Exploring Cultural Features of Korean Regional Cities Discover the cultural charm of Yangyang County in Gangwon Province, South Korea, including SollBeech Yangyang Ocean Play and other must-visit attractions.
Hyuhyuam Cultural Site
Hyuhyuam is a hermitage located by the sea in Hyennam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province. Its name means ‘rest and rest again, letting go of everyday worries.’ Founded by Hong Beopse in 1997, this place started with a small temple called Myeojikjeon. However, in 1999, it gained fame as a prayer spot when a rock resembling the seated Bodhisattva of Compassion, Guanyin, was discovered on the seashore. Below Myeojikjeon, there is a wide rock formation named Yeonhwadae, resembling a fully bloomed lotus flower. Visitors come from far and wide to see the rock formations of Guanyin and a turtle, as well as peculiar rocks like Toe Rock, Sole Rock, and Fist Rock, adding a sense of mystery. Sometimes, you may even spot a school of yellow corvina coming to the shore to feed. Hyuhyuam is home to Myeojikjeon, Darani Goolbeopdang, Guanyin Bodhisattva statue, and the Wisdom Guanyin Bodhisattva statue on the hill above the seashore, another highlight of Hyuhyuam. With the Blue Sea of the East as a backdrop, the Wisdom Guanyin Bodhisattva statue, flanked by statues of the East Sea Dragon King and Namsun Bodhisattva, offers breathtaking views.
• Address (location): 3-16 Gwangjin 2-gil, Hyunnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Ocean Valley Resort
Ocean Valley Resort is located on a vast beach with the endless blue waves of the East Sea and the wide sandy Nak-san Beach nearby, allowing visitors to relax to the soothing sound of the waves all year round. Since its opening in 2001, Ocean Valley Resort has been dedicated to maintaining and upgrading its facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for guests. As a year-round destination, visitors can enjoy Nak-san Beach in the summer, the autumn foliage of Seoraksan Mountain, and the romantic charm of the sea and skiing in the winter. Additionally, there are historic attractions like Nak-san Temple, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Osaek Mineral Springs, and the Unification Observatory, as well as a variety of recreational activities such as sea fishing, motor boating, water skiing, and golf. Perfect for couples and families, Ocean Valley Resort leads the way in promoting healthy leisure culture with its corporate philosophy that values both the environment and humanity. Notably, it is an eco-friendly resort that prioritizes the environment by developing and utilizing solar energy fuel, completely avoiding the use of petroleum fuels.
• Address (location): 127-30 Ilchul-ro, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province
Sol Beach Yangyang Ocean Play
Sol Beach Yangyang Ocean Play is a water park located at Sol Beach Hotel & Resort in Sonam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, visitors can enjoy water activities all year round, including various pools, water slides, cabanas, and snack bars. Guests can access both the water park and private beach through a beach connection pathway. Hotel guests and Daemyung members can enjoy discounts. The indoor area features a unique interior design inspired by the wave patterns at Park Güell in Spain, created by the genius architect Gaudi. The functional spa zone offers various water massage systems to help relax the body, and guests can enjoy different pool programs while overlooking the sea at the indoor aqua pool throughout the year. The outdoor area includes a family-friendly outdoor pool. Additionally, there are saunas using seawater from the clean East Sea, open-air baths with a view of the East Sea, outdoor pools, and a Martherapy center to relieve fatigue. At the private beach, visitors can rent cabanas, parasols, paddle boards, and more. Nearby attractions worth visiting include prehistoric relics museum, Yangyang Traditional Market, Naksansa Temple, and the Ssusanhang Port.
• Address (location): 678 Sunsa Archaeological Site Road, Sanyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
• Hours of use: Operating Hours for Tourist Attractions:
[Indoor Ocean Play Zone]
– 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Beach Season: 8/28~9/30)
[Outdoor Ocean Play Zone]
– 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Beach Season: 8/28~9/30)
[Sea Water Sauna]
– 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Mar-therapy]
– 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Last Reservation at 7:00 PM)
* Operating hours are subject to change depending on on-site conditions
[Private Beach]
– Beach Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
– Rental Equipment Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Yangyang Namdaecheon Sports Park
Yangyang Namdaechun Sports Park is a sports facility located in Yeonchang-ri. Namdaechun is a famous attraction in Yangyang known as the hometown of salmon, but recently, the newly renovated Namdaechun Sports Park is gaining attention for its youthful and beautifully designed atmosphere. With various colorful sculptures placed throughout, the park features bike paths and jogging courses, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and exercise. The Hwahwon Flower Garden is a park created for local residents and tourists, boasting a plethora of blooming flowers in spring that have become a symbol of the park. The sight of schools of live salmon swimming along the waterway in the newly constructed park is also quite remarkable. With not only sports facilities but also various attractions, Namdaechun Sports Park is becoming a valuable tourist destination easily accessible to both locals and visitors. The parking lot of Namdaechun Sports Park includes large parking spaces where you can park while enjoying views of Namdaechun, such as the ecological observation parking lot along the Namdaechun Cherry Blossom Road and the parking lot near the water sports center. It is recommended to park there to fully experience the beauty of the park.
• Address (location): 203-4 Yeonchang-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Yangyang Songi Sculpture Park
Located along the Namdaechun Riverside, this children’s playground park is a must-visit spot in the area. Right below, you’ll find the Salmon Eco Park, making it a perfect combo to explore. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by a wide grassy field by the river, lined with around a dozen play facilities for elementary school kids to enjoy. The first thing that catches your eye is the alphabet sculptures of Songi Park, painted in rainbow colors, which are popular photo spots. The play equipment includes slides, swings, mini houses, rope climbing, and wooden stepping stones, all designed with wood, soil, and sand to create a nature-friendly environment for play. Enjoy a fun-filled day in this charming park by the river!
• Address (location): 505-3 Songam-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
• Hours of use: 00:00~24:00
Gongsujeon Village Management Resort
The name ‘Gongsujeon-ri’ originated from the ancient practice of cultivating fields designated by the government during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, this area has been transformed into a charming summer retreat managed by the local residents. With a deck for camping and separate accommodation facilities, visitors can relax and enjoy their time in comfort. Convenient amenities such as a store and restroom are available, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.
• Address (location): 2829-7 Guryongnyeong-ro, Gongsujeon-ri, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Geumpurae Village in Yangyang County
Geumpurae village is located in the upper stream of Namdaecheon, where salmon swim in the clear water and trout and mountain trout play. It is a village where nature breathes, offering enjoyable rural experiences in the valley waters and diverse natural surroundings. Equipped with traditional and earthen accommodations and experience facilities such as Geumpurae Experience Center, Green Experience Center, and Forest Experience Center, visitors can enjoy a comfortable rest throughout the four seasons. Additionally, there are pavilions, exercise facilities, playgrounds for children, as well as facilities for group activities such as a grass field, a soccer field, and an outdoor campfire area.
• Address (location): 1532 Namdaechun-ro, Hyunbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
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Namae Fishing Village Experience Village
Located in Yangyang, this quaint fishing village is surrounded by Namae Port, one of the top three fishing ports in Gangwon Province. Situated next to National Route 7, it is known as a hub for seafood production with easy transportation for direct sales. The blending of mountains and sea creates a stunning backdrop for witnessing the beautiful sunrise over the East Sea, attracting many tourists. The sight of fishing boats at the harbor and the sunrise peeking through as they rush back home is a spectacular scene, making it a prime spot for experiencing sunrise at sea. This area has also been featured in popular movies and dramas like ‘Whale Hunting,’ ‘Hotelier,’ and ‘That Woman.’ Namae Fishing Village Experience Village, developed by the Korean Fishing Village Agency, is a recreational village near the coast offering a variety of experiences and seafood delights amidst the beautiful ocean view. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boat fishing, net fishing, seafood tasting, auction experiences, catching octopuses, making squid sundae, hand-catching fish on the beach, and crafting mussel necklaces. Programs may vary depending on the season and village conditions, so it is recommended to inquire and make reservations in advance before visiting.
• Address (location): 127 Maebawi-gil, Hyunnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Operating Hours for Tourist Attractions: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Weekends 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Yangyang County
Located in the pristine Cheonggye Valley, Takjangsa Village is a quaint town untouched by pollution. It’s a traditional themed village that blends the exceptional natural environment of Cheonggye with the local folk play called Takjangsa Play. The crystal-clear water of the valley, harmonizing with the natural forest, and the meandering Cheonggye stream surrounding the village create a breathtaking natural spectacle. The variety of fish species such as trout, salmon, and catfish inhabiting this area make it a paradise for anglers, with the playful antics of the fish earning it the name ‘Nacheonyu’ or ‘playing fish.’ Enjoy the beauty of nature and the charm of traditional culture in Takjangsa Village!
• Address (location): 258 Eoseongjeon-gil, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Osaek Mineral Spring Valley Traditional Market
Located in a pristine area at an altitude of 350 meters in Seoraksan, Gangwon Province, Osaek Yaksoogol Traditional Jang offers a unique taste of our traditional fermented soybean paste that has been aged for over 2 years. Made with pure spring water once enjoyed by the Hwajeon people 400 years ago, and using oak and pine firewood to naturally dry and ferment the paste in iron pots passed down through generations, this is a true gem of our heritage. Visitors can witness the making of Cheonggukjang, a fermented bean paste boiled in a cauldron over a wood fire, and purchase special gift sets featuring Yangyang pine mushrooms-infused red pepper paste and soybean paste. Come experience the essence of Yangyang’s local flavors at Osaek Yaksoogol Traditional Jang! (Source: Osaek Yaksoogol Traditional Jang Website)
• Address (location): 66-1 Baegam-gil, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: 09:00~18:00