Mureung Byeolyucheonji Lavender Festival

A huge abandoned mine that extracted limestone for 40 years transforms into a purple lavender field in June. The Lavender Festival, held at Mureungbyeolyucheonji (武陵別有天地) in Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is the most unique June flower outing in the Donghae region of Gangwon, demonstrating 'how a deserted industrial site can become the most romantic travel destination'. In 2026, it will be held for 9 days from June 13 (Sat) to June 21 (Sun).

Why It's Worth Visiting

The reason Mureungbyeolyucheonji's lavender field is special lies in its 'background'. This place was originally a mine site where limestone had been extracted for decades. After mining ended, Donghae-si revived this vast land, which was almost abandoned, as a tourist destination, creating a landscape where purple lavender waves in the middle of the gray quarry. While typical flower fields offer the cheerfulness of a flat plain, this place has a completely different atmosphere, with lavender set against steep abandoned mine cliffs and an artificial lake. The story of 'industrial heritage regeneration' combined with the 'peak lavender scent of June' makes it well worth visiting, whether you capture it in photos or stroll leisurely.

The festival is usually held to coincide with the peak bloom of lavender in mid-June. The fact that it's a limited event, operating for only a short period of 9 days, is another reason not to miss this time.

How to Get There

By public transport, the usual route is to travel from Cheongnyangni Station via KTX-Eum to Donghae Station (approx. 2 hours), then take a city bus or taxi from Donghae Station to Mureungbyeolyucheonji. If you use a private car, it takes approximately 3 hours from Seoul via the Yeongdong Expressway and Donghae Expressway. The parking lot operates for free, reducing the burden for family car trips.

• Address: 97 Igi-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Mureungbyeolyucheonji)
• Operating Hours: Usually from 9:30 AM to nighttime, with night opening (night views of the lavender field available)
• Inquiries: 033-532-9550

Season·Tips (Admission Fee·Operation)

• Admission Fee: Approximately 6,000 KRW for adults. There have been instances where Gangwon residents and Donghae citizens received a 50% discount, and Donghae citizens on weekdays entered for free. However, fees and discount policies may change annually, so it is recommended to confirm the final details with the inquiry office above (033-532-9550) or the official Donghae-si festival guide before visiting.
• Best Time to Visit: Lavender peaks in mid-June. Among the festival period (6/13~21), the latter half is likely to have the most abundant bloom.
• Photo Points: The composition of the lavender field, abandoned mine cliffs, and lake all in one frame is unique to this place. White or beige-toned clothing that contrasts with purple looks great in photos.
• During night opening hours, you can enjoy a different atmosphere of the lavender field enhanced with lighting.

Nearby Attractions·Itineraries

If visiting Mureungbyeolyucheonji alone feels a bit lacking, it's good to combine it with Donghae's representative attractions for a 1-night, 2-day itinerary.

• Mureung Valley: Donghae's representative valley, close to Mureungbyeolyucheonji, it's a scenic spot where Samhwasa Temple, wide flat rocks, and bizarre rock formations blend together. It's a great addition for the cool sound of water in early summer.
• Chuam Candlestick Rock: A coastal cliff famous as a sunrise spot in Donghae. A good choice if you want to add a sea view to your itinerary.
• Mukho Port Nongol Damgil: A harbor village where steep uphill alleys are filled with murals, offering an emotional walking course in Donghae overlooking the sea.

The charm of a June trip to Donghae is the ability to take in the purple of the lavender fields, the green of the valleys, and the blue of the sea all in one or two days.

Background·Context

The name Mureungbyeolyucheonji carries the meaning of 'a paradise that feels out of this world'. In reality, this place creates an otherworldly landscape where traces of industry from the abandoned mine, an artificial lake, and seasonally changing gardens are harmoniously combined. The Lavender Festival is an event that shares with people the moment when its gardens become most vibrant throughout the year. In the sense that a place that once extracted resources has now transformed into a space offering fragrance and color, June at Mureungbyeolyucheonji holds a story beyond mere flower viewing.

※ Festival period, fees, and operating hours are based on official and media information as of 2026, and may be subject to change depending on on-site circumstances. Please check the latest information before visiting.