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[english.visitkorea.or.kr] During the summer months in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do, you can spot rafts lining the banks of the Donggang River. Visitors taking part in the rafting trips will have a relaxing opportunity to cool off while rowing down the smooth waters of the Donggang River and navigating the occasional rapids. Along with Naerincheon Valley in Inje and Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, Yeongwol’s Donggang River is widely recognized as one of the best rafting spots in Korea thanks in no small part to its scenic landscape. In addition, Yeongwol offers a great range of attractions including historic sites, caves, and a unique forest shaped like the Korean Peninsula.
Donggang River Rafting
Rafting is an adventure sport in which groups of 4 to 8 people work as a team while navigating a river’s currents. It can be easily enjoyed by all and trips begin with a brief paddling and safety lesson before getting on a boat. Reservations can also be made in advance with one of the local rafting businesses through travel agencies. 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. The rafting trip generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the course, level of difficulty, and water level.
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Rafting begins by balancing the boat on each side and rafters paddling together in unison. As you make your way down the river, the water will begin to flow quicker and you can feel the real excitement of rafting. 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.
Attractions in Yeongwol
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
What to Eat
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Memil-jeonbyeong
A specialty of Yeongwol Seobu Market, memil-jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepe) is made by stuffing buckwheat dough with gat-kimchi (leaf mustard kimchi) filling. Buckwheat is known to strengthen blood vessels and improve digestion. At the Yeongwol Seobu Market, there are many shops selling various snacks and light meals such as memil-jeonbyeong, gamja-jeon (potato pancake), susu-bukkumi (millet pancake), and baechu-jeon (napa cabbage pancake). The prices of these market delicacies are great for travelers on a budget and mostly range between 1,000 and 3,000 won.
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Olchaengi-guksu
Olchaengi-guksu (short cornstarch noodles) is made by cooking cornstarch porridge and pushing it down through a perforated container into a bowl of cold water to make corn muk (jelly) noodles. The dish was named olchaengi (tadpole) because of the shape of these noodles. It became a specialty of Gangwon-do, which is famous for its corn production. The smooth and savory corn noodles are topped with kimchi and seaweed powder and served in a cold broth, making it a popular summer delicacy. A bowl of olchaengi-guksu sold at the Yeongwol Seobu Market and other restaurants in Yeongwol costs around 3,000 won.
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Gondeure-bap
Gondeure-bap (seasoned thistle with rice) is made by chopping thistle, seasoning it with perilla oil and salt, and placing it on rice before steaming. It is a local traditional dish that retains the old custom of cooking porridge or rice with thistle that dates back to when rice was scare. Gondeure (thistle) is a kind of wild edible green that grows deep in the mountains and is not bitter to the taste. Be sure to try the famous gondeure-namul-bap jeongsik (table d'hôte), which is a prix-fixe meal that comes with rice, spicy stir-fried pork, and various side dishes. The price is around 10,000 won per person.
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