Weird Korea: Haesindang Park; “The Penis Park” (NSFW?)
Every country has its own set of ‘weird‘ and ‘wacky‘ attractions that aren’t usually included in official tour guides, and Korea is no exception. We will begin a series of posts dedicated to unusual but fun attractions waiting to be discovered in Korea!
Our first destination is Haesindang Park in Samcheok, Gangwon Province. Haesindang Park is famously known as the “Penis Park” of Korea because it is full of phallic statues and outdoor artwork.
Haesindang Park is much more than just, ‘a park full of d*cks’…it has very tragic historical roots, spectacular views, and much to offer visitors.
The “Legend of Aebawi & Haesindang” is the reason for the parks existence. The legend tells of a young maid who was engaged, and one day took her fiancee’s boat out to sea to harvest seaweed. Her husband dropped her off at the beach, and promised to return to fetch her. In a sad twist of fate, the young maid encountered bad weather and drowned in the sea. After her death, local villagers were unable to catch any fish, and began to claim that this was because of the late maid. To ease the maid’s spirit, the villagers made wooden carvings shaped like penises, and held ceremonies in her honor. The fish returned, and the villagers continued the folk practice until today.
The park is full of many phallic statues made by artists from around Korea. You’ll find everything from penis-shaped benches, cannons, statues, and even penis models of the Chinese zodiac in the park grounds.
The Samcheok Fishing Village Folk Museum is full of interesting displays of sexual art from around the world, and traditional fishing methods used in Korea. The museum is also the largest aquarium museum in Korea.
For those seeking something fun, and seemingly out of place in “conservative” Korea, join the chuckling ahjussi’s and ajumma’s on a peaceful stroll through the fun and beautiful Haesindang Park!
Directions (from Seoul):
Go to the Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9)
Ride a bus to Samcheok Intercity Bus Terminal (₩17,400-₩28,200; 3.5 hours)
From Samcheok Intercity Bus Terminal ride bus #24 (05:50-20:20; 11 Daily Runs) to Haesindang Park (해신당공원)
Haesindang Park Entrance Fee: Adults ₩3,000, Youth ₩2,000, Children ₩1,500
