A Slow Day in Mukho
Mukho has never felt like a place that demands a busy itinerary.
There is something about the town that naturally slows me down. Watching the sea, wandering through old alleys, and finding places to rest along the way somehow become enough. During this trip, I spent less time checking famous attractions off a list and more time simply enjoying the rhythm of the town itself.
A Night at Hotel Caramel
Before exploring Mukho, I spent a night at Hotel Caramel, a place I had wanted to visit for quite some time.
What first attracted me wasn’t luxury, but the atmosphere. Rather than creating something entirely new, the owners transformed an old inn into a stylish and welcoming space where traces of the past coexist with modern touches.
Since the other rooms were fully booked, I stayed in the female-only dormitory. Despite being a shared room, the partitions between beds provided enough privacy, and thankfully there were no bunk beds.
Throughout the hotel, old details and carefully chosen interiors blended naturally with the neighborhood itself. During my stay, I felt less like a tourist and more like a temporary resident of Mukho.
If you’re looking to experience the town’s vintage charm and slower pace, Hotel Caramel is a place I would gladly recommend.
Starting the Morning with Jangkalguksu
Breakfast began at Dongsung Kalguksu.
There is something comforting about warm soup while traveling. A bowl of jangkalguksu filled me up and prepared me for a day of walking. After breakfast, I slowly made my way toward the sea.
Eodal Samgeori and Nongoldam-gil
Eodal Samgeori was one of the places I most wanted to visit.
Standing at the end of the road, where the sea meets the sky, I found myself slowing down without even realizing it. After taking a few photos, I continued along the coast before arriving at Nongoldam-gil.
What I love most about Nongoldam-gil is that the walk itself feels like the destination. Murals, colorful houses, stairways, and unexpected views appear around every corner. At the top, a cool breeze and panoramic views of Mukho made the climb worthwhile.
Matcha and Books
After walking for a while, I was ready for a break.
I originally considered visiting Miyuki Matcha by the sea, but happened to come across Little Miyuki Matcha instead. The rich aroma of matcha arrived before the sweetness, and the latte itself was balanced without being overly sweet. It felt like the perfect place to pause and catch my breath.
One of my favorite places of the day was Janzanhage, a travel bookstore whose name means “Quietly.”
True to its name, the entire space felt peaceful. I spent more time there than anywhere else during the trip. As I flipped through travel books and looked out the window, even the scenery outside seemed to slow down. It felt like a place that belonged naturally in Mukho.
Nearby, Kkiruk Store offered another kind of pleasure. Filled with cute and locally inspired items, it was fun simply browsing. Eventually, I picked up a small souvenir to take home.
Coffee and Bread Before Leaving
Lunch was simple and satisfying at Mukho Gimbap.
Later, I stopped by Roundabout Cafe and ordered their signature black sesame coffee. I immediately understood why it was so popular. Nutty and sweet without feeling too heavy, it provided exactly the boost I needed in the afternoon.
As I sat by the window, time seemed to slow once again.
Before catching my train, I made one final stop at Hyunsangso Mukho. The bakery display looked so tempting that I almost bought gifts for everyone I knew. I picked out a few breads for myself and headed toward Mukho Station.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I didn’t visit many famous attractions that day.
But perhaps that’s why the trip remains so memorable.
Watching the sea, walking through quiet alleys, spending time in bookstores, and enjoying coffee without rushing anywhere—those simple moments felt perfectly suited to Mukho.
Some places invite you to do more.
Mukho reminds you that doing less can sometimes be enough.
Visitor Information
Hotel Caramel
📍 About a 10-minute walk from Mukho Station
Room Types – Twin Room, Standard Room, Female-Only Dormitory
Check-in / Check-out
● Check-in: 4:00 PM
● Check-out: 12:00 PM
Price Range
₩50,000–₩390,000 per night
Highlights
● Renovated from a historic inn
● Vintage atmosphere with thoughtful design
● Great for experiencing the local character of Mukho
Dongsung Kalguksu
📍 Mukho, Donghae-si
Hours 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order: 5:30 PM)
Closed Thursday
Recommended
A comforting bowl of jangkalguksu to start the day.
Eodal Samgeori
📍 Eodal-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Recommended- One of the best spots to take in Mukho’s sea views.
Nongoldam-gil
📍 2 Nongol 1-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Recommended- a scenic hillside neighborhood perfect for a slow walk.
Little Miyuki Matcha
📍 213 Balhan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours- 9:00 AM – 8:10 PM
Recommended – flavorful matcha latte in a quiet setting.
Janzanhage Travel Bookstore
📍 215-2 Balhan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesday)
Kkiruk Store
📍 Unit 105, Building B, New World Shopping Center, 12 Jungangsijang-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
( Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Recommended
Unique souvenirs and locally inspired items.
Mukho Gimbap
📍 3 Jungangsijang-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Closed Wednesday, Sunday)
Roundabout Cafe
📍 220 Balhan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Recommended
Their signature black sesame latte is worth trying.
Hyunsangso Mukho
📍 Unit 101, 197 Balhan-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon State
Hours 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Wednesday)
only take out