Chuam Candlestick Rock + Suspension Bridge — A Complete Guide to Donghae's Iconic Chuam Beach

If you're heading to Donghae on a Gangwon trip, this one is non-negotiable — Chuam Candlestick Rockis famous for being the very rock that appears in Korea's national anthem video. Right next to it, the Chuam Suspension Bridgeand a sculpture park form one tourist site, so you can take in all of Donghae's signature scenery in a single visit. Here's the honest review, with location, parking, hours, the route, and the best photo spots in one place.

Chuam Beach · Candlestick Rock · Suspension Bridge — what's it about?

The Candlestick Rock you've seen in the national anthem

Chuam Candlestick Rockis a natural rock formation rising out of the sea in Chuam-dong, Donghae — and it really does look like a candle. Anyone who's seen Korea's national anthem video has seen this rock at sunrise. The bridge, sculpture park, and coastal walking trail are bundled into the Chuam Tourist Site, so you can experience Donghae's highlights in a short visit.

Location · Parking — tight, plan ahead

Hours — Candlestick Rock vs Suspension Bridge

Chuam Suspension Bridge — the route and the view

Bridge first, then the Candlestick Rock — the cleanest route

When you arrive at Chuam Tourist Site, the entry sign tells you the bridge is 100m and the coastal trail is 230m. The cleanest flow is bridge first, loop around, cross the sand, then up to the Candlestick Rock.

On the bridge — the wide-open East Sea

The bridge is bigger and steadier than expected, so it doesn't really sway much. Instead, the middle section where the waves are visible right under your feetis the part that gets your stomach. The view of the wide-open East Sea and the dark cliffs from the bridge is bigger than any photo can capture. You can even spot Sol Beach Samcheok in the distance.

Candlestick Rock — that national-anthem scene

Once you come off the bridge and cross the sandy stretch, the path up to Candlestick Rock starts on the other side. Up close, it really does look like a candle — the real thing is far more striking than any photo. There's a pavilion right next to it, and the view from up there is just as great.

Chuam Beach — emerald water

Chuam Beach has that clear East Sea water. The contrast between the dark rocks, the emerald sea, and the white waves makes for great Instagram shots. The sand stretch is small, but the real experience is walking among the rocks.

From the bridge you can see Sol Beach Samcheok's white, Greek-style buildings in the distance. If Sol Beach is on your Donghae itinerary, you'll get a preview from Chuam Beach.

Photo spots — 5 best shots

✅ Spot 1 — Candlestick Rock side profile: The most iconic angle, the rock standing straight, taken from beside the pavilion
✅ Spot 2 — wide East Sea from the bridge: Stand mid-bridge and frame the sea on both sides
✅ Spot 3 — sandy beach + Candlestick Rock in one shot: From the sand off the bridge, with the rock in the distance
✅ Spot 4 — view from the pavilion: Climb up next to the Candlestick Rock for a 360° sea panorama
✅ Spot 5 — sunset shot: 1 hour before sunset to just after — golden tones and silhouettes

Visit Info at a Glance

Donghae · Gangwon stops to pair with it

✅ Mukho Lighthouse + Nongol-damgil: About 15 min by car — Mukho signature stroll
✅ Dojaebigol Sky Valley: About 15 min by car — suspension bridge / skywalk
✅ Sol Beach Samcheok: About 25 min by car — Greek-style resort walk
✅ Mangsang Beach: About 20 min by car — quiet East Sea beach
✅ Hyangho Beach BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin): About 1 hr by car — Gangneung K-pop pilgrimage

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Chuam Candlestick Rock + Suspension Bridgeis non-negotiable on a Donghae trip. The moment you stand in front of that rock you've only seen in the national anthem, the wide-open East Sea from the bridge, the emerald Chuam Beach — the essence of Donghae in a single visit. Tuck it into your next Gangwon itinerary.