The Perfect 3 Days and 2 Nights Where Mountains, Rivers, and the Sea Meet! A Healing Travel Course from Yeongwol to Pohang

An Unexpectedly Perfect Combination, Yeongwol-Pohang Trip

While pondering how to spend the holiday, a friend said, "Have you been to the Yeongwol Byeolmaro Observatory? It's really beautiful." But going only to Yeongwol felt somewhat lacking... While looking at the map, I suddenly thought that if I went to Pohang, I could experience mountains, rivers, and the sea all at once. It's about a 3-hour drive from Yeongwol to Pohang, so it's a doable distance without overexerting!

In the end, it was truly a perfect choiceㅠㅠ. During the 3 days and 2 nights, I was able to fully enjoy the pristine nature of Yeongwol and the refreshing sea of Pohang. Even thinking about it now, it was a really fulfilling trip!

This is the beautiful view from the Yeongwol Byeolmaro Observatory. It was truly a moving experience that couldn't be captured in a photo!

DAY 1: Seoul → Yeongwol Byeolmaro Observatory (First Night Under the Starlight)

Travel and Arrival (2 PM)

Yeongwol is closer than you might think from Seoul. You just take the Yeongdong Expressway and exit at Saemal IC, then it's about another 20 minutes. It took about 2 hours in total, and we leisurely enjoyed walnut cookies at a rest stop along the wayㅎㅎ

Upon arriving in Yeongwol, even the air felt different. It was much clearer and cooler than Seoul. The mountains beautifully surrounded us, giving me the feeling of "Ah, I'm really on a trip."

Check-in and Relaxation

I booked a pension near the Byeolmaro Observatory, and it was clean with a great view, so I was satisfied. After checking in and organizing our luggage, we spent a leisurely time at a nearby café until dinner.

Night Observation at Byeolmaro Observatory (8 PM)

Finally, the main event! The night observation at Byeolmaro Observatory. It's best to book in advance, especially since it's crowded on weekends.

Upon arriving at the observatory, a staff member kindly explained everything as we began. We first watched a celestial video in the basement, followed by actual star observation through a telescope.

Wow... The moon and stars seen through the telescope were completely different. Especially seeing Saturn's rings in person gave me chills. Both my friend and I kept saying "Awesome"ㅋㅋㅋ

"There were so many stars that you could never see in the city, it felt like they were pouring down. Even without a telescope, you could faintly see the Milky Way."

The observation lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it wasn't boring at all. I even wanted to see more. It was a bit chilly at night, so I was glad I brought an outer garment!

DAY 2: Yeongwol Donggang Rafting → Pohang Transfer (Cutting Through the Rapids)

Donggang Rafting Eorayeon Course (10 AM)

On the second morning, it was finally time for the Donggang rafting that I was most looking forward to! We booked the Eorayeon course, which is about 12km long.

When we arrived at the rafting center, it was more organized than I expected. We first received safety training and got our gear, including helmets, life jackets, and paddles.

From the moment we entered the river, it was so exciting! The water was so clean and clear that you could see the bottom. The cliffs on both sides of the river were truly majestic.

The rapid sections were really thrilling. Water splashed everywhere, and we screamed "Kyaa!"ㅋㅋㅋ But it was more fun than scary. The guide led us so well.

"In the calm sections, we could relax and listen to the guide's stories about Donggang, making it a truly fulfilling and enjoyable experience."

The rafting took about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and afterward, there were hot showers available, so we could clean up nicely. The facilities were really well-maintained!

Lunch and Transfer to Pohang (1 PM)

After rafting, we had lunch nearby and tried Yeongwol's specialty, gondre rice. It was savory and delicious! Then we officially headed to Pohang!

To get from Yeongwol to Pohang, you take the Jungang Expressway. The distance is a bit long, but the road isn't complicated, so it was convenient. The scenery along the way was beautiful, making the drive enjoyable.

Arrival at Pohang Accommodation and Yeongildae Sunset (6 PM)

Upon arriving in Pohang, we checked into our accommodation and headed straight to Yeongildae Beach. It was the perfect time to see the sunset!

When we arrived at Yeongildae... Wow, the sea was so refreshing. After playing all day in Yeongwol's mountains and rivers, suddenly seeing the sea was even more moving.

The sunset was truly beautiful. As the sun set over the sea, the sky turned completely orange. My friend and I watched in silence for a long time. It felt like true healing.

DAY 3: Pohang Homigot Sunrise → Blue Road (Perfect Conclusion)

Homigot Sunrise (5:30 AM)

On the last day, we woke up early to see the sunrise at Homigot. Honestly, waking up at dawn was a bit tough, but I had no regrets once we got there!

When we arrived at Homigot, quite a few people were already there. Everyone was there to see the sunrise. We waited for the sunrise in front of the famous 'Hand of Harmony' sculpture.

The moment the sun rose... It's really hard to describe. The red sun slowly rose over the horizon, making the entire sea sparkle. It was a spectacular view that couldn't be fully captured in photos.

"Seeing the first sunrise of the Korean Peninsula was meaningful in itself. Starting a new day by the sea made me feel refreshed."

Blue Road Drive (8 AM)

After watching the sunrise, we had breakfast nearby and drove along the Pohang Blue Road. The Blue Road is a coastal road from Pohang to Yeongdeok, perfect for a drive!

With the car windows down, we drove while feeling the sea breeze, with the endless East Sea on the right and green hills on the left. We stopped occasionally to take photos and enjoy the sea view.

The sea view, especially past Guryongpo, was truly beautiful. The sea was a deep blue that you could never see in Seoul, such a vivid and clear blue.

Last Meal and Return Home (12 PM)

When you think of Pohang, you think of gwamegi! We had a gwamegi set meal for lunch in Guryongpo, and it was surprisingly not fishy and quite mild. It was my first time trying it, and now I understand the charm of gwamegiㅎㅎ

After lunch, we returned to Seoul, and in the car, my friend and I kept saying, "We really had a great trip." 3 days and 2 nights might seem short, but it felt like a very fulfilling trip.

Yeongwol-Pohang Travel Tips

Recommended for These People!

During this trip, I felt that the Yeongwol-Pohang course is perfect for these people:

• Those seeking diverse experiences: You can experience mountains, rivers, and the sea all at once.
• Those who love driving: There are many scenic roads, making driving enjoyable.
• Couples/friends who love activities: There's plenty to do, from rafting to stargazing.
• Those in need of healing: You can completely escape daily life in nature.
• Those who love taking photos: There are many spots for taking life-changing shots!

Concluding the Trip

After finishing the 3 days and 2 nights Yeongwol-Pohang trip, I truly felt it was a perfect combination. Seeing stars in Yeongwol, rafting, watching the sunrise in Pohang, and driving by the sea... I wonder if there's another course where you can have such diverse experiences at once.

It was especially fun because I went with a friend. It would be nice to go alone, but activities like these are more enjoyable with someone to share them with.

Next time, I want to go again in a different season. The autumn foliage would be beautiful, and winter might have its own charm. Oh, and I definitely want to visit the Gossi Cave in Yeongwol and the Jukdo Market in Pohang next time!

"A trip where you see stars in the mountains, cut through rapids in the river, and greet the sunrise by the sea. Could there be a more perfect combination?"

I highly recommend the Yeongwol-Pohang travel course! It's a perfect healing course, especially for those tired of daily life. 3 days and 2 nights are enough, and you can have a fulfilling trip without overexerting yourself. Everyone should try it at least once!ㅎㅎ