Nongoldam-gil Mukho Review 2026: Mural Village Guide

Looking for an authentic coastal escape in Korea? Let us introduce you to Nongoldam-gil, a scenic hillside walking path in Donghae. Located right next to Mukho Port, it is a fantastic stop for a coastal road trip and is easily accessible by public transit. As you wander up the winding paths, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the East Sea at the summit.

Getting There & Parking Tips

To start your journey, navigate to "2, Nongol 1-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do." Situated between the entrance of Mukho Port and the popular Dochaebigol Sky Valley, this hillside neighborhood was transformed into a vibrant mural village between 2010 and 2015.

Over a decade has passed since the first murals were painted, giving the village a wonderfully nostalgic, slightly weathered charm that travelers absolutely love.

If you are driving, you can park for free at the Mukho Port Fish Market Public Parking Lot, or find a spot along the roadside right at the start of Nongoldam-gil.

The walk up to the famous "Wind Hill" takes about 20 to 30 minutes. During the peak of summer, afternoon temperatures can climb well above 85°F, making the uphill climb quite sweaty. We highly recommend visiting after 6:00 PM for a much cooler, breeze-filled sunset stroll.

Exploring Nongoldam-gil Mural Village

Navigating the area is incredibly easy, thanks to the colorful arrows painted on the walls pointing toward the lighthouse. However, the incline is fairly steep, so take your time. Be sure to show standard trail etiquette by yielding to those walking down the narrow paths.

Keep in mind that Nongoldam-gil is not just a tourist attraction; it is a living neighborhood where locals reside. Please keep your voice down, respect their privacy, and make sure to carry any trash back out with you.

Returning here after many years, it is wonderful to see that the village has preserved its peaceful, retro atmosphere. It remains beautifully untouched by over-commercialization.

As you ascend, make sure to look back. The view of the colorful houses clustered along the hillside overlooking the sea is incredibly reminiscent of Busan’s famous Gamcheon Culture Village, but with a much quieter, maritime vibe.

Along the way, you will spot quirky local poems and signs painted on the walls. While some of the regional wordplay might be tricky to translate literally, they perfectly capture the warm, poetic soul of this old fishing village.

There are plenty of whimsical photo ops along the route, from funny stone faces lining the steps to vintage-style posters.

One of the painted slogans reads: “Don’t worry about this path or that path—just keep walking forward!” It is a great little piece of motivation as you conquer the final stretch of the hill.

Once you reach the top, you will find a couple of lovely local cafes. Since the coastal wind at the summit can get incredibly strong after about 10 minutes, ducking into a cozy cafe for an iced Americano or a warm herbal tea is the perfect way to soak in the endless ocean views in comfort.

Nongoldam-gil is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance as travelers look for slower, more authentic destinations along Korea's East Coast.

For the ultimate day trip, pair your walk through Nongoldam-gil with a visit to the adjacent Dochaebigol Sky Valley. If you have extra time, explore the nearby Mukho Port Waterfront Park, Mukho Fish Market, and the bustling East Sea Central Market to complete your coastal adventure.