Maengbang Beach | BTS Butter Photoshoot Location In Samcheok

Today we're going to show you Maengbang Beach in Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, the location where BTS had their photo shoot for their album Butter.

We will also show you some other fun things to do and see in Samcheok.

Let's get started!

Maengbang Beach
맹방 해수욕장

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 하맹방리 221 -19
221-19 Hamaengbang-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Source: IG @yeeonnyy

Up until recently, Samcheok's beaches were not the most popular in Gangwon-do; however, ever since BTS's Butter album photos at the beach came out, people have been flocking here to see the props and recreate their photos.

Now, thanks to that, more and more people are starting to learn of the beauty of Samcheok.

Because of BTS, Maengbang Beach now receives up 8,000 visitors a day!

Source: IG @jihoon_bb

When you first enter the beach, you immediately see the famous brightly colored chairs and umbrellas reproduced from the BTS shoot.

The colors make the beach more lively and complement the blue sea nicely.

You can pose here for a photo! If you have a group, you can even recreate the Butter photos.

Source: IG @eako2000

Next to the chairs is a volleyball net and balls where you can play with friends and recreate some more BTS moments.

Source: IG @happy_nar

The referee's chair is a popular spot for photos, but there is usually a line of people waiting to snap a photo.

Source: IG @hyunny0721

You can climb up and sit in the chair, or recreate RM's pose with his arm resting on it instead.

Source: IG @yuri.lee___ / @botanicgirl

While it's true that Maengbang is now famous because of BTS, there are other things to do not related to them too.

You can set up a mat or tent on the beach and relax while enjoying the view, or rent an inner tube and ride the waves of the East Sea.

Deokbongsan Trail
덕봉산 생태탐방로

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 덕산리

How To Get There: Cross the bridge that connects Maengbang Beach and Deokbongsan Mountain. It take about 10 minutes on average to get the mountain.

Source: IG @samcheokeu

This is a popular new spot that opened in April this year.

This place was closed to civilians in 1968 due to infiltration by North Korean armed forces, but it has been reopened to the public for the first time in 53 years.

Climb the Deoksan Observatory along the coastal road and experience the natural beauty of Samcheok.

Source: OhmyNews

Since it's right next to Maengbang Beach, it's perfect for taking a walk after taking some commemorative photos with the BTS props.

Source: 여행스케치

This is the single tree bridge that connects Maengbang and the Deokbongsan Trail.

Source: IG @veryverysweetj

If you walk along the trail that winds around Deokbongsan, you can experience the rough waters of the East Sea up close.

The waves are beautiful viewed from the safety of an overlook like this.

Source: @nu.ddol

From the top of Deokbongsan Mountain, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ocean and Deokbongsan.

We're definitely glad this trail has been reopened to the public as it offers unique and spectacular views.

After spending time at Maengbang Beach and hiking the Deokbongsan Trail though you're probably going to be hungry, right?

Well don't worry, we have some awesome recommendations for you restaurant-wise!

Hangbok Fish
행복횟집

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 덕산해변길 150
150 Deoksanhaebyeon-gil, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Hours:
09:00-21:00 (June-September)
09:00-20:00 (October-May)

How To Get There: It takes about 9 minutes by foot, 3 minutes by car from Deokbongsan. Taxi fare will be around 3,300 won.

Source: IG @sunyoungmoon

When you come to the East Sea, you can't leave without eating seafood!

Here you can eat Korean-style raw fish.

The specialty here is a dish called Mulhoe (물회), a cold seafood soup with vegetables and noodles in a spicy, sour broth.

If you love seafood, you have to try this delicious and refreshing dish.

Source: IG @j._.i___nee_ / @vivian_hwaheeyoo

Make sure to mix well and get a bite of fish and noodles together.

The texture and flavor combo is really something special.

Source: IG @rara.you

Another menu item that is well known and loved is Abalone porridge (전복죽), a warm and savory dish that pairs well with the contrasting flavors of cold, tangy Mulhoe.

Jangho Makguksu
장호막국수

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 방재로 836
836 Bangjae-ro, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Hours:
12:00-20:00
22:00-00:00
(Hours taken from Google)

How To Get There: It takes about 12 minutes by foot, just 1 minute by car from Deokbongsan. Taxi fare is estimated at 3,300 won.

Source: IG @kyunhyoun / @kihaha__

The noodle dish most representative of Gangwon-do is definitely Makguksu (막국수).

Mix the spicy and sour seasoning with the noodles and ice flakes for a delightful gustatory experience.

Source: IG @kihaha__

If you need something a little hardier than noodles though, you can add delicious and tender boiled pork (수육).

Samcheok Sujebi
삼척수제비

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 덕산해안로 126
126 Deoksanhaean-ro, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Hours: 09:00-15:00
Closed: Mondays

How To Get There: About 19 minutes by foot from Deokbongsan, 3 minutes by car, 3,300 won taxi fare estimate.

Source: IG @adorabowlgrace

Sujebi (수제비), or hand-pulled dough soup, in Samcheok is loaded with fresh seafood since it's a coastal city.

They use only fresh ingredients and close when they run out, so they may close earlier than 15:00 sometimes.

Source: IG @kangiy90

While waiting for you food, you can also fry your own pancakes.

Use the ladle to scoop batter that has already been prepared for you into the frying pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Source: IG @kangiy90

The stars of the menu are the spicy and soybean sujebi and the servings are very generous!

Geundeok Kkwabaegi
근덕 꽈배기

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 삼척로 3657-4
3657-4 Samcheok-ro, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Hours: 09:00-19:00

How To Get There: It takes about 2-4 minutes from the restaurant, and the taxi fare is estimated at 3,300-3,400 won. It takes 17 minutes by foot from Jangho Makguksu.

There are several bakers that sell these twisted bread sticks, Kkwabaegi (꽈배기).

They somewhat reminiscent of fried dough you find at fairs in the US.

They're made from glutinous rice flour and fried, then dipped in sugar.

Source: IG @kgunju

Geundeok Kkwabaegi also sells hotdogs, similar to corndogs, and doughnut balls.

Definitely not diet-friendly foods, but a day of not worrying about calories and fat and just eating delicious food can be good for the soul, which also contributes to overall health, right?

Janghohang Port
장호항

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 장호리
Jangho Port, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Cable Car Prices

Adult: 10,000 won (round trip) / 6,000 won (one way)

Child: 6,000 won (round trip) / 4,000 won (one way)

How To Get There: It's about 19-22 minutes by car from the restaurants and taxi fare is around 21,000-23,000 won.

Source: IG @ssteart

After lunch, why not enjoy Samcheok's sea in a different way?

Janghohang Port is growing in popularity and has already been dubbed the "Naples of Korea".

It is regularly frequented by visitors to Maengbang Beach, but it is recommended to take a taxi or drive since it is about 20 minutes by car.

The Samcheok Marine Cable Car Janghohang Station is located at the top of the observatory.

Source: 경향신문

Samcheok's Marine Cable Car is that only one at the East Sea.

It's a perfect way to enjoy a special view of the ocean.

Part of the floor is even made of tempered glass, so you can look down at the sea.

Source: IG @26_yelim / @congpilates

The water here is very clear, so many people enjoy snorkeling, observing the marine life and scape.

Source: IG @rany_camp

While some people do bring their own equipment, you can easily rent a life jacket and snorkeling gear for 6,000 won.

Source: IG @moonjh28

The bridge at Janghohang Port is a popular photo zone where many people take pictures.

Galnamhang Port
갈남항

Address: 강원 삼척시 원덕읍 갈남리 99-20
99-20 Galnam-ri, Wondeok-eup, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

How To Get There: It is around 19-24 minutes by car from the restaurants and about 22,000-24,000 won for a taxi.

Source: IG @planet__100 / @mini___bubu

Because Janghohang Port is more popular, people will go to Galnamhang Port for a quieter experience.

The rocky beach is very beautiful and makes fro some pretty incredible photos.

Source: IG @mini___bubu

It is quiet for now, but more people are starting to discover its beauty, and because of its clear waters, people are also coming here to snorkel lately.

Maengbang Beach Camping Site
맹방비치 캠핑장

Address: 강원 삼척시 근덕면 하맹방리 산1-7
San 1-7 Hamaengbang-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Prices

Camping deck: 20,000 won (off-season, weekday) / 25,000 won (off-season, Fri-Sun) / 35,000 won (peak season)

Auto camping: 25,000 won (off-season, weekday) / 30,000 won (off-season, Fri-Sun) / 40,000 won (peak season)

How To Get There: It takes 20-22 minutes by car from Janghohang and Galnamhang, and taxi fare is estimated to be 24,000 won. It's only a 5 minute walk from Maengbang Beach.

Source: IG @hyeok087 / @___hyon

Camping has become very popular since it's a relatively safe option during COVID.

At Maengbang Camping Site, next to Maengbang Beach, you can set up a tent on a deck, or camp in your vehicle, a camper, etc.

Source: IG @zzang_eunppo / @bs______85

Grilling meat is one of the best parts of camping!

There is a large Hanaro Mart about 5 minutes by car from the camp ground, so you can purchase ingredients.

Preparing food while camping is simpler because you only have so much to work with, but that's part of the fun and charm of camping.

Source: IG @iam_jjeonyang

You have to bring your own tent, which is actually nice because you can camp in your own style.

The price is also very good because 4 people can rent a deck for just 25,000 won. (Please refer to the official website because prices are seasonal.)

Peace House Cafe
평화주택카페

Address: 강원 삼척시 오분동 산31-1
San 31-1 Obun-dong, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

Hours:
10:00-19:00
Closed: Wednesdays

How To Get There: It takes 10 minutes by car from Maengbang Camp Site, and the taxi fare is estimated to be 10,540 won

Source: IG @jhna119

The final place I want to introduce you to is brunch cafe called Peace House Cafe (평화주택카페).

It's a 10 minutes drive from the Maengbang camp grounds, so it's not a place you can walk to easily, but I really liked the ocean view here, so I had to include it.

There's nothing like it in Seoul or any other city in Korea, so I think it's worth the drive.

Source: IG @rlarudqja99

As a brunch cafe, the menu is very diverse and everything looks delicious, so it's hard to decide what to order.

Source: IG @lynn._.stagram / __sora.kim

The ocean view is vast and can be enjoyed from the terrace while eating brunch.

It's a perfect place for taking photos!

If you really like the look of it, you'll be happy to know it's also a pension (kind of like a hotel), so if you want to stay here you can!

Samcheok really has so much to offer, it's no wonder BTS fell in love with it!

Just because it is a beach though doesn't mean you can only visit in summer!

The East Sea has unique charm in each season and there are many things to do and see.

Make sure to add Samcheok to your next Korea vacation itinerary, you won't regret it!