Start with the gate hours and the walk you can finish before turning back. Mureung Valley is at 538 Samhwa-ro; the management office is the reference point for the published routes.
Time the visit around the gate, not just the hike
VISITKOREA lists the valley open 09:00–18:00 most of the year, 06:00–20:00 in July and August, and 08:00–17:00 from November through February. Check the Donghae operator’s notice before travel, especially around a seasonal change or bad weather. Arriving late in the winter day leaves little margin for a long walk and return.
Admission in the operator’s current table is KRW 4,000 for adults; KRW 1,500 for teenagers, soldiers below sergeant and visitors aged 65 or older; KRW 700 for children. Groups of 20 or more have separate prices; children six and under are free. Parking is listed at KRW 2,000 for small vehicles and KRW 5,000 for large ones.
Pick one route by its outbound time
From the management office, the Samhwasa–Haksodae–Gwaneum Falls–Okryudong route is 25 minutes one way. The route from Okryudong through Seonnyeotang to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo Falls is 40 minutes. The two listed routes to Dutasan Fortress and Gwaneumam each take 50 minutes one way. Add the return, rest stops and the group’s actual pace; these are not round-trip durations.
A short first visit can stop at Okryudong. Continue to the falls only if the path is open, footing is sound and there is enough daylight to retrace the route. Stay on marked paths, avoid wet rocks and follow closure signs.
Use the management office as your anchor
Set your return time before entering and check how the group will leave the valley afterward. The operator lists six public toilets across the facility and four parking areas. Do not assume a bus, café or shuttle is running without checking its current schedule.
See the operator’s route and visitor information and the seasonal hours listing before setting the day’s last stop.