The breath of the Nakdong River, embark on a journey through time at Samunjin Jumakchon
Old tales flowing with the river, how much have you heard? As you walk along the winding Nakdong River waterway, you’ll encounter a place imbued with the breath of history, seemingly forgotten yet unforgettable. This is none other than Samunjin Jumakchon, located in Dalseong-gun, Daegu.
This place, once an important ferry dock and recreational area where Western culture flowed in and out, and people’s joys and sorrows passed by. How about spending a special day at Samunjin, where traces of time remain intact under a 500-year-old hackberry tree?
Scenery reflected in the river of time, the whispers of Samunjin Ferry Dock



In the past, Samunjin was an important ferry dock where boats traveling the Nakdong River stopped to rest. It was also a memorable place, once called Hwawon Resort, bustling with many pleasure-seekers. As you stroll along the riverside, a 500-year-old hackberry tree seems to silently recount the lives and sorrows of the people from that era. This place is not just a space, but like a living history museum.
Symbols of the ferry dock, what do they contain?
- The 500-year-old hackberry tree is a living witness to Samunjin Ferry Dock, and its grandeur is breathtaking. It fully embodies the passage of time.
- The large piano Jangseung (totem pole) humorously symbolizes the special history of this place as Korea’s first entry point for pianos.
- The piano influx monument shows traces of Western culture introduced through this place in the early 1900s, reminding us of the historical site.
- The duck sotdae (totem pole) and poetry monument add literary sensibility along with the aspirations of ancient ancestors, enhancing the charm of the riverside scenery.
A special riverside stage where music and history flow



Samunjin is not merely an old ferry dock. It is also a historical site where Korea’s first piano was introduced in the early 1900s through an American missionary. This special story is fully encapsulated in Piano Plaza and various sculptures, offering visitors a unique enjoyment. The piano melodies echoing with the river breeze become a beautiful bridge connecting the past and the present.
Samunjin, following the footsteps of Korea’s first piano
- The beginning of cultural exchange allows us to glimpse Samunjin’s importance as a gateway for Western culture at the time. It is, in effect, the historical place where Western music took its first steps.
- The monument to the filming location of ‘A Ferryboat Without a Boatman’ is also famous as a filming site for the movie, making one recall the past like a scene from the film. One can feel the lonely yet beautiful ambiance of the riverside.
- The floating dock has actual ferryboats moored, making it a great spot to imagine the old ferry dock’s appearance while gazing at the river.
Full of old-world charm, a journey through time tasted at Samunjin Jumakchon



Even the most beautiful scenery is better after a meal! Samunjin Jumakchon is an attractive place where you can enjoy hearty food amidst the scenery of an old ferry dock. A glass of makgeolli tasted at the jumak (traditional Korean tavern) and the meticulously prepared food soothe your tired body and mind, creating the illusion of having traveled back to the Joseon Dynasty. In this charming jumak, let old stories bloom.
Jumakchon’s special delicacies, don’t miss them!
- The Samunjin Makgeolli has an excellent savory and refreshing taste, as if freshly brewed. A glass enjoyed with the river breeze is heavenly.
- Janchi-guksu (feast noodles) and gukbap (rice soup) are signature dishes that heartily fill you up. You can feel the generous hospitality.
- Buchujeon (chive pancake) and dubu-kimchi (tofu with stir-fried kimchi) are special delicacies that boast a fantastic pairing with makgeolli. It’s a taste enjoyed by people of all ages.
Especially in the evening, dining while watching the crimson Samunjin sunset offers a profound emotional experience that cannot be felt in any high-end restaurant. The sunset reflected on the river and the lights of the jumak blend together, creating a picturesque scene. Before such a beautiful landscape, it feels as if any story would flow out effortlessly.
The treasure of Dalseong-gun, strolling through Samunjin and its surroundings
Samunjin Jumakchon is located in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, offering good accessibility, and there are many attractive places nearby worth visiting together. Take a break and enjoy the leisure in this place full of historical breath. The peacefulness of the quiet riverside will make you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Great places to visit with Samunjin
- Hwawon Resort was once a representative recreational area of Daegu, along with Samunjin. It’s a great place to relax amidst beautiful nature.
- Dalseongbo Weir is a perfect place to enjoy cycling or a stroll against the backdrop of the beautiful Nakdong River scenery.
- Gangjeongbo The ARC is a multi-cultural complex where you can enjoy the riverside leisure along with unique architecture.
Samunjin Jumakchon, ways to enjoy it even more specially
Beyond simply seeing and eating, if you want to experience Samunjin Jumakchon more deeply, try using a few tips. Not only can you feel the river breeze and search for traces of history, but you can also find true relaxation amidst beautiful nature. Are you ready to create unforgettable memories?
- Time your visit for sunset. The Samunjin sunset is an unmissable spectacular view. Arrive before sunset, dine at the jumak, and enjoy the red-tinged glow reflecting on the river. Picture-perfect moments are a bonus!
- Experience a ferryboat. You can take photos with the ferryboats moored at the floating dock, or even experience riding a real ferryboat, allowing you to fully feel the ambiance of the old ferry dock. (Inquire on-site)
- Enjoy a bicycle tour. Renting a bicycle and enjoying a ride along the surrounding riverside path offers unique fun and allows you to fully enjoy the cool river breeze.
- Combine with nearby tourist attractions. Planning a day trip that includes nearby attractions like Hwawon Resort or Gangjeongbo The ARC makes for a richer travel experience.
- Discover historical stories. Reflecting on the stories of that era in front of the Piano Influx Monument or the ‘A Ferryboat Without a Boatman’ Filming Location Monument makes for a more immersive trip. Enjoy the fun of discovering hidden stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of place is Samunjin Jumakchon?
It is a historically rich ferry dock located along the Nakdong River, and a space where you can feel the ambiance of an old jumak (traditional Korean tavern). It also holds the special history of being Korea’s first piano entry point and is famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Q2. What kind of food can I taste at Jumakchon?
You can taste various traditional foods that capture old-world sentiments, including makgeolli, janchi-guksu, gukbap, buchu-jeon, and dubu (tofu). Especially, dining while watching the crimson sunset offers the best experience.
Q3. What are the must-see attractions at Samunjin?
The 500-year-old hackberry tree, the large piano Jangseung, the Piano Influx Monument, and the ‘A Ferryboat Without a Boatman’ Filming Location Monument are among the main attractions. In the evening, be sure to admire the Samunjin sunset reflected on the river.
Q4. How do I get to Samunjin Jumakchon?
It is located at Samunjin-ro 1-gil 40-23, Hwawon-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu. A parking lot is available for those using private cars, and accessibility is good even when using public transportation. Using a map app will be convenient.
Q5. Are there any special tips for visiting Samunjin Jumakchon?
Try to visit around sunset to enjoy a meal with the beautiful sunset. Riding along the nearby bike paths or combining your visit with nearby attractions such as Hwawon Resort or Gangjeongbo The ARC are also good methods.
