Yeongwol-gun in Gangwon-do is one of those quiet little towns that the phrase ‘hidden gem’ was created to describe. Quaint, charming, and off the beaten track, it’s one of the best countryside travel destinations in Korea if you’re looking for an escape.

What To Do In Yeongwol, Gangwon-do

1. Visit The Yeongwol Y Park

The breathtaking Yeongwol Y Park (젊은달와이파크) which is an art complex in the middle of the countryside of Gangwondo, famous for its awe-inspiring art installations. It is most popular for its installations by famous sculptor Choi Ok Yeong (particularly the biggest installation at the entrance – the Giant Red Bamboo Forest) and his artworks that are supposed to make you feel small in a world of bigger elements.

With installations by other artists included, the art park comprises of 10 different zones with every corner making for the perfect photo! There is also a lovely cafe, which is a work of art in itself, where you can take a break and enjoy the surrounding views.

Address: 강원 영월군 주천면 송학주천로 1467-9 영월 젊은달와이파크
https://naver.me/xVBY9RAz

2. Eat At The Jecheon Restaurant

Lunch at the Jecheon Restuarant (제천식당) is a must if you’re in Yeongwol. Not far from the Yeongwol Y Park, this restaurant is well known for its ggoldukuksu (꼴두국수 – a noodle soup dish). This dish is actually incredibly difficult to find around Korea making this a must-visit restaurant if you’re in the area.

The noodles are made of both wheat flour and buckwheat flour and added to a seaweed broth with tofu and kimchi dumplings to make a hearty dish. Admittedly, one bowl is definitely more than enough for two people. It’s a food you find yourself craving now and then but don’t have access to, so if you can then definitely check it out! They also have a good selection of makgeolli (막걸리 – Korean rice wine) for the traditional alcohol lovers!

Address: 강원 영월군 도천길 3
https://naver.me/FjbhLmpt

3. Visit The Buja Gin Distillery

If you’re a fan of alcohol then adding a visit to the Buja Gin Distillery (Bu-ja meaning father and son in Korean) to your itinerary is a must. This father-son company is trying to change the way that the modern Korean liquor industry is seen through their smooth aromatic gin. They are the first ever gin distillery in Korea, in fact!

You can take a tour of their farm where they explain some of the gin-making process and experience a gin-tasting. We spent a few hours here with the owners and they made it such a special and personal experience.

Note: You will have to arrange with the owners directly to be able to do this.

Address: 경기 양평군 강하면 운심길 19 부자진농업회사법인
https://naver.me/xhzmNXhO

Gin, Rivers, and Red Bamboo #YourInsiderGuides Day Trip Review

On the 14th of November 2020, I had the pleasure of being invited on the Gin, Rivers and Red Bamboo #YourInsiderGuides day trip hosted by The Soul of Seoul Blog (Hallie Bradley) and The Sool Company (CEO Julia Mellor).

We were picked up in the morning by a posh Mercedes Benz van (the well-known idol van) sponsored by K-Travel Bus to be safely and comfortably transported throughout the day.

The day was perfect and having two tour guides who are both passionate about what they do, with volumes of expertise in both travel and Korean alcohol, made this trip even more worth it.

If you would like to see this day in video form, check out this YouTube video.

What do you think of Yeongwol? Will you be adding it to your Korea travel bucketlist? Let us know in the comments!