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Glorious Sights of Gangwon-do
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Susan Rissberger / Hwacheon
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Hwacheon became a home away from home to me nearly 9 months ago. A town nestled in a valley of mountains in Gangwon province, you could mistakenly pass by it on a road trip to Inje, or overlook the charm of the area as you're pulled into the sensory-arousing dakgalbi of Chuncheon. Hwacheon has a population of just over 23,000, lies in the northwest corridor of the province and is an optimal location to rest, relax, or make use of what I consider a wonderful place in town - the Bukhangang River and a 42.2 km course stretching its perimeter.
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Arriving into Hwacheon from the south, along route 5, you are immediately struck by the beauty of the Bukhangang River and surrounding mountains. They fall on top of one another, cascading as snow-capped peaks in the winter and boasting verdant slopes in the summer. Hwacheon is a naturally beautiful town as the growth of greenery in the spring and colorful fall leaves punctuate the rest of the year. The river is the town's centerpiece and it's unimaginable to think of Hwacheon without this source of life. It's a point of livelihood and leisure, and in January, serves as the site of the Sancheono Ice Festival, a winter festival drawing more than one million people to the area!
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The course extending along the river though makes traveling to Hwacheon an easy excuse for an excursion; as a day trip or quick stop on your schedule, it fills both needs. For me? I'm lucky enough to live here with access to its amenities in all four seasons. It's less than an hour from Chuncheon and two hours from Seoul. The circuit surrounding the river is maintained for children peddling on tricycles, novice athletes as well as avid cyclists, runners and walkers. It's safe and the area is well-manicured. Toward the west end of the course is an island called Bongeo island where bicycles for one or two can be rented and small trails are available for a quick walk. Benches and sites to perch are available to sit, rest or picnic. The path encircling the river can take you near eye-level at many points, allowing one to truly feel immersed in nature. The view, whether you're witnessing its splendor alongside or viewing it from the mountain sides above speaks for itself as the placid ambiance calms and soothes. I cannot tell you the number of times running alongside or visiting Bongeo Island made for a great day.
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Aside from a driving intermission or the exercise one reaps from a visit, this place in Hwacheon truly is wonderful, and equally refreshing. Or, as they say in Korean, ½Ã¿øÇÏ´Ù! I remember my arrival into town late last August - passing over the pink flower-lined bridge and wondering when I'd have the opportunity to traverse the water's edge. Where would it take me? What would I see? Such questions ran through my mind as I felt eager to explore my new residence. Arriving from New York City, I sought a nature-filled community, a place where green space outnumbered concrete and a source of water was within the eye's sight. This space along the river in Hwacheon provides a sanctuary. It encourages well-being, exercise and is a place to enjoy activities with friends or by oneself. Now that spring has arrived, older men are commonly seen set-up with their fishing equipment for a day's worth of river-sitting, fish-catching fun.
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Once you arrive here you'll know where to go. Access to the river can be found at many locations. And although one can bring their bike or simply walk the route, a book or paper to record thoughts usually accompany me if I had to for a slower visit. Also, as I meander further east, points along the way allow me to be as idle as I wish with benches and rocks to cogitate on. So whether I'm up for a run, ready to cycle, or am more interested in watching the lapping water of the Bukhangang River, it's all here for me, free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nature can't get any better than that!!
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High 1 Resort & Gangwon Land
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Claire Dicarlo / Jeongseon
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High 1 Resort, arguably one of Korea's most famous and popular ski and leisure resorts, is located in Gohan and enjoys large numbers of visitors throughout the year. Together with Gangwon Land, it is home to 18 ski slopes (including one 'dry' ski slope for Summer use), multiple hotels and condos, a beautiful golf course and country club, restaurants (including a revolving one on top of the mountain), hiking trails, swimming pool, 'Mountain Spa' outdoor hot spring, Asia's biggest musical fountain and Gangwon Land Casino - the only casino in Korea where both Koreans and foreigners are allowed to gamble. There is also a large water park there ('Waterpolis'), which is under construction, and due for completion in 2012.
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The resort spans most of Gohan's mountains and stretches into nearby Sabuk - and although obviously coming to life in winter, it still has much to offer throughout the year. Us foreigners in the area are most likely to be found in the Gangwon Land Gym and Fitness Centre. If you are a 'gym bunny' living in or visiting Gohan, then you are in luck!
The centre is easily accessible from the main street and train station, and best of all, is free for foreigners to use! Facilities include: gym with all the usual equipment you'd find back home; a swimming pool; large sports hall with basketball facilities, table tennis tables and badminton courts; a squash court and indoor golf. You can borrow equipment (balls, racquets etc.) for free, simply by asking at the front desk.
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High1 also organizes a Food Festival every summer - Chinese circus, dance, magic, and music performances take place as you sample a large buffet. High1 Mountain Lodge BBQ and Live Music Concert is held in the Outdoor Terrace of the Mountain Ski House between July and late September, featuring 56 barbeque dishes of meat and seafood, a grill, and a basic buffet table - plus unlimited draft beer and beverage refills.
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Although slightly tricky for foreigners to find all of the facilities on offer here, and a little more expensive than many tourist spots in Korea, High 1 and Gangwon Land are well worth a visit, and make what would otherwise be a sleepy little mountain town, a must-visit destination for foreigners and Korean tourists alike.
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Rex Brown / Donghae
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Donghae provides many opportunities to enjoy nature, the ocean, adventure or fine dining. Please enjoy my brief overview of some of the fine sights or places located within the Donghae area.
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To begin, if you are interested in beaches, Donghae offers its visitors three wonderful beaches. The best known and most famous of the three is Mang Sang Beach. People from all over Korea, or the world, visit this beach. It has a lot of water access as well as other possibilities. For example, it offers the opportunity for those who enjoy auto camping, a place to live on the beach for their vacation. On occasion, there are live concerts and other entertainment opportunities on the beach as well. For those who are daring, there are shops that rent four-wheelers also. A ride on the beach is a joy for many people. In addition to Mang Sang Beach, there is Han Seom beach and Chooam beach. Though not as famous, they both have lots of access to water. They are very inviting and beautiful for those who enjoy beaches.
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At the entrance to Mansang Beach there is a fossil museum. It is a terrific place to explore natural history if that is something you are interested in.
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For those interested in hiking, Meurung Valley is the place to visit. There are numerous trails leading to wonder and beauty, depending on your fitness level. Within a short distance, on one trail, there are many waterfalls that are totally beautiful. On many of these trails, there are side trails that lead to odd rock formations. At the base of the mountains, there is a beautiful temple called Cheoneun Temple. It is located next to the river and surrounded by mountains.
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Another interesting place to visit in Donghae is Mukho Harbor. As you walk or ride through Mukho Harbor you will see numerous restaurants specializing in Fresh Fish. There are also many fishing boats going in and out of the harbor. Off in the distance is the Mukho lighthouse which adds to the total experience of visiting the Harbor. The sunrise from Mukho Harbor is breathtaking.
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Another place to visit is Cheongok Cave. It is a short distance from downtown Donghae. It is a long cave that is only partially accessible. Some areas are still being explored and developed. There are many things to see in this cave. If you enjoy strange shaped stalactites or stalagmites (rock formations hanging from the ceiling or growing from the floor), this is a fun place to visit. There are waterfalls and a small stream running through the cave as well.
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In addition to the places listed, Donghae has some very nice restaurants, Karaoke rooms and night spots. So, if you are interested in adventure, ocean, beauty, mountains, or fine dining, Donghae is definitely one place you won't want to miss.
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