The Chogok Yonggul Candlestick Rock Trail (초곡용굴촛대바위길) is a boardwalk that runs along the cliffs above the sea at Chogok, a small fishing village in Samcheok, Gangwon Province. The trail is about 660 meters long and free to enter. We walked it with our two elementary-school kids on our Samcheok day trip in early June 2026, after a day of beaches, and it was the easiest stop of the day. This post covers the Chogok Candlestick Rock Trail with kids: hours, the Monday closure, what you see, and how long it takes.
- Name: Chogok Yonggul Candlestick Rock Trail (초곡용굴촛대바위길)
- Where: Chogok-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do (Naver Map)
- Visited: early June 2026, afternoon
- Admission: free
- Last entry: 17:00 from March to October, 16:00 from November to February (sign at the entrance)
- Closed: every Monday
- Age fit: any child who can walk; stroller only on the flat sections
- Info checked: September 2026
Check the day and the time first
The single most important thing: the trail is closed every Monday. The sign at the entrance, from the Samcheok Marine Tourism Center, also gives the last entry time: 17:00 from March to October and 16:00 from November to February. If you plan it as the last stop of a long day, as we did, make sure you arrive before last entry.
What the trail is
The trail starts from Chogok village and follows a stretch of coast that was closed to the public for decades before the walkway opened, which is why the rock formations look so untouched. The path is a mix of flat tiled promenade on the land side and raised boardwalk and viewing decks that stick out over the water. There are railings the whole way. Korean guides describe the route as about 660 meters, with viewpoints, a suspension bridge and the sea stacks along the way.
Near the start there is a small building called the Commentator’s House (해설사의 집), where guides are based. Our daughter got an ice cream nearby before we set off, which was enough to get a tired child walking again.
The candlestick rock and the sea stacks
The name comes from Chotdae-bawi (촛대바위), the candlestick rock: a tall, thin stone spire standing up out of the water. Around it there are other jagged sea stacks, and the waves break against them right under the boardwalk. Yonggul (용굴) means dragon cave, and the trail takes its name from a local legend of a dragon rising from the sea there. Our kids spent a lot of time at the railings watching the water crash into the rocks.
How long it takes with kids
The trail is short. We walked it at an easy pace with plenty of photo stops and were done well within an hour. There is no long climb and no point of no return, so you can turn back whenever the kids have had enough. After a day of swimming and beaches, that made it a good last stop: dry, easy and with big views.
Strollers, shade and safety
The flat promenade on the land side is easy with a stroller, but parts of the route are raised boardwalk and stepped decks, where a baby carrier is easier. The railings are solid, but young children can still squeeze toward the edges, so hold hands on the decks. There is almost no shade on the boardwalk, and on the bright, sunny afternoon we went, hats and sunscreen were needed even for a short walk.
Chogok, Munam and Jangho in one day
Chogok was one of three stops on the same stretch of the Samcheok coast that day, all a short drive apart. At Jangho Beach the kids snorkeled and netted in clear water, and at Munam Beach they played in the waves and dug for shells. The boardwalk at Chogok was the dry, easy part of the day. Samcheok is about three hours from Hanam by car, so combining the three made the long drive worth it.
The fishing village at the start
The trail begins in Chogok, a small working fishing village with boats in the harbor and fishing gear around the lots. It is not a polished resort area, and that is part of the appeal: the walkway is built onto a real stretch of coast next to a real village. There are a few small places to eat and snack nearby. We kept it simple with an ice cream and saved a proper meal for the drive home.
Parking is near the entrance. It was not full when we arrived in the afternoon, but summer weekends will be busier.
Korean words that help
- 초곡용굴촛대바위길 (Chogok Yonggul Chotdaebawi-gil): the trail’s full name
- 촛대바위 (chotdae-bawi): candlestick rock
- 용굴 (yonggul): dragon cave
- 해설사의 집 (haeseolsa-ui jip): the Commentator’s House
- 입장마감 (ipjang magam): last entry
- 정기휴무 (jeonggi hyumu): regular closing day
Questions parents ask
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The trail is free.
What day is it closed?
Every Monday. Check the last entry time too: 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, with hand-holding on the decks. It is short and railed the whole way.
Tips for the Chogok Candlestick Rock Trail with kids
- Do not go on a Monday: it is closed.
- Arrive before last entry: 17:00 in summer, 16:00 in winter.
- Bring hats and sunscreen: there is almost no shade.
- Plan under an hour: the trail is short.
- Use it as the last stop: it is dry and easy after a beach day.
Worth it?
Yes. It is free, short and easy, and it shows you the most dramatic part of this coast without any effort from tired kids. If you are spending a day on the Samcheok coast, I would not skip it. Our rating: 4.5 / 5.