Sobaeksan National Park Nature Center (소백산생태탐방원)

11.9Km 2024-12-10

253 Yeongdan-ro, Dansan-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located inside Sobaeksan National Park, the Sobaeksan National Park Nature Center specializes in ecological experiences and environmental education. The center operates various programs by leveraging the superb ecological system of the Sobaeksan Mountain area. Programs include Sobaeksan Mountain climbing and ginseng experiences for physical health; forest meditation for mental health; and wellness programs with a focus on visiting world heritage sites related to Buddhist culture, for social well-being. Other programs include seasonal ecotourism programs (short-term programs); environmental education for future generations; and cooking classes using local specialties to lead the way for ecological well-being. Additionally, the center has an auditorium & classrooms(for education, training or conferences), and a cafeteria. Individuals and group visitors can use the facilities. Nearby tourist destinations include the Red Fox Eco Park, where visitors can observe first-class endangered wild animals; and historical and cultural sites, such as Buseoksa Temple and Sosuseowon Confucian Academy, which were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Danyang Bobaljae Pass (단양 보발재)

12.4Km 2024-02-26

San 26-7, Baekja-ri, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Bobaljae Pass is located 540 m above sea level on the northern side of Sobaeksan Mountain. It is also known as Godeuneomijae Pass. The S-shaped curve is known for wildflowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn, so one can either take a leisurely drive along the road or park one’s car at the observatory and get some pictures. Guinsa Temple and Ondal Tourist Area nearby are also good to visit.

High Healing 1 (산림힐링재단(하이힐링원))

13.8Km 2024-12-16

113 Seomjigol-gil, Sangdong-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-370-7777

High Healing 1, established in 2019 as a social contribution foundation and wellness institution under Kangwon Land, aims to enhance public health and quality of life. It offers high-quality programs such as life detox, forest education & therapy, and healing experiences utilizing content that combines natural healing factors with cultural and artistic elements. Notably, High Healing 1 was chosen as one of the '64 Recommended Wellness Destinations of 2023' by the Korea Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. With this, High Healing 1 has become the first wellness tourism destination in Yeongwol-gun.

Donggang River Rafting (Yeongwol) (동강 래프팅 (영월))

15.6Km 2017-06-29

100, Jebangan-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-370-2946

Yeongwol’s Donggang River is one of the top three rafting places in Korea, the other top three being Hantangang River and Naerincheon Stream. Each river has distinguished characteristics, so it is recommended to search for information like nearby attractions based on travel. Donggang River features breathtaking scenery comparable to Guilin in China.

The area called Donggang River includes Seogang River (Pyeongchanggang River), where Joyanggang River meets Dongnamcheon Stream and Yeongwol-gun. The river is a typical meandering stream with a limestone riverbed.

Danjong Culture Festival (단종문화제)

16.1Km 2024-04-22

29-7 Hasong-ri, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-375-6353

The Danjong Culture Festival, a major festival of Yeongwol-gun in Gangwon State, is a historic cultural event held annually since 1967 in memory of King Danjong, the 6th monarch of the Joseon dynasty. The festival includes a range of activities and programs open to all visitors.

Jukgyegugok Valley (죽계구곡)

16.3Km 2017-12-22

Jukgye-ro 315beon-gil, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Jukgyegugok Valley is the valley stretching from Baejeom-ri to Choamsa Temple. Joseon-era Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang (1501-1570) was inspired by the scenery of the valley and the enchanting sound of the flowing water, so he came up with names for each of the nine sections of the valley and collectively called them Jukgyegugok (nine bamboo valleys). The valley presents a splendid sight indeed with crystal clear waters, lush forest, and white rocks. In summer, vacationers from around the country flock to Jukgyegugok Valley to cool off from the sweltering heat by dipping their feet in the refreshing waters of the valley. Famous tourist attractions near the valley include Sosuseowon Confucian Academy, Buseoksa Temple, and Eupnaeri Mural Tomb.

* Choamsa Temple
On the path that ascends from Jukgyegugok Valley, there is a small temple located at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain. The great monk Uisang Daesa of the Silla Kingdom reached this place during his search for an ideal site to build a Buddhist temple invoking national security. He set up a small thatched hut for a temporary stay until he found the most propitious spot, on which he built Buseoksa Temple. In the site where his thatched hut once stood, he built another temple and named it Choamsa Temple. The original structure was destroyed by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). The temple has been restored to its present state by the Buddhist monk Lee Bo-won after years of arduous efforts.

Yeongwol Donggang River (동강(영월))

16.3Km 2024-04-22

826 Donggang-ro, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-370-2429

The Donggang River flows through Gangwon State, starting at the point where Odaecheon Stream and Joyanggang River meet and flows into the Namhangang River. The Donggang River spans an area of 60 kilometers from Jeongseon to Yeongwol. It is a well-preserved river, left untouched due to the strong current of the waters and the rugged geography of the mountains. It follows a snaky path splitting the chiseled cliffs surrounding it.

Choamsa Temple - Yeongju (초암사(영주))

16.5Km 2020-03-27

330, Jukgye-ro 315beon-gil, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-633-2322

In search of a great place to build a Buddhist Temple invoking national security, Great Monk Uisang travelled around the country and reached this place. He built a small thatched hut here for a temporary stay and continued his search. Finally, he found a perfect place and built Buseoksa Temple. He also set up another temple in the site where his small thatched hut was and called it Choamsa Temple. Choamsa Temple is located below the valley in the south of Gungmangbong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. After the Korean War, the temple building had to be rebuilt, but it managed to preserve some of Provincial Tangible Cultural Asset including Samcheung Seoktap (a three-storied stone pagoda; Tangible Cultural Property 126), Dongbudo (East Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 128) and Seobudo (West Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 129).

* Jukgyegugok Valley
The valley stretching from Baejeom-ni to Choamsa Temple is called Jukgyegugok which Sobaeksan Mountain surrounds like a folding screen. Near the valley, one can find famous tourist attractions such as the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy and Buseoksa Temple. Toegye Yi Hwang came up with the name Jukgyegugok inspired by the fantastic scenery of the valley and the beautiful sound of the flowing water.

Yeongwol Donggang Hanu (영월동강한우)

16.6Km 2024-04-02

65 Hasongan-gil, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Korean beef from Gangwon State is known for its taste and nutrition. The place is a Korean beef restaurant in Yeongwol. It has a separate butcher shop selling just meat and a self-service dining area, so the price is reasonable. There is a service charge of 5,000 won for guests 14 years and older and 3,000 won for elementary school students. Meat can be purchased at the butcher in the cut and texture of one's choice, ensuring high levels of satisfaction. Extras and sides (beef tartare, bulgogi, cold buckwheat noodles, soybean paste jjigae, etc.) and A La Carte (rice soup, beef bone soup, beef tartare bibimbap, etc.) are also available.

Byeolmaro Observatory (별마로천문대)

16.7Km 2021-09-25

397, Cheonmundae-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-372-8445

Byeolmaro is a public astronomical observatory built on the peak of Bongnaesan Mountain (alt. 799.8 m) in Yeongwol. The term ‘Byeolmaro’ combines the words byeol (star), ma (peak) and ro (peaceful). Together, they collectively represent the wish to view stars in a clean and peaceful environment. The observatory has a variety of telescopes, including one with a diameter of 80 centimeters. The observatory also has accommodation facilities, audio & visual rooms, and a lecture hall, making it suitable for educational programs.

Sobaeksan National Park Nature Center (소백산생태탐방원) - Area information - Korea travel information