Family-friendly entertainment landmark takes shape along Jeoncheon stream; night tourism anchors final phase at 80% completion
A stretch of riverside land along the Jeoncheon stream in southern Donghae — connecting the Baekdudaegan mountain range to the East Sea and flanking the country's largest five-day market, Bukpyeong Market — is set to open as a family-friendly public theme park in December. Construction is currently 80 percent complete.
The project, a tourism development initiative centered on Bukpyeong Market, is entering its final stage as part of a broader effort to create a destination that blends recreation and tourism.
The name "Dwitteul," meaning "backyard," refers to the area's location behind Samcheok, the ancient capital of the Siljik Kingdom that once encompassed Donghae, Samcheok, Taebaek, Uljin, Bonghwa and Yeongdeok. About two-thirds of present-day Donghae was historically part of Samcheok County, and discussions about reunifying the two cities have continued over the years.
The project makes use of idle riverside land, a disused railway bridge and the Jeoncheon embankment to build a mixed-use tourism facility. As a public space, admission will be free.
The first and second phases of the project are complete, delivering Jeoncheon Character Park, a water play facility, a nine-hole mini golf course, Jeoncheon Station, an observation deck and a media wall.
The third and final phase centers on night tourism, which is expected to generate synergies for the local economy and boost visitor numbers by transforming the park into a year-round, extended-stay destination.
Built around the concept of "completing a waterfront tourism belt connected by light and rail tracks — a family-friendly resort destination," the phase will introduce a wide range of nighttime attractions.
The highlights include Jeoncheon Art Hill, fitted with Milky Way and rainbow lighting installations, and a moving-light display on the disused railway bridge, equipped with LED landscape lighting, floodlights and sound systems.
A hands-on train photo zone will also be created in idle space near the old railway bridge.
Once the embankment between Jeoncheon Naru Cafe and the floating-bridge garden deck is developed into a leisure hub, the area is expected to give a further boost to the local economy through its connection to the nearby Bukpyeong five-day market.
"We will pursue balanced tourism development and build an appealing tourism asset by making the most of existing resources and linking them together," said Lee Jin-hwa, head of Donghae's tourism division. "We expect the immersive night tourism infrastructure and content to significantly extend the time visitors spend in the area."
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