Two Sanctuaries of Music and Film: 'Butter' of BTS, a film 'Decision to Leave'

Did you know there are two beaches in Samcheok that have become popular thanks to the K-wave?

 

 

They are the "Butter" and "Decision to Leave" beaches. The "Butter" beach is actually Maengbang Beach, where BTS shot the album jacket for their song "Butter." It's the same spot where J-Hope marveled at the beauty of the sea, saying, "Doesn't the sea look like it's been photoshopped?"

 

Then there's the "Decision to Leave" beach, which is Bunam Beach. This beach was featured in the final scene of the movie "Decision to Leave," where the dramatic rocky mountain was filmed. The beach perfectly captures the essence of the movie's iconic line, "Finally." Maengbang Beach is best when the sun is shining brightly, while Bunam Beach is more enchanting in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set. Maengbang Beach is as sweet as a BTS melody, while Bunam Beach has a bittersweet charm, much like the movie "Decision to Leave."

 

 

Maengbang Beach is one of the top beaches on the East Sea. It’s often described as having "endless stretches of fine, soft sand," a description known as Myeongsashilli. This term has been used for Maengbang Beach for a long time. Now, it also has the nickname "BTS Beach." In March 2021, BTS shot the jacket for their album "Butter" here, and it debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, holding the top spot for a total of 10 weeks. Since then, Maengbang Beach has become a Hallyu hotspot.

 

In July 2021, they recreated the album's photoshoot concept, and since October 2022, the props from the shoot have been on display for visitors. You’ll find parasols with orange and green stripes, blue and yellow striped sunbeds, beach volleyball nets, and boards all set up just like in the album photos. Fans from all walks of life come to take their own pictures here, not just the BTS ARMY.

 

 

There's even a video sketch of the day on the BTS YouTube channel "BANGTANTV." Jungkook, who sang the 2022 Qatar World Cup theme song "Dreamers," talks about how he missed seeing the winter sea, but found solace in the calming sound of the waves. I totally agree with him; the sound of the winter sea at Maengbang Beach is incredibly soothing. But then again, I can't help but hum "Smooth like butter" as I walk along the sand, with the mesmerizing sea reflecting the bright blue skies, sneaking into my heart like the lyrics say.

 

 

If Maengbang Beach was the star of 2021, then Bunam Beach took the spotlight in 2022. This hidden gem, managed by a local village, has always had a dedicated following. The simple coastline and the southern rocky mountain are cinematic on their own, but after the release of Park Chan-wook's "Decision to Leave" in June 2022, it became the symbol of the deep, unmeasurable love between Hae-jun and Seo-rae.

 

 

Bunam Beach is located about 6-7 kilometers south of Maengbang Beach. You leave Route 7 and take the road into Bunam 2-ri village. The entrance to the beach from the parking lot is quite dramatic, passing through bamboo steps. From the top, you can see the rocky mountain across the sand. Unlike the movie, there’s a small shrine between the rocks, and the waves crash fiercely against them. Walking towards the rocks, you can't help but think of Seo-rae and Hae-jun, and their poignant love story.

 

 

The sand by the rocky mountain is poetically blocked by small rocks. As you stroll along the beach and gaze out at the sea, the waves carry the hauntingly beautiful OST "Mist" by Jung Hoon-hee and Song Chang-sik. The lyrics, "Still yearning desperately, where has that person gone?" can be summed up in five syllables as "Decision to Leave" and in three as "Finally." At this moment, "finally" doesn't just mean "at last" but also becomes an expression of admiration for this small, beautiful beach.

 

Bunam Beach is managed by the village of Bunam 2-ri. The number of visitors has significantly increased since the movie was released. It’s usually open during the day, but can be closed for safety reasons. If you find it closed, you can contact the Samcheok City Hall Tourism Policy Division at (033) 570-3074 to ask the village to open it.

 

 

The Isabu Lion Park honors General Isabu, the Silla general known for his pioneering spirit, as mentioned in the song "Dokdo is Our Land." At the top is Samcheok Picture Book Town, a space created with the help of picture book authors. It features five exhibition halls, a net playground, a jungle gym, and a beehive playground, all overlooking the sea. Kids can enjoy reading picture books in the big book zone and net hammocks. Professional docents are available to assist with reading and activities. Entry is managed in three sessions per day (9:30, 13:00, and 15:30), with a limit of 100 people per session. Outside, there are sculptures depicting "The Story of the Samcheok Octopus and the Dragon King," and a scenic walking trail leading to the beach.

 

 

Over the Wall Narigol Sentimental Village is charming with its alleys and murals. Narigol means "a village with a ferry," and it retains the look of a 1970s-1980s fishing village. As you walk through the alleys, you can see Samcheok Port and the sea. Some paths are close to private yards, so be mindful of the residents. There are parking spots throughout the village, but it’s best to start at Samcheok Crab Alley, near Narigol Mallangi Supermarket and Narigol Information Center.

 

 

If you’re traveling inland to Gagok or Dogye, the Gagok Foot Bath Experience Center is a great winter destination. Operated by Gaon Valley Healing Village, it uses sulfur hot spring water. The process includes applying sulfur jet gel to your neck and shoulders, soaking your feet in the hot spring water for 20-30 minutes, rubbing them with salt, and applying aromatherapy oil. The view of the Gagok River from the window is calming for both body and mind. The sulfur hot spring bath next to the foot bath center is set to open in February.

 

 

One-Day Trip Itinerary:

• Hallyu Tour: Over the Wall Narigol Sentimental Village → Maengbang Beach → Bunam Beach
• Winter Sea Tour: Isabu Lion Park (Samcheok Picture Book Town) → Over the Wall Narigol Sentimental Village → Maengbang Beach → Bunam Beach

 

Two-Day Trip Itinerary:

• Day 1: Isabu Lion Park (Samcheok Picture Book Town) → Over the Wall Narigol Sentimental Village → Maengbang Beach
• Day 2: Bunam Beach → Gagok Foot Bath Experience Center