Samcheok Haesindang Park

 park, sanctuary

Haesindang Park (more commonly known as ‘Penis Park’) is about 20km/12 miles from Samcheok. The park is noted for the large number of erect phallic sculptures. An eclectic collection created by Korean artists, is on display.

The small folk museum, Samcheok Fishing Village Folk Museum, exhibits art objects of "sexual iconography" from over ages of different cultures, shamanic rituals, and the history of the Korean fishing culture. The park also houses Korea's largest aquarium theater and an arboretum.

According to the legend, a young maid who was engaged was once left by her man on a rock in the sea while he went off to fish. The man was later unable to retrieve her because of a storm, and the woman drowned. Shortly thereafter the local fisherman began to notice a significant decline in the amount of fish they were catching. Some said that it was because of the dead woman's spirit haunting the ocean.

One day a fisherman ejaculated into the water and afterwards he was able to catch fish, so it was thought that exposing the deceased virgin to male genitalia pleased her. To soothe her spirit further, the local village people erected several phallic wooden carvings and held religious ceremonies on appease the woman's spirit. Slowly the fish returned and the villagers were able to prosper again.

Haesindang Park gets its name from the shrine, named Haesindang, in the park where the religious ceremony is still held twice a year. The ceremony is classified as a traditional folk event.