
Masterpiece of Nature
With the passage of time, the river has made a path for itself through the mountain.
Clear waters lap by the shore, and the slopes are covered in a blanket of green. Waterfalls flow deep within caves, and stars flood the sky above the mountain. In Yeongwol, you will find a peace that is lacking in the city. The pristine beauty of nature will stop you in your tracks, filling you with a sense of wonder and amazement.Written by Kim Samuel Photographed by Studio Kenn
Illustrated by Hagogo
A cool breeze welcomes you as you approach the cave with the safety helmet on. The hot weather will make you want to move here for good. Designated as a natural monument, the cave was formed 400 to 500 million years ago. It earned the name Gossigul Cave after the Go family took refuge in it during the 16th century.
The cave is 3.4 kilometers long, but only one-fifth of it is open to the public. Thanks to its uphill and downhill sections, there is never a dull moment in exploring the 600-meter length, with some areas requiring you to crouch to get through.
Among the cave’s interesting features are a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, four ponds, and ten open spaces. The crashing sound from three waterfalls helps to keep away the summer heat.
The Donggang Museum of Photography is a must-see for nature lovers visiting Yeongwol. It is quite well-known among those interested in photography.
You will find photographs not only by famous local and international artists, but also by hobbyists from the region. As the first museum in Korea to host an international photography festival, Donggang Museum has acquired a unique collection over the past 17 years from all around the world. As part of the Donggang International Photo Festival, the museum exhibits photographs not only within the museum, but also throughout Yeongwol. The event has been highly praised as an international festival that involves the local community.
The annual photo workshop run by the museum is always filled up not long after it begins accepting applications. It includes a tour of Yeongwol with photographers, outdoor activities, a photo class for elementary school students, and the opportunity to meet award-winning photographers.
If you have passion and energy to climb 800 meters for a good view of the stars, the Byeolmaro Astronomical Observatory is not to be missed. It attracts a large crowd until the late hours, and the impressive night sky often draws delighted gasps from visitors.
The stars, which seem to cover every inch of the sky, are clearly visible from atop the mountain. You can almost keep count with your naked eye, and take a good photo using your smartphone. On a clear day, you will get a splendid view of the sky and stars from the secondary observatory room on the 4th floor. In the basement, the astrology projection room projects about 3,500 stars onto a huge dome screen regardless of weather. In addition to the stars, you will be rewarded by the stunning nightscape of the city.
“Admiring the mountain is easier on a lazy horse, so I hold back my whip and go slow.” This line is taken from a poem written by Kim Satgat, a vagabond poet from the late Joseon dynasty. His real name was Kim Byeong-yeon, but he is better known as Kim Satgat because he always wore a satgat, which is a traditional bamboo hat. He traveled across the country, with nothing on him except his trademark hat and a bamboo cane. While most classical poems were political or excessively polished back in his time, Kim’s works were tributes to the lives of commoners and to the beauty of nature. The Kim Satgat Historic Site is a restoration of Kim’s former residence, and features a good selection of his works.
The Kim Satgat Festival, held annually in October, offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the poet’s works through a variety of activities such as rice cake making, crafting, a traditional wedding experience, and folk games.
The Cheongnyeongpo Cape is a place so breathtaking that it captivates anyone who visits. It looks like an island when viewed from the observatory. The three sides are surrounded by a river, and the cliff to the back is accessible by boat.
After getting off the boat and walking across a gravel field, you will arrive at a pine tree forest, home to the tallest pine tree in Korea. From between the trunks of the pine trees, you can catch a glimpse of a tile-roofed house, where the sixth king of the Joseon dynasty lived when he was exiled to Yeongwol. The traditional Korean house blends in well with the surrounding pine trees. The tranquil scenery is the perfect setting to quietly appreciate the lesser-known history of Joseon.
Unlike rivers, valleys come with more elaborate scenery. Yeonha Valley, a resting place created by nature, contains a wealth of deciduous trees and moss-covered rocks that glisten in the sun. It does not run out of water even during the worst of droughts. Try dipping your feet in the clear waters, and you will soon forget that it is summer.
As you follow the stream from the entrance of the valley, you will naturally grow curious as to where it all begins. The valley is not that large, but connects to several waterfalls. Among them is the 6-meter Yongso Falls, which is said to have been created when a dragon stepped on a rock while rising to the sky.
With facilities such as portable restrooms and a flood warning system, visitors to the valley will be able to rest and relax while keeping safe.
The Donggang River is one of the most popular attractions in Yeongwol. Many caves have formed around the river, which also serves as a breeding area for rare animal and plant species. Just looking at the slow flowing water is enough to ease your worries. Eorayeon Valley, known as the Grand Canyon of Korea, is also part of the Donggang River. The picturesque view of pine trees and strange rock formations makes you stop and gasp in the middle of rafting. Full of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, the 60-km Donggang River is everyone’s favorite summer destination.
- Tel: +82-33-1577-0545
- Website: www.yw.go.kr/tour
- Korean, English, Japanese, Mandarin
- Address: 190, Danjong-ro, Yeongwol-eup
- Tel: +82-33-374-4215
- Hours: 09:00~18:00