Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Although you can find plenty of green spaces, parks and gardens in the city, this is often not enough. For this reason, it is very important to escape out of Seoul at every opportunity to rejuvenate yourself.
On a day like today, if you want to get away from the fast pace of Seoul and experience the quieter and greener parts of South Korea, Yeongwol County (영월) in Gangwon province is the place for you.
Easily accessible from Seoul by high-speed train (KTX), Yeongwol offers a mix of natural beauty, history and peaceful local culture.
Getting from Seoul to Yeongwol by KTX
Our journey started with an early morning KTX train ride from Seoul central station. The journey to Yeongwol Station takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. As the chaos of the city disappears into the countryside, the road offers views of rolling hills and rivers. Once we arrived at the station, we rented a car as the best way to explore Yeongwol’s countryside, as public transportation can be limited in remote areas.
Beopheungsa Temple (법흥사)
The first place we visited was Beopheungsa Buddhist Temple. Unlike many famous temples in Korea, this one is not that well-known. This is its biggest feature. With the arrival of spring, the revitalized nature makes itself felt in the temple.
A small stream flowing through the temple grounds meanders its way through the mountains. The water of the stream fed by melting snow water is ice cold.
Although the exact date of construction of the temple is unknown, it was built during the Silla Period (668-935 AD).
is known to have been built. Like many temples, it has seen periods of destruction and reconstruction, and was completely burned and destroyed after the Imjin War in the late 1500s. It was later restored and brought back to life as Joseon Period Architecture and Buddhist Heritage.
The name “Beopheungsa (법흥사)” can be translated as “Temple of the Thriving Dharma”, a reference to the spread of the Buddha’s teachings.
Admire the Daeungjeon Hall (Main Buddha Hall), a classic wooden structure with a sloping tile roof, as well as smaller temples and prayer halls. Colorful Dancheong (decorative painting) works reflect traditional Buddhist aesthetics.
After a walk around the temple and a rest, it was time to hit the road again. We quietly said goodbye to the temple and headed towards Seonam Village (선암마을) and the area that looks like the Korean Peninsula.
Seonam Village (선암마을) and Korean Peninsula Land
After a peaceful morning at Beopheungsa Temple, our next stop, Seonam Village (선암마을) and Korean Peninsula Land (한반도 지형) offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural symbolism.
Seonam Village is a small traditional farming village nestled among low hills and calm rivers in Yeongwol County, Gangwon-do. Just above is a famous landscape, a natural land formation that strikingly resembles a map of the Korean Peninsula, including North and South Korea.
This land formation was carved by the flowing Donggang River (동강) over thousands of years, its gentle folds and sediment deposits gradually forming this peninsula-shaped land mass.
For many Koreans, the site has an emotional and symbolic meaning. It is a rare example of nature reflecting national identity and some even say it is a silent wish for the peaceful reunification of the country.
The best view is from Hanbando Jijeong Observatory (한반도 지형 전망대), which requires a short uphill hike. Once you reach the summit you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the full land formation surrounded by mountains and water.
Tofu in Yeongwol
Being vegan, I sometimes struggle to find food, but this small local restaurant gave me exactly what I wanted. After a morning of walking and temple-hopping, Yeongwol’s tofu dishes did not disappoint. 순두부 (sundubu, soft tofu) and 두부전골 (tofu hotpot) are among my favorites.
A day trip to Yeongwol felt like a small nature retreat, simple, slow and soul-soothing. With its temples, unique geography and warm-hearted people, Yeongwol offers a quiet charm that many travelers miss. If you are planning a trip in South Korea and want to get off the beaten path, I highly recommend adding this beautiful county to your list.
Peace be with you
