Samcheok (Korean: 삼척시?, 三陟市?, Samcheok-si) is a city in Gangwon Province, South Korea. A resort located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan.

History
During the Samhan era, the Siljikkuk tribal association was located on the site of the city. A county called Samcheok was founded here during the administrative reform of 757 (Unified Silla era). Later, during the Goryeo era, Samcheok changed its name to Jeokchu (995). During the Joseon era, Samcheok was returned to its name and given the status of a district (bu). The city became the scene of fierce fighting during the Korean War in 1950. City status (si) was granted in 1986.

Geography
The city is located in the southern part of Gangwon Province on the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan. It borders Donghae, Taebaek, Jeongseon, and Uljin. The coast is rocky, many caves, which makes the city attractive for speleologists and tourists. The length of the coastline is 54.8 km.
Situated between the Taebaek mountain range and the Sea of ​​Japan, Samcheok has a milder climate than much of South Korea. The average annual temperature is 12.5℃. The hottest month is August (average temperature 24.1℃), the coolest month is January (average temperature 0.5℃). The average annual precipitation is 1.284 mm, with half of this amount falling during the rainy season in the first two months of summer.

Economy
Main industries: cement production, coal mining, agriculture and tourism.

Culture
Museums:
– Samcheok City Museum. Has over 5,000 exhibits, mostly of traditional Korean culture.
– Center of culture and arts. Various exhibitions and concerts are held here.
– Heshindan Erotic Tradition Park, famous for its phallic expositions and competitions for carving phalluses from wood.
– Traditional Fishing Museum in Haesindan Park. Exhibits primarily documents and tools related to the fishing industry developed in these parts.

Festivals:
– The annual two-week Chukso Folk Festival, where you can see folk songs, dances and fun of Koreans.
– Beach Marathon – held every year on the Sunday of the first week of August. As part of the race, competitions are held at distances of 5, 10 kilometers and in a half marathon.

Tourism and sights
Natural:
– A complex of caves, many of which are open to tourists, such as Hwaseongul Cave.
– Tokpun Valley – famous for its waterfalls.
– Mountains Cheongoksan (1404 m), Tutasan (1353 m) and Tokhansan with paved trails for mountain tourism and mountain biking.
– Meein Falls – according to legend, if the wind blowing from this waterfall before sunrise and sunset is warm, then this year’s harvest will be good, but if the wind is cold, this harvest will be poor.

Historical:
– Hesindan Erotic Folklore Park
– Gwandophalgyong Palace.
– Buddhist temples of Choeunsa and Haegas.

Symbols
Like most cities and counties in South Korea, Samcheok has a number of symbols:
Bird: seagull – symbolizes the strong mentality and vitality of the townspeople.
Flower: azalea – symbolizes the long history and traditions of the city.
Tree: zelkova – symbolizes well-being and prosperity.
Mascot: Samcheok Tongja – symbolizes youth and beauty.