🌊 "Sea Caves & Dragon Legends: Hiking Samcheok’s Chogok Yonggul Coastal Trail

#summervacay

### **📍 Location:**
Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea (East Coast)

### **⏰ Best Time to Visit:**
- **Sunrise to sunset** (Check tide tables!)
- Avoid monsoon season (July–Aug)

### **💰 Budget Breakdown (USD):**
- **Entrance Fee:** ~$3 (₩4,000)
- **Transport:**
- From **Samcheok Bus Terminal**: Local bus #24 (~$2, 30 min)
- Taxi: ~$15 one-way
- **Extras:**
- Sea cave boat tour (optional): ~$10
- Fresh seafood at nearby stalls: ~$5–10

### **⏳ Time Needed:** 2–3 hours (hike + exploration)

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### **🐉 Why This Trail?**
1️⃣ **Dramatic sea caves** (Chogok Yonggul = "Ancient Cave")
2️⃣ **Chotdaebawi Rock** – a stacked boulder worshipped as a dragon’s egg
3️⃣ **Cliffside ocean views** with crashing waves
4️⃣ **Few foreign tourists** – peaceful and raw

### **🥾 Solo Hiker Tips:**
✔️ **Tide-dependent!** Caves are only accessible at low tide.
✔️ **Wear grippy shoes** – rocky/slippery paths
✔️ **Sunrise magic** – best lighting + solitude
✔️ **Pack water/snacks** – limited vendors on-site

### **📸 Must-Capture Spots:**
- **Chogok Yonggul Cave entrance** (hollowed by waves)
- **Chotdaebawi Rock** at golden hour
- **Suspension bridge** over turquoise waters

### **🦞 Local Bites:**
- **"Gangwon-do sundae"** (blood sausage with squid)
- **Grilled gwamegi (dried fish)**

### **🚌 Getting There:**
- From **Seoul**: Take a bus to Samcheok (3.5 hrs), then transfer to Bus #24.
- By car: ~3.5 hrs via Yeongdong Expressway.

#hiddenkorea #coastalhike #dragonlegend #soloadventure

**"Where myths rise from the sea – walk where dragons once hid their eggs."** 🐲

*(Note: No railings on cliffs – hike carefully!)*

Would you like a map screenshot of the trailhead? 😊