Welcome to Mangsang Beach (망상해수욕장). Considered one of the finest beaches on the east coast, there's 1.4 kilometers of sand, 40,000 square meters of camping space, and more than enough salty water. Because the area is such a tourist draw, it isn't the best for peace and quiet - and the Lady in Red and I had a tougher time than usual communicating with the locals.



The sand and surf is indisputably nice - clean water, smooth sand, and little pollution to speak of. It's also not the place to set down a tent, as we found out. A lifeguard gave us the classic hands-crossed-in-an-X symbol, informing us that camping was not allowed on the beach. The aforementioned camping ground is apparently the only place to set a tent. We complied, packing up our tent and laying out a blanket instead. It was about 20 minutes later that another couple set up a screen tent. The lifeguard, who we called over about the double standard, shrugged his shoulders, talked to them, and walked away. As we were leaving, the locals' tent remained.



As expected at a Korean beach, virtually everything you need to enjoy the coast is available at pretty normal prices. Not pictured is a fried chicken place and a nice looking Italian restaurant mere meters from the sand, along with a string of other restaurants and convenience stores.

The chicken franchise (which will remain nameless) was empty in the mid-afternoon, save for the four employees alternating between throwing leaflets from motorcycles and playing rock-paper-scissors. The Lady in Red and I ordered in our passable Korean through the sun-kissed twentysomething that came to our table. He seemed confused as he walked to the counter, chatted with two other employees at length about our order. I pointed to the Korean menu with our simple menu, yet they continued to look confused... The two gentlemen returned to their brochures and the beach, while the manager appeared to return to the kitchen to fry some chicken.

A thousand stories seemed to be playing out on the beach. Quite a few dates and family outings were happening - it's a relaxing enough place for either group, or for anyone else that decides to go.

The pieces are all there - decent facilities, camping grounds, sand and surf. I have no complaints, although there was nothing that really made go WOW! I have to come back here.

Ratings (out of 5 taeguks):
Ease to arrive:

Foreigner-friendly:

Convenience facilities:

Worth the visit:

Directions to Mangsang Beach: Get to Donghae (from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal, buses leave every 40-50 minutes, take about 3 1/2 hours, and cost 14,400 - 21,300 won). From Donghae bus terminal, turn right out of the main entrance, pass the inter-city buses and head to the local bus stop. Get on bus 61, 91, 11, 11-1, or 12-1 and ride for 15-20 minutes (1,400 won charge).

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© Chris Backe - 2010

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