Samcheok-si is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 12 neighborhoods (4 dong · 2 eup · 6 myeon) and 60,057 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Gyo-dong with 15,167.
12neighborhoods
60,057residents
Landmark stamp: Jukseoroo Pavilion
Built atop a sheer cliff beside the Osipcheon Stream in Samcheok, this historic wooden pavilion is celebrated for its harmonious integration with nature.
History
Built along a cliff above Osipcheon Stream, its wooden pillars are uniquely constructed upon natural irregular rock foundations.
What to see
Sitting on the wide wooden floor allows you to admire the winding clear stream and surrounding steep rock cliffs.
Legends & stories
Mysterious cup-mark indentations carved into nearby yard boulders were used by ancient people praying for fertility and rich harvests.
Food, festivals and stories of Samcheok-si
Local food
Savory moray eel soup simmered with fermented kimchi and sweet, freshly steamed snow crab are prized culinary delicacies in Samcheok.
On screen
The sandy shores and colorful umbrellas of Maengbang Beach gained worldwide attention as the album photo location for BTS's Butter.
Local story
General Isabu of ancient Silla launched his historic voyage from Samcheok with carved wooden lions to bring Usanguk under kingdom rule.
Neighborhoods of Samcheok-si (12)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Dogye-eup도계읍eup · 8,406 residents
Story: Legend says the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in Dogye-ri protects the village and grants wishes to those who pray sincerely.
Photo spot: You can take stunning photos from the observatory facing Miin Falls, where refreshing waters cascade between towering reddish canyon cliffs.
Fun fact: The historic switchback railway tracks still preserve memories of trains zigzagging up and down the steep mountain terrain.
Story: A sorrowful tale lingers around the royal tomb of King Gongyang in Gungchon-ri, where the deposed Goryeo monarch spent his final days.
Photo spot: The footbridge and sea rocks around Jangho Port provide marvelous backdrops with crystal-clear emerald coastal waters stretching far into the horizon.
Fun fact: Golden canola blossoms and pale pink cherry petals bloom beautifully along Maengbang Beach each spring, creating a vibrant seasonal celebration.
Name: The local name originates from the Joseon era, denoting a bustling marketplace situated downstream relative to the upper mountain trading post.
Food: Crisp highland cabbages grown across elevated mountain terraces thrive in cool breezes and boast exceptional sweetness and rich nutritional quality.
Fun fact: Gwangdong Dam impounds the pure upper waters of Goljicheon stream, forming a tranquil reservoir nestled deeply among quiet forested mountain ridges.
Story: A legendary tale at Jungyeongmyo tells of an ancestor obtaining an auspicious royal burial site by cleverly fulfilling a prophetic dream.
Photo spot: Walking along the forested pathway to Jungyeongmyo allows you to photograph sunbeams filtering through magnificent stands of upright Geumgang pine trees.
Fun fact: Historical Cheoneunsa Temple nestles peacefully inside the forest, where Goryeo scholar Yi Seung-hyu authored the renowned historical epic Jewang Ungi.
Story: Legend has it that a mystical dragon dwelling inside Deokpung Valley's deep pond brought refreshing rainfall whenever locals performed rain rituals.
Photo spot: The picturesque waterfall of the First Yongso pool in Deokpung Valley serves as an exceptional photography spot framed by craggy canyon cliffs.
Fun fact: Gagok Sulfur Hot Springs provides mineral-rich thermal waters where visitors can relax comfortably and soothe fatigue amid quiet mountain surroundings.
Story: A captivating legend surrounding Hwanseongul Cave recounts how a meditating ascetic woman transformed into a heavenly fairy and ascended into the skies.
Photo spot: Walking inside Daegeumgul Cave lets you marvel at the thunderous Biryong Waterfall tumbling dramatically through illuminated limestone caverns.
Fun fact: The subterranean karst landscapes of the Daei-ri cave system reveal intricate stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over hundreds of millions of years.
Name: The neighborhood name derives from its sunny location situated comfortably along the southern banks of the winding Oshipcheon River.
Food: Visitors can savor tender boiled octopus and savory buckwheat crepes while exploring the lively corridors of Samcheok Jungang Market.
Fun fact: Functioning as an established civic center, this vibrant downtown hub seamlessly blends time-honored marketplace traditions with modern commercial streets.
Name: The neighborhood gained its scholarly name following the establishment of Samcheok Hyanggyo, which served as a premier Confucian academy during Joseon times.
Story: Coastal Jeungsan village preserves the ancient Silla myth where citizens chanted together to rescue beautiful Lady Suro from an ocean dragon.
Photo spot: Strolling along the pine trail lining Samcheok Beach presents delightful scenery for capturing photographs of rolling waves against coastal greenery.
Story: Ancient maritime history recounts General Isabu launching his fleet loaded with wooden lions from this port to incorporate the Usan Kingdom.
Photo spot: The nostalgic alleyways and colorful rooftops of Naritgol Village offer charming vintage views looking down over the bustling fishing harbor.
Food: Restaurants encircling the bustling seafood center at Samcheok Port serve steaming bowls of kimchi-infused moray eel soup and freshly steamed snow crabs.
Name: The name originates from its historical position nestled safely inside the fortress walls of the Joseon-era Samcheok Magistrate Office.
Story: Classical poets and scholars gathered atop the cliffside Jukseoru Pavilion overlooking the Oshipcheon stream to compose verses appreciating natural beauty.
Photo spot: Standing on the wooden floor of Jukseoru Pavilion affords splendid photo opportunities overlooking dramatic river cliffs and flowing emerald waters.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.