Where is this place? And what is it?
Yeongwol (영월) is a small city/large town centrally located in the southern part of Gangwon-do, South Korea. In its heyday as a coal mining epicenter Yeongwol was an actual city, but has since shrunk dramatically. This is a fact reflected in the abandoned buildings you can find scattered about the outskirts of town. To get anywhere in Yeongwol city can usually be done for under 5,000 won by taxi. This is still very much a rural area-Yeongwol county is 85% forest, and about 9% farmland. But as Yeongwol prepares for the 2018 Winter Olympics in nearby Pyeongchang, construction has started in giving the area a more tourist-friendly facelift.
For you tourists, that translates to: Yeongwol is an sight-seeing and outdoor adventure destination that is within 2.5 hours of Seoul, but it won’t have much of a nightlife.
How’s the Weather?
Springtime weather can be summed up in one word: bipolar. One day it will be sunny and warm, and the next day storms of Biblical proportions will pour down upon the hapless residents.
Summer is hot and humid, but still cooler than most of Korea, especially cities like Seoul as Yeongwol is located in the mountainous north of South Korea. Nonetheless, during July and August it is still possible to start sweating while simply standing outside.
Fall is an amazingly beautiful but brief season during which the mountains around the town bloom with deep, rich oranges and reds. During this season tourists visit from around Korea to take pictures of the fall foliage and hike the many mountain trails.
Winter is brutally cold and lasts from November to March; the worst months being December to February. During these months the temperature is almost always below zero, and wearing multiple layers of clothing is recommended.
Who Lives Here?
The population of Yeongwol is roughly eight thousand , but it feels much smaller as most of the young adults leave for the cities(to the author’s jaded perspective, Yeongwol is composed almost entirely of old people and children).
Who’s This Dead Guy Everyone Is Telling Me About?
Yeongwol is most famous as the resting place of King Danjong, a young king who was deposed, exiled, and later assassinated at the age of seventeen by his Uncle. He is buried in Jangneung, which is a popular tourist destination just on the outskirts of Yeongwol city. By taxi from the bus terminal it shouldn’t be more than 4,000 won.
What Else Can I Do?
Every five days (calendar days ending with a 4 or a 9) there is an outdoor market near the river where you can cheaply find seasonal produce, street food and Korean snacks, especially if you go just before sunset, when vendors are packing up their wares.
Interested in a REALLY Old Tree?
Hey Look, It’s a Peninsula Shaped Like…Korea! (Well, sorta…)
Split Stone Scenery
