Enjoy an adventure-filled summer in Korea at Yeongwol

If summer is almost over here in the Philippines, well it's just about to start in Korea. The summer season there usually happens between June and August, and the weather is usually hot and humid, though not as hot as it gets here (around 23 to 26 degrees Celsius), which makes it a perfect time to go on vacation. So if you're already there, or if you're planning to go there, a great place for a simple summer getaway is Yeongwol in Gangwon-do.

With its scenic landscapes, Yeongwol is recognized as one of the best rafting spots in Korea. It also offers a great range of attractions including historic sites, caves, and a unique forest shaped like the Korean Peninsula.

Donggang River Rafting

If you love water sports, Donggang River Rafting is an adventure you shouldn't miss. It's a good opportunity to relax and cool off while enjoying the scenery as you row down the smooth waters and to get into action as well while navigating the occasional rapids.

It would be good if you can come in groups of 4-8 people since rafting requires team work in navigating the river's currents.

Rafting trips usually begin with a brief paddling and safety lesson before getting on a boat. Participants gather at the starting point, go through some light warm-ups, put on safety helmets and life vests, and learn the basic rescue actions and how to float safely. Every boat is accompanied by a qualified safety instructor and you will wear a life vest, so don’t worry about your swimming skills. But you should be prepared to get wet and make sure to secure valuables and that gadgets are waterproof.

The rafting trip generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the course, level of difficulty, and water level.

Those who visit Donggang River between late July and early August will be able to enjoy a more dynamic and fun rafting experience as the waters come up to just the right level for riding the rapids. Basic shower facilities are conveniently located at the end of one's ride.

Reservations can be made in advance with one of the local rafting businesses through travel agencies. 

Aside from rafting, other outdoor adventures that can also be enjoyed in Yeongwol are Hang and Para Gliding and Trekking.

Gossi Cave

Gossi Cave is estimated to be around 400 million years old. It is named after the Go family who took refuge here during the Japanese invasion of Korea. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, so it is cool throughout the year. Inside the cave, there are four lakes, three falls, ten plazas (open spaces), and a harmonious arrangement of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone columns that present a magnificent spectacle. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there are narrow trails and low ceilings inside the cave.

Seondol Cliff

Located at a cliff on the shores of the Seogang River, the 70 meter high menhir rock called Seondol looks as if the cliff has been split with a knife. It is a popular tourist destination for the scenic river view visible through the cliff and the picturesque surrounding landscape. There is a saying that if you make a wish here, it will come true.

Seonam Village Korean Peninsula-shaped Cliffs

The Korean Peninsula-shaped cliffs (called “hanbando jihyeong” in Korean) are located in a small riverside town of Yeongwol known as Seonam Village. The cliff takes its name from its resemblance to the Korean Peninsula. Formed by the erosion caused by the meandering river, the site provides distinct scenes during Korea’s four seasons. Hiking trails run from the village entrance to the cliff.

Dong Gang Museum of Photography

Dong Gang Museum of Photography is located in the heart of Yeongwol, a region famous for its large number of museums and the village of photography. The museum is comprised of three exhibition halls and an open-air gallery. It is one of the main venues of the annual Dong Gang International Photo Festival. The photo exhibition includes donations by photographers who have participated in the photo festival and around 1,500 photos taken and donated by county residents. Also on exhibition are some 130 classic cameras.

Cheongnyeongpo Cape

Cheongnyeongpo Cape is where King Danjong (1441-1457, 6th King of the Joseon Dynasty) was banished after his throne was overthrown. Surrounded by the waters of the Seogang River on three sides with a steep wall-like rock on one side, the cape can only be reached by ferry. The place has been restored to its current state as the original structures were flooded two months after King Danjong’s exile.

All the trees at Cheongnyeongpo Cape are maintained with number markings on each and every one of them. As a result, the area surrounding the cape offers gorgeous scenery of a dense pine forest and the tallest pine tree in Korea called Gwaneumsong.

Jangneung

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jangneung is the tomb of King Danjong. The area surrounding the tomb is well preserved and the tomb site includes the King Danjong History Hall, a kitchen used for holding the commemorative rites for King Danjong, sacred paths, and more. The annual Danjong Culture Festival is held here in April to commemorate the tragic story of King Danjong, who became a king at a young age only to be dethroned and sent into exile by his uncle at the age of 16.

For more details on activities and attractions in Yeongwol, you can visit their official site HERE or their page at the KTO website HERE.

Credits to Yeongwol County Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr) and Korea Tourism Organization Manila

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