Yeongwol

Asia

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South Korea

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Yeongwol

Yeongwol is a district in Gangwon Province, South Korea. The area is not very big but offers beautiful natural charm and many exciting activities that can be done, especially for those who enjoy nature tourism.

For nature lovers, Gossigul Cave can be an excellent choice to start your journey. This cave was formed between 400 and 500 million years ago and stretched about 3.4 kilometers in length, but only about a fifth of it, roughly 600 meters, is open to the public. The path inside is steep and undulating, so you may need to crouch to navigate through it. The cave boasts various stalactites and stalagmites, four pools, and ten open chambers.

Donggang Photography Museum is also a must-visit in Yeongwol, renowned among photography enthusiasts. As the first museum in Korea to host an international photography festival, the Donggang Museum has amassed a diverse collection of unique photos over the past 17 years.

If you have the energy to hike about 800 meters to see the stars with the naked eye, try visiting Byeolmaro Astronomical Observatory. You can also see Cheongnyeongpo Cape, which appears like an island. Other notable attractions in Yeongwol include Donggang River for rafting, Yeonha Valley, Seonam Village, Seondol, Eorayeon Valley, Joseon Minhwa Museum, Museum of Youngwol Y Park, Panun-ri Seopdari Bridge, Bubheungsa, Taehwasan, and Jangneung.

Yeongwol is renowned for its fermented soy-based dishes, such as doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and ganjang gaejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce). These two culinary delights are must-tries when visiting Yeongwol. Additionally, you can also savor various traditional Korean cuisines here, ranging from sanchae bibimbap, Yeongwol hanwoo (Korean beef), kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup), hangari-galbi (pottery-grilled ribs), achim-gugija guksu (morning primrose noodle soup), namul bap (rice with seasoned vegetables), ganglange mukbap (grain rice with steamed fish and vegetables), daejeon jusim (steamed fish), to makguksu (buckwheat noodles).

Meanwhile, Yeongwol Seobu Market, Nongchijeong Traditional Market, and Ogwanjeon Street Food Alley are the best places to explore the city's hospitality, interact with locals, purchase local products, and taste various Yeongwol specialties.

Travel Tips for Yeongwol

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Yeongwol

A guide to Yeongwol's local transportation

Private Vehicle

Bus

Taxi

Train

Walking

For more comfortable travel, you can use a private vehicle. However, the area can be congested during the holiday season, so drive more cautiously. Use navigation assistance to avoid getting lost or taking the wrong route. It may be hard to find car rental services in Yeongwol, so it's better to rent a car upon arrival in Seoul.

Practical Tips for Yeongwol

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Yeongwol?

The busiest tourism months in Yeongwol, South Korea, are January, May and April. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and more affordable prices, December can also be considered for visiting Yeongwol, especially if you enjoy various winter activities in Korea.

What are the famous tourist destinations in Yeongwol?

Almost all of the well-known attractions in Yeongwol are related to nature and history. Some popular places include Gossigul Cave, Donggang Photography Museum, Byeolmaro Astronomical Observatory, Cheongnyeongpo Cape, Donggang River, Yeonha Valley, Seonam Village, Seondol, Eorayeon Valley, Joseon Minhwa Museum, Museum of Youngwol Y Park, Panun-ri Seopdari Bridge, Bubheungsa, Taehwasan, and Jangneung.

How to get to Yeongwol from Seoul?

From Seoul, you can reach Yeongwol by bus, which takes 2 hours and 49 minutes. You can also take the A-train, which takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, or use taxis and private vehicles (car rental) with a travel time of about 1 hour and 57 minutes. The distance between the two destinations is about 163 km.

What are the must-try local foods of Yeongwol?

Yeongwol is famous for its fermented soy-based dishes, such as doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and ganjang gaejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce). Additionally, some traditional Korean dishes that you must try in Yeongwol include sanchae bibimbap, Yeongwol hanwoo, kongguksu, hangari-galbi, achim-gugija guksu, namul bap, ganglange mukbap, daejeon jusim, and makguksu.

What can be done in Yeongwol?

You can visit and explore Gossigul Cave, go rafting on Donggang River, attend exhibitions and festivals at Donggang Photography Museum, stargaze at Byeolmaro Astronomical Observatory, visit various museums and historical buildings, and indulge in local cuisines at Yeongwol Seobu Market, Nongchijeong Traditional Market, and Ogwanjeon Street Food Alley.