Yanggu Punch Bowl Village (양구 펀치볼마을 (펀치볼))

17.4 Km 22335 2020-08-31

50-3, Dongmakdong-gil, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-481-2648

Punch Bowl is a highland basin situated 400-500 meters above sea level in Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do. The name comes from the basin's resemblance to a large punch bowl. The village has around 1,700 residents, and is the only town that is located inside the Civilian Access Control Line. Along with the nearby Daeamsan Mountain, Punch Bowl was once a ferocious battlefield during the Korean War. Several monuments were erected in memory of the deceased souls. Since the war, civilian access has been limited, allowing the natural environment in the area to recover. Rare flora and fauna reside in the area, and on top of Daeamsan Mountain is Yongneup Swamp (Natural Monument No. 246), Korea's one and only high moor and time-honored treasure trove for the ecosystem.

Yanggu Unification Hall (양구통일관)

17.5 Km 27437 2021-09-10

35, Haeanseohwa-ro, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-481-9021

The Yanggu Unification Hall is located in the northernmost part of the Civilian Control Zone in Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun. It was built and opened to be utilized as a unification education center that would help broaden people’s understanding about the real situation in North Korea in preparation for reunification and encourage commitment for reunification. The location is 5 kilometers away from The 4th Tunnel, in the northern end of the punch bowl basin and it first opened in 1996. It has a first exhibition hall, second exhibition hall, agricultural specialty market, and a parking lot that can accommodate about 100 vehicles.

Directly operated by Yanggu-gun District Office, the Yanggu Unification Hall displays materials that show the reality of North Korea including household goods, exports and photographs. The agricultural specialty market sells agricultural goods, North Korean products, and tourism souvenirs. Located nearby are The 4th Tunnel, Eulji Observatory, and War Memorial Museum in Yanggu. Eulji Observatory is the northernmost located observatory in South Korea. The 4th Tunnel is the only tunnel among the four tunnels dug by North Korea that operates electric cars, allowing visitors to travel inside. The War Memorial Museum in Yanggu was built to shed new light on the nine battles fought in Yanggu during the Korean War. The Yanggu Unification Hall deals with works related to the Eulji Observatory, The 4th Tunnel and War Memorial Museum in Yanggu.

Yanggu War Memorial Hall (양구전쟁기념관)

17.5 Km 28390 2022-10-14

35, Haeanseohwa-ro, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-481-9021

Opened June 20, 2000, the Yanggu War Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the sacrifice and heroism of those who fought during the Korean War at the nine battlefields located in Yanggu: Dosolsan, Daeusan, Bloody Ridge, Baekseoksan, Punch Bowl, Gachilbong, Danjang Ridge, 949 Hill, and Christmas Hill. The museum also reminds the current and future generations of the real cost of war and the sacrifices that were made.

The exhibition hall is divided according to themes: freedom, welcoming, meeting, understanding, experience, assurance, tribute, rooftop, and contemplation. Exhibition facilities include a high-quality imaging system and a three-way multi-imaging room that combines battle scene dioramas, videos, and slides.

Eulji Observatory (을지전망대)

17.5 Km 25718 2022-10-14

621, Hu-ri, Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-481-9021

Eulji Observatory, located near the Military Demarcation Line along the ridge of Gachilbong Peak, is now one of the most informative sites dating back to the Korean War. From Eulji Observatory, visitors can see North Korean land from afar as well as Birobong Peak of Geumgangsan Mountain. It is the northernmost DMZ attraction and over 100,000 people visit this observation platform every year.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Whispering Birch Forest) (원대리 자작나무 숲(속삭이는 자작나무 숲))

18.5 Km 85519 2024-04-23

760 Jajangnamusup-gil, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-460-8036

Wondae-ri Birch Forest near Inje-eup is an exemplar of natural eco-tourism, established by planting 690,000 birch trees across 138 hectares from 1974 to 1995. Today, 25 hectares of this expansive area serve as a forest experience center tailored for children. Two main trails are available: the Wonjeong Forest Trail, with an 80-minute walking time, and the shorter Wondae Forest Trail, taking about an hour to traverse. The trails lead hikers through a dense forest of birch trees, some over two decades old, whose stark white trunks reach skyward, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This forest not only offers a journey through its unique ecosystem but also provides aesthetic pleasure and educational opportunities, securing its status as a distinguished eco-tourism site in Inje-gun.
In winter, the snow-blanketed landscape alongside the stark white birches creates a picturesque tableau, making it a favored spot for photography. For families, especially those with children, the forest is a treasure trove of educational fun, with activities available at the Children’s Forest Experience Center, including Forest Classroom and Indian House, fostering a connection with nature.

Yanggu Punch Bowl Village (양구 펀치볼마을 (펀치볼)) - Area information - Korea travel information