A Small Walk Above the Sea, A Deep Breath of History Encountered at Yukhyangsan (Mountain)

Old Tales Carried by the Sea Breeze, Reaching Yukhyangsan (Mountain)

As you walk along the coast of Jeongsan-dong in Samcheok, a small mountain rising before you suddenly catches your eye. This is Yukhyangsan (Mountain). Once known as 'Jukgwando (Island)' because it used to be an island, this small mountain is now connected to the land, serving as a walking trail filled with the scent of pine trees. As soon as you step out of the car, the salty scent of the East Sea (Donghae) brushes against the tip of your nose, and the cheerful rhythm of waves crashing against the rocks lingers in your ears.

Though it is low and intimate for a mountain, heavy history rests upon it. This place was the site of the Samcheokpojinseong (Fortress), which was the core of coastal defense in the East Sea during the Joseon Dynasty. While the tense landscape of that era has vanished, standing at the summit makes you feel as if your gaze is aligned with that of the naval forces who looked out over the wide, open horizon in those days.

Sincerity Engraved in Stone, Cheokjudonghaebi and Pyeongsu-tochanbi

When you climb to the summit of Yukhyangsan (Mountain), the first things you encounter are the 'Cheokjudonghaebi (Monument)' and 'Pyeongsu-tochanbi (Monument)'. Erected in the 2nd year of King Hyeonjong's reign in the Joseon Dynasty by Misu Heo Mok, a scholar and politician, these monuments feel like works of art that have endured the passage of time. If you run your fingertips along the rough texture of the stone surface, you can almost feel the heartfelt desire he had for the peace of the people and the safety of the sea hundreds of years ago.

Reading the inscriptions on the old monuments under the sunlight filtering through the leaves naturally calms the mind. The nearby Yukhyangjeong (Pavilion) is the perfect place to take a rest. Sitting in the pavilion, breathing in the pine scent carried by the wind while gazing blankly at the sea, you feel as if the noise of a complicated daily life is being washed away into the deep ocean. In particular, the sight of the red sunset resting on the monuments as the sun begins to set is the greatest gift Yukhyangsan (Mountain) has to offer.

Hearts Praying for Prosperity, and the Journey of Samcheok

It is said that the Samcheokpo Jinyeong Yeongjang Gohonje and the Yukhyang Cultural Festival are held here every year. Hearing that it is a festival where warm hearts gather to pray for a bountiful catch for fishermen and honor those who guarded the sea, I thought that I would definitely like to visit during that period next time. Perhaps because the warmth left behind by people making wishes permeates the entire mountain, my heart felt peaceful the whole time I walked through Yukhyangsan (Mountain).

After exploring Yukhyangsan (Mountain), try moving your steps to the surroundings. It would be nice to enjoy a drive along the nearby Saecheonnyeon Coastal Tourist Site (Saecheonnyeon Haean Yuwonji) or get a deeper glimpse of Samcheok's culture at the Expo Town. If you have enough time, I recommend completing a fruitful Samcheok trip by visiting the Haesindang Park or the Freshwater Fish Exhibition Hall (Minmulgogi Jeonsigwan). However, as Yukhyangsan (Mountain) is not high, do not rush. When you walk slowly and focus on the sounds of nature and the footsteps of historical figures, you will finally be able to discover the true charm of this place.