Donghae(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For stunning sea views, stay at Hyatt Regency Donghae, located directly on the Donghae Coastline. This luxury resort offers floor-to-ceiling windows in its ocean-facing rooms, panoramic views of the Pacific, and private balconies perfect for sunrise watching. The hotel also features a rooftop infinity pool and a seaside restaurant serving fresh seafood. Nearby attractions include Donghae Port and the scenic Taebaek Mountain Trail, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure.

The Donghae Central District is the top choice for accommodations, offering easy access to Donghae Port, Taebaek Mountains, and local amenities. It hosts several high-rated hotels like Lotte Hotel Donghae, which provides modern facilities, sea-view rooms, and family-friendly services. Staying here allows guests to enjoy morning walks along the Donghae Seashore Path, evening visits to the bustling Donghae Night Market, and seamless exploration of both urban and natural attractions.

Visit the Donghae Fishermen’s Festival, held annually at Donghae Port during summer, celebrating traditional fishing heritage with boat parades, net-weaving demonstrations, and live Korean folk dance performances. Guests can participate in hands-on workshops like preparing seafood pancakes or crafting fishing nets. Don’t miss the Donghae Marine Museum, which showcases the region’s maritime history, including ancient navigation tools and local marine biodiversity.

Capture breathtaking shots at the Donghae Sunrise Viewing Platform, where golden light spills across the Pacific Ocean at dawn. The Taebaek Mountain Trail offers dramatic landscapes—especially during autumn when maple trees blaze in red and orange. The Donghae Lighthouse and historic fishing villages with thatched-roof houses and hanging nets provide rich storytelling scenes. Bring a telephoto lens to photograph seabirds in flight or distant fishing boats against the horizon.

Head to Haeeum Restaurant inside the Donghae Fish Market, renowned for its freshly caught Donghae Purple Shrimp, abalone sashimi, and sea urchin rice bowls. For a creative twist, visit Taebaek Mountain House, which blends Korean cuisine with coastal flavors—try their signature grilled mackerel with kimchi and seafood pancake. Both are centrally located, offering authentic taste and warm hospitality in a vibrant atmosphere.

Hike the Taebaek Mountain East Section Trail, an 8-kilometer path starting from the Donghae Nature Education Center. Along the route, you’ll pass through Mist Valley, Pine Forest Waterfall, and forested ridges with sweeping mountain vistas. Well-marked paths, rest stations, and seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery red foliage in fall—make this trail a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Ideal for photography and nature immersion.

Yes, visit Donghae Hot Spring Resort, nestled at the foot of the Taebaek Mountains. This wellness retreat features natural sulfur-rich baths, herbal steam rooms, and therapeutic massage services. The resort offers cozy wooden cabins and lakeside suites, perfect for stargazing at night. Weekends include cultural programs like Korean tea ceremonies and traditional bath rituals, allowing guests to experience deep-rooted Korean healing traditions.

The Donghae Lighthouse stands out with its white circular tower contrasting against the deep blue sea—ideal for sunrise or sunset photography. Nearby, the historic fishing village cottages feature traditional thatched roofs, wooden beams, and hanging fishing nets, evoking a nostalgic coastal vibe. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds. These scenes beautifully reflect Donghae’s maritime identity and timeless charm.

Experience the Donghae Ice Festival at Donghae Port every December, featuring massive ice sculptures, illuminated light displays, and winter sports like ice dragon boat racing and snow archery. Warm up at heated huts serving steaming soups and tteokguk (rice cake soup). Winter also offers clear skies—perfect for capturing dramatic sunrises over the Pacific with minimal haze.

Explore the lively Donghae Night Market near Donghae Port, where you can savor grilled squid, spicy tteokbokki, and fermented seafood dishes while enjoying live music. Don’t miss the nightly Donghae Seaside Light Show, where LED lights pulse rhythmically with the waves. For tranquility, relax at Donghae Hot Spring Resort’s open-air baths, soaking under the stars with a view of the quiet coast.