Introduction
Geumjin Port is primarily engaged in drift gill net fishing and set net fishing. A master plan for its basic facilities was established in 1980, and a hydraulic model test was conducted in 1983. Approximately 58 households are involved in fishing activities here. Major catches include herring, squid, Atka mackerel, olive flounder, flounder, sand lance, octopus, and abalone. Auctions are typically held around 8:00 AM. Herring is abundantly caught from November to February, while olive flounder is mainly caught from February to May.
Tourist Guide
Located within a 5-minute drive from Simgok-ri along a scenic coastal road, Geumjin Port attracts many visitors on weekends who sit along the breakwater, enjoying the harbor view while fishing. Jeongdongjin, famous as a filming location for the drama “Sandglass,” means the easternmost docking point when viewed from Gwanghwamun in Seoul. At the end of the year, crowds gather here to witness the magnificent sunrise.
Travel Tips
Geumjin Port is a small harbor that is not widely known. However, it is considered a hidden gem of the East Coast. One must not miss the local cuisine near the port, especially the savory and chewy seasoned raw flounder salad and the refreshing king crab kalguksu (noodle soup). The king crab kalguksu is made using a traditional Gangwon-style soybean paste broth, delivering a rich, spicy yet refreshing flavor without artificial seasoning, preserving the authentic taste of king crab.
Geumjin Port still retains the classic appearance of a typical port from the 1960s–70s, with its pristine seawater gently rippling. It attracts visitors who long for the nostalgic charm of old harbors. However, due to aging facilities and limited hinterland space, fishermen experience inconvenience, and there are concerns about safety accidents caused by sediment buildup at the port entrance and within the harbor. The city of Gangneung is planning improvements to address these issues.
In addition to the charming Geumjin Port, Okgye-myeon is also home to notable attractions such as Okgye Cave, a limestone cave, and the Geumokgye Quarantine Monument.