I’m introducing a place where the blue East Sea, a tranquil lake and hands-on learning with kids come together perfectly.
It’s the Songjiho Migratory Bird Observation Tower and beachcombing route in Goseong, Gangwon-do.
Where nature, learning and healing coexist, the Songjiho area is a must for family trips that are both educational and fun.
1. Songjiho Eco Experience Space: Beachcombing (Making a Pollock Mobile!)
A Songjiho trip begins with the beachcombing class at the Visitor Center (new building) in the Songjiho tourist area.
It’s a hands-on exhibition and education space that preserves Songjiho’s marine ecology while teaching the value of the environment.
In the program, you walk the beach collecting shells, driftwood and sea glass left by the sea, then turn them into artwork.
I made a mobile from shells and driftwood the sea had given us,
and added Goseong’s famous pollock-shaped ornaments; the gentle jingle when it swayed was so pretty. Somehow it felt like this mobile would bring
lots of luck to our home.
Creating artwork from natural materials goes beyond a simple activity; it’s a meaningful lesson in caring for the environment.
* Location: 6021 Donghae-daero, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do (Songjiho tourist area)
* Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays)
* Fees: Most activities are free; some programs have a small materials fee (3,000–10,000 won)
* Reservations: Walk in or book ahead by phone
2. Songjiho Migratory Bird Observation Tower: 360-Degree Views and the 5th-Floor Bird Bread Cafe
Right next to the Visitor Center is the Songjiho Migratory Bird Observation Tower. This landmark offers a 360-degree panorama of the lake, the sea, Jukdo Island and the ridges of Seoraksan from its observatory.
In winter, you can see flocks of migratory birds, including whooper swans, a natural monument, up close. With plenty of photo spots, it’s popular with families.
The 5th floor has a cafe whose signature is the cute bird bread, shaped like the migratory birds that symbolize Songjiho, filled with sweet cream and peanuts. It’s so adorable that you’ll buy some if you come with kids, a true Goseong dessert.
From the 5th-floor window seats, you can look down on the lake and sea at once, and the sunset glow over Songjiho is especially beautiful.
* Location: 6021 Donghae-daero, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do (same tourist area as the Visitor Center)
* Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Admission: Free
* Parking: Large free parking lot
3. Songjiho Beach and Walking Trail: A Quiet Healing Spot
Songjiho Beach stretches right in front of the tower and Visitor Center. The line where lake meets sea is clear, and on sunny days you can take great photos with Jukdo Island in the background.
Walking to the sound of gentle waves calms the mind, and with luck you’ll see migratory birds take off over the lake. It’s a peaceful, beautiful healing walk in every season, the true relaxed side of Goseong.
At the Visitor Center you make a pollock mobile through beachcombing, at the tower you enjoy bird bread and a 360-degree view, and you end the day with a quiet walk on Songjiho Beach.
Like the little pollock hanging from our shell mobile, this Goseong trip became a precious, lucky memory for me.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in October 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.