Viewed at night, the hillside neighborhoods of Mukho in Donghae — Nongoldamgil, Byeolbit Village, Dojjaebigol and the wind-swept lanes of Eodal-dong — have earned the nickname "East Asia's largest irregular-shaped building." The terraced slopes are steeped in the sweat of grandmothers and grandfathers who toiled quietly, dreaming of a better tomorrow.
The dried and neatly packaged seafood they prepared found buyers at Mukho Jungang Market, drawing local residents and visitors from across the country alike.
The hard times have eased, yet the residents of Balhan, Mukho, Mukhojin and Eodal-dong still carry on the labor their bodies remember — now for the tourists who come to see what they built.
Outside visitors now account for roughly half of all foot traffic at Mukho landmarks such as Dojjaebigol Sky Valley. The market has rebranded as Dongchokbada Jungang Market — "East Sea Central Market" — and is reinventing itself as a tourism destination.
With the summer holiday season under way, Dongchokbada Jungang Market is bringing the romance of a seaside night market to visitors, set to the melodies of busking performers and the cool scent of the ocean. Organizers say the market's variety of food, maritime atmosphere and cultural programming rival — and in their view surpass — the well-known night markets of Bangkok.
The night market opens Friday and will run every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 29.
Operating from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the market will feature 20 food stalls and 16 flea-market vendors offering dishes, handcrafted goods and local specialty products.
An opening ceremony with a busking performance is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the outdoor performance stage at Dongchokbada Jungang Market.
This year the market is expanding its lineup of menus and products that reflect Donghae's identity — the sea, seafood and marine tourism — to offer tourists a more distinctive food and sightseeing experience. Various events and activities will run throughout the market to add to the appeal of a summer night at a traditional marketplace.
Dongchokbada Jungang Market is the area's flagship traditional market, known for fresh seafood and diverse food offerings. City officials hope the night market will give tourists a distinctive nighttime attraction and bring new energy to the local commercial district.
To the east of Dongchokbada Jungang Market lies Byeolbit Village, home to the Baekgu (109) Steps and a "Little Prince" mural. Continuing along the coast, visitors reach Mukho Port, the Eonbaram Mukhote fish-drying rack, Nongoldamgil — a filming location for the K-drama series "The Heirs," among others — Mukho Lighthouse, the popular Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, Kkamakbawi rock and Eodal Hoe Town. A hillside walking tour starting from Byeolbit Village is also recommended.
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