Sunjeonggon embarked on his journey as Gangneungtaesu, a mysterious cliff adorned with royal azalea flowers caught Lady Suro’s eye. Challenging the bystanders to retrieve the blooms, it was an elderly man and his cow who answered her call, presenting her with the coveted flowers and a beautiful serenade.

Operating Hours:
Normal (Mar-Oct): 09:00~18:00
Winter (Nov-Feb): 09:00~17:00

Closed Day: 18th every month (*If the 18th falls on a public holiday, closed on the following weekday)

Fares:

Category	Individual (KRW)	Group (30 or more) (KRW)	Note
Adults	3,000	2,000	Aged 19 – 63
Youth/Soldiers	2,000	1,500	Youth: 13 to 18, Soldiers wearing uniforms
Children	1,500	1,000	7 to 12

Jukseoru Pavilion (죽서루)

Dating back to ancient times, the Jukseoru Pavilion stands as a testament to history and poetry. Once frequented by esteemed scholars like Lee Seung-hyu, this pavilion echoes with the verses of the past. Adorned with 26 signboards inscribed with timeless poems, including works by Governor Heo Mok and King Jeongjo, it’s a serene retreat for poetry lovers.

Fare: Free
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Mar-Oct) | 09:00 – 17:00 (Nov-Feb)

Isabu Road(이사부로)

Embark on a scenic journey along the captivating Isabu Road, a 4.6-km coastal route that weaves through the picturesque landscapes of Samcheok. Make a wish at the Tower of Wishes, witness the breathtaking Sunrise Festival, and lose yourself in the enchanting Sculpture Park.

Sunrise Festival:

Period: The night of December 31 to January 1
Main Events: Adieu Event, New Year’s Performance, Daybreak Fireworks, Wish Kite Flying

Daegeum Cave (대금굴)

Delve into the mysteries of Daegeum Cave, a hidden gem crafted by nature over millions of years. Embark on a guided tour through its winding passages, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites, and experience the unique thrill of riding the monorail deep into the heart of the cave.

Tour Information:

Tour Duration: 1hr 20min
Closed Day: 18th every month (*If the 18th falls on a public holiday, closed on the following weekday)

Hwanseongul Cave(환선굴)

Hwanseongul Cave is a limestone cave formed approximately 530 million years ago, and it is the largest cave in East Asia. Inside the cave, various types of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars, shaped like beauties, turtles, and jars, are splendidly developed. A total of 47 species of animals have been discovered in Hwanseongul, among which four species, including Hwanseong-jangnim (a type of beetle), are found only in Hwanseongul or recorded as endemic to the cave. Since April 2010, the Hwanseongul Monorail has been in operation, making it easier for visitors to explore the cave.

Natural Monument No. 178 (Designated on June 14, 1966)
Opening Date: October 15, 1997
Open Section: 1.6km (Total length: 6.2km)
Internal Temperature: 10 ~ 15℃
Cave Size: Entrance – Width 14m, Height 10m; Interior – Width 20 ~ 100m, Height 20 ~ 30m

Guided Tour Information (Self-Guided):

Tour Duration: 2 hours (1 hour round trip to the cave, 1 hour for interior exploration)
- Ticketing Hours:
- Winter (November-February): 09:30-16:00
- Summer (March-October): 09:00-17:00
Closed Days: 18th of every month (If the 18th is a holiday or public holiday, closed on the next weekday)

Samcheok Marine Cable Car

Wonderful Over-the-Sea Tour, Samcheok Marine Cable Car!
Samcheok Marine Cable Car runs from Yonghwa-ri, Geundeok-myeon to Jangho-ri and the two stations which look like dragon head are facing each other. Two cable cars Sunshine Car and Sunrise Car run 874m over the ocean rising 21m on a pylon-less section. Samcheok Marine Cable Car will allow you to see the beautiful natural landscapes and coastal scenery. Also, there are Ocean Rail Bike, Fishery Experience Village, Haesindang Park, Marine Ropeway and various other wonderful attractions nearby for you to visit.

Period, Hours, Last Ticketing Time

Category	Period	Hours	Last Ticketing Time
High Season	April 1 ~ October 31	09:00 ~ 20:00	19:30
Low Season	November 1 ~ March 31	09:00 ~ 18:00	17:30

The cable car may close in bad weathers so please make sure you check with the office beforehand.

Ticketing may be closed 2-3 hours before the last run.

Closed Day

18th every month / *If the 18th falls on a public holiday, then closed on the following weekday

Group/Individual, Round Trip, One way

Group/Individual		Round Trip	One way
Individual(Individual)	Adults	10,000	6,000
	Children	6,000	4,000

Where to Stay

The Sol Beach Hotel & Resort in Samcheok

The Sol Beach Hotel & Resort in Samcheok, known as the “beach of the sun,” embodies the architectural aesthetics of Santorini Village in Greece. With its harmonious blend of white exteriors and blue roofs, reminiscent of the Greek Cycladic architecture, this magnificent resort offers 709 rooms that perfectly complement the breathtaking sea views. As you slow down your pace to the rhythm of the clear and transparent waves, matching the rhythm of the waves, you’ll find that your soul is gradually healed.

Address: 453 Surobuin-gil, Galcheon-dong, Samcheok-si, Gangwon Province

Inquiry Phone: 1588-4888

Homepage: Daemyung Resort

Traditional Thatched-Roof House(초가집)

This accommodation is designed to preserve the traditional structure of a traditional thatched-roof house, where heating is provided by lighting a fire in the hearth rather than using a boiler. When making a reservation, please request heating, and the caretaker will personally light the fire. ※ Thatched-roof house structure: 2 rooms, 1 combined kitchen and living room, 1 bathroom

Address: 789 Sanyanghwagagil, Wondeok-eup, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Inquiry: 033-575-1406

Website: http://www.sanyang.in

Samcheok Sol Beach Hotel & Resort

Features: This resort is a part of the Sol Beach Hotel & Resort chain, known for its luxurious amenities and stunning locations. The Samcheok branch is no exception, offering guests a unique blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Features include spacious rooms with ocean or mountain views, an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and dining options that serve both Korean and international cuisine. The resort also offers easy access to nearby attractions such as Hwanseongul Cave and Samcheok Beach.

How to Get There: The resort is accessible by car or bus from Samcheok City. If traveling from Seoul, you can take an express bus to Samcheok Bus Terminal and then a local bus or taxi to the hotel.

Website:

Samcheok Sol Beach Hotel & Resort

Hotel Maremons

Features: Boasting stunning views of the East Sea, Hotel Maremons is known for its elegant rooms and excellent service. Each room is designed to provide comfort and relaxation, with some offering balconies where guests can enjoy the sea breeze. The hotel features an array of facilities, including a buffet restaurant with a vast selection of dishes, a coffee shop, a fitness center, and event halls.

How to Get There: Located in the heart of Samcheok, the hotel is easily accessible by car or public transport from the city center. For those coming from outside the city, taking a bus to Samcheok and then a short taxi ride to the hotel is the most convenient option.

Website: Hotel Maremons

Nearby Attraction

Jumunjun Breakwater :”Goblin”