Minister YU In Chon explored Donghae City via the Train Tour on June 7 as the sixth part of the “Go Local” campaign

Young MCST employees and Korea.net honorary reporters visited local sites to explore strategies for revitalizing local culture

Abundant sights and activities, including Mureung Byeolyucheonji, Mureung Valley, and Dojjaebigol Sky Valley

On June 7 (Fri), Minister YU In Chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) embarked on the sixth part of the “Local 100” campaign, titled “Go Local to See Local 100” (Go Local), joined by 40 individuals, including young MCST employees, Korea.net honorary reporters, and participants of the Local 100 Train Tour, in celebration of “June, the Travel Month.” They visited Mureung Byeolyucheonji, the designated “Local 100” destination in Donghae City, along with Mureung Valley, Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, Samhwasa Temple, and Dochabigol Sky Valley.

Following the “Local 100 Train Tour to Miryang” held last December, Minister YU initiated the second train journey with the “Local 100 Train Tour to Donghae City and Gangneung City for One Night and Two Days Program,” a collaboration between KORAIL (CEO HAN Moon Hee) and Donghae City. In particular, young employees from the MCST, specializing in various sectors, such as regional development, tourism, arts, media, and communication, alongside three Korea.net honorary reporters hailing from the Philippines, Tajikistan, and Hungary, participated to discover new policy ideas in the local cultural scenes and widely promoted cultural assets.

Site Visits, including Mureung Byeolyucheonji, a Local 100 destination; Mureung Valley and Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, both listed among the 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea; and Samhwasa Temple, Renowned for its “Suryukjae” (Water and Land Ceremony), a National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Minister YU first visited Mureung Byeolyucheonji, a Local 100 destination. Formerly known as Mureung District 3, it has operated as a limestone mining site since 1968. After 40 years of mining, it has been transformed into a tourist attraction, featuring two emerald lakes and various amusement facilities that utilize the terrain, such as a sky glider, offline luge, alpine coaster, and roller coaster–type zip line. The “ cement ice cream,” which can be enjoyed while overlooking the lake from the top floor of the crushing plant, is a unique delicacy exclusive to this location.

Meanwhile, the Lavender Festival will be held at Mureung Byeolyucheonji from June 8 to 23. Now in its second year, the festival is set to last for 16 days, 3 days longer than the previous, to welcome both domestic and international visitors. During the festival, visitors can enjoy different activities, such as a Lavender Class, where they can create their own sachets, bouquets, and flower pots using lavender; trekking along the Cheongokho Trail and participating in a pedal kayak experience to explore the emerald lake up close; enjoying a Flyboard Show; and visiting the flea market “Lavender Salon” and Bora Concert.

In addition, Minister YU visited Mureung Valley, where the name Mureung Byeolyucheonji originated, and Samhwasa Temple, famous for Samhwasa Suryukjae (Water and Land Ceremony of Samhwasa Temple), a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mureung Valley, one of Korea’s 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots, is a popular destination in Donghae City, featuring attractions like Hoamso, Yongchupokpo Falls, and Mureung Banseok, and has long been a favorite summer retreat. Mureung Byeolyucheonji is an inscription on the Mureung Banseok at Mureung Valley, which means “a utopia secluded from the world with the finest scenery under the sky.”

Minister YU also explored Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, a tourist destination that was once a steep valley near Mukhohang Harbor. It has been recognized as one of the 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots of Korea alongside Mureung Valley. The main attractions here include the observation deck, offering a thrilling view of the valley tens of meters below through a glass floor, a sky bike for crossing the valley, and a massive slide that descends to the bottom of the valley in just three seconds. At the bottom lies the Haerang Observation Deck, allowing visitors to stroll and immerse themselves in the blue waters of the East Sea.

Local 100 Train Tour Program, Offering Enriching Experiences at Tourist Attractions in Donghae and Gangneung

This train tour departs from Cheongnyangni Station, travels through Donghae City and Gangneung City, and returns to the same station. The program allows tourists to visit Donghae City’s famous attractions, such as Mureung Byeolyucheonji (Local 100), Bukpyeong 5-day Market (Local 100), Mureung Valley, Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, and Cheongok Golden Bat Cave. It also showcases the highlights of Gangneung City, such as Gangneung Danoje Festival (Local 100) and Anmok Coffee Street.

Minister YU stated, “This itinerary was designed to explore local cultural sites, identify policy needs, and foster new policies with the innovative ideas of young MCST employees.” He added, “For those weary of the early summer heat, I strongly recommend taking a train to Donghae City, where you can enjoy both the mountains and the sea. The MCST affirmed its commitment to promoting the region’s appeal domestically and internationally through the Go Local campaign.”