Donghae Salt Road Attracts 821 Visitors in 7 Months, Proving Itself as a Premium Trekking Destination Combining Ecology and History

A Total of 821 Participants Joined the Salt Road Program from May to November

The Donghae Cultural Tourism Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation) successfully concluded its 2025 project by attracting a total of 821 participants through the operation of the Donghae Salt Road program this year, including 605 individual trekking program participants and 216 group tourists.

East Sea Salt Road. Provided by Donghae City

The Donghae Salt Road is a historic trade route once used by itinerant merchants to transport salt purchased at the Bukpyeong Market in Donghae to the Imge Market in Jeongseon. It is now a representative tourism resource of the region, featuring a unique landscape that combines an ecological environment of mountains and valleys with industrial heritage sites such as abandoned quarries.

In response to the recent increase in demand for hiking and trekking, the Foundation offered both regular and special programs, presenting the diverse appeal of the Salt Road.

From May to October, the third course at Mureung Byeolyucheonji featured guided tours by professional docents and exploration programs of Cheongok Lake and Geumgok Lake. During the Lavender Festival, additional special programs were organized, further enhancing the promotional impact in connection with the festival.

The first course program, held in Sinhung Village, was conducted three times in November and received an enthusiastic response, with all sessions fully booked in advance. Participants enjoyed content that combined trekking with traditional cultural experiences, such as carrying a traditional A-frame carrier, wearing traditional costumes and merchant attire, and tasting Korean pancakes and Makgeolli. Through this course, the Foundation also succeeded in attracting 216 group tourists.

According to a satisfaction survey, 90.3% of the 416 respondents expressed satisfaction, confirming positive evaluations regarding the program’s composition and overall operation. The high intention to participate again also supported the program’s sustainability.

Citizens are walking along the Donghae Salt Road. Photo by Donghae City

The Donghae Salt Road consists of three courses that encompass natural, historical, and industrial resources. ▲Course 1, “Myeongjumok Road Soaked in Salt Sweat” (7.1 km, 5 hours), is a historical and ecological trail that connects the Sinhung Village Ecological Playground, Seohakgol, Yongso Falls, Tavern Site, Moss Rest Area, and Wonbangjae. ▲Course 2, “Deobaji Road Walking with the Wind” (6.6 km, 4 hours), is a traditional old path linking Igimaeul Jangjaeteo, Guksidaeong, Miyeokneori, and the summit of Igiryeong. ▲Course 3, “Geumgok-dong Old Road” (5 km, 4 hours), is an industrial and nature coexistence trail comprising Mureung Byeolyucheonji, Charcoal Kiln Site, Seonbawi, and the entrance to Miyeokneori.

The Foundation is promoting the Donghae Salt Road Ecological Green Tourism Revitalization Project as a three-year plan. This year, the focus was on laying the groundwork, including discovering stories and systematizing programs. Next year, the Foundation plans to commercialize the Salt Road and expand its programs, and in the third year, to establish it as a premium trekking course through branding.

A Foundation representative stated, “2025 was a year of laying the foundation for the revitalization of the Donghae Salt Road,” adding, “From 2026, we will lead regional tourism revitalization by commercializing the Salt Road and expanding experiential tourism programs.”