The Baekdudaegan mountain range runs parallel to the sea along Gangwon Province's east coast, where the terrain drops steeply from west to east — putting beaches and mountain valleys just minutes apart.
Donghae is a summer destination that lets visitors have it all: saltwater swimming at its beaches and freshwater play in Mureung Valley and along the Jeoncheon stream.
The city has opened a range of water facilities for the summer season, including the Jeoncheon water play area and the Mureung Oseonnyeotang natural pool, giving both residents and tourists a safe and refreshing place to cool off.
The Jeoncheon water play area, the city's flagship urban water facility, opened Monday after upgrades that expanded the wading pond and added new play equipment, incorporating lessons learned from last year's operation.
Facilities were spread out to ease crowding, and a new groundwater well was drilled nearby to cut the time needed to fill the pools, improving overall operational efficiency.
The facility features floor fountains, umbrella-style spray jets, shade canopies and rest platforms, with water depth kept at 30 centimeters or less so young children can use it safely. It runs through Sept. 13, operating from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Sessions last 50 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break, to maintain water quality and safety.
About 3,000 people visited the Jeoncheon water play area last year. This year, beyond the expanded facilities and improved operations, the site is expected to draw even more families by linking up with nearby leisure amenities along the Jeoncheon corridor — including Ddeunmaru Garden, Jeoncheon Naru Cafe, a park golf course, a mini golf course and walking trails — creating an urban family destination where visitors can swim, relax and stroll all in one place.
The Mureung Oseonnyeotang natural pool, which offers water play in a scenic mountain setting, has also opened for the season. Set within Mureung Valley and equipped with outdoor water facilities and amenities, it drew 18,342 visitors last year and has become a popular summer destination for families. This year it again offers a cool, safe and comfortable experience for summer visitors.
Local beaches — including Mangyang, Chuam, Eodal, Daejin and Hapyeong — have also opened for the peak summer season. Donghae now runs its full lineup of urban water play areas, natural stream facilities and ocean beaches to meet the varied summer leisure needs of residents and tourists alike.
The city plans to strengthen safety management by stationing lifeguards, monitoring water quality and conducting regular facility inspections, while ensuring smooth operations so families can enjoy the water with peace of mind.
"We have prepared both the Jeoncheon water play area and the Mureung Oseonnyeotang so that residents and tourists can enjoy water activities with distinct charms — one in the heart of the city, the other in nature," Deputy Mayor Kim Jeong-yun said. "We will do our utmost in operations and safety management so that Donghae becomes a safe and enjoyable summer destination for the whole family this summer."
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