[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] Exploding Endorphins, Thrilling Activities Full of Excitement

Thrilling Donggang Exploration on Rapids
Walking on Waves Standing on a Board
Hongseong, Popping on the Five-Color Net

You can spend a healing time at Busan Surf Zone - Mangmangdaehae.

May is the month when everyone becomes an admirer of fresh greenery. At this time of year, the mountains and fields are covered with green hues that are still tender and unripe. This makes the scenery exceptionally clear, refreshing, and fresh. It is a perfect season to take a break from daily life and connect with nature. Especially if your daily routine feels dull and monotonous, embarking on a trip filled with adventure and thrills to enjoy new experiences and challenges might be a great idea. Although thrilling, outdoor activities can ignite a renewed zest for life and a satisfying sense of happiness. Whether in the mountains or by the sea, find an activity-filled travel destination where you can soar through the sky or glide over the water for an exhilarating experience.

#Ride the Rapids and Explore Donggang, Pyeongchang Eoreumchi Village

People enjoying rafting on the Donggang River in Pyeongchang

Donggang is full of charm. Known as a symbol of pristine natural environments, it features meandering streams (rivers flowing through winding valleys in mountainous or hilly areas), dramatic rock formations, and steep cliffs that create stunning landscapes. The area is part of a limestone region, which means there are many large and small caves scattered throughout. To fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Donggang, head to Eoreumchi Village. Here, you can participate in various outdoor activities such as rafting and cave exploration. Donggang rafting is divided into three courses, allowing you to choose based on your schedule and skill level. Baekryong Cave, one of Donggang’s scenic highlights, is designated as a natural monument and is protected. Explore the pristine cave environment under the guidance of a professional guide.

Visitors exploring Baekryong Cave

Meanwhile, ski resorts in Pyeongchang are transforming into vibrant activity centers for spring. Phoenix Pyeongchang operates Luge Land, where you can ride non-motorized sleds down the slopes. If you want to immerse yourself in a mystical world using media art, visit the Museum Deep Dive at Mona Yongpyeong. The fir tree forest path at Woljeongsa Temple is a tranquil walking trail, perfect for spending some quiet time alone.

#Walk on the Waves, Busan Gwangalli SUP Zone

Special Memories with Your Beloved Dog

Within Gwangalli Beach, there is a roughly 500-meter section known as the Gwangalli SUP Zone. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) is an eco-friendly marine sport where you stand on a board and paddle, offering a safe and enjoyable experience. The charm of SUP is that even beginners can fully immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a healing time. SUP at Gwangalli Beach is especially special. Is there a better beach to enjoy the fantastic sunrise and sunset against the backdrop of the sea? At night, you can leisurely admire the brightly lit Gwangandaegyo Bridge from your paddleboard. Try SUP yoga on the sand and sea as well; it offers excellent exercise benefits. The Gwangalli SUP Zone is well-equipped with showers, parasols, and photo zones, making it perfect for enjoying SUP. Shops near the beach offer systematic SUP programs, making it convenient to participate. The experience costs range from 35,000 to 50,000 KRW (for 2 to 3 hours), including lessons and equipment rental.

Surf Yoga Experience on the Water

If you love bread, head to Namcheon-dong near Gwangalli Beach. Known as ‘Bbangcheon-dong’ (Breadcheon-dong), this neighborhood has everything from traditional bakeries to trendy ones, making it ideal for a unique bread tour. Millak The Market, located at the end of Gwangalli Beach, houses stylish eateries and boutique shops, and features artist performances at the ocean-view stand. F1963, a complex cultural space created from a former wire factory site, is also a must-visit. It’s a peaceful place to stroll and reflect among exhibition halls, bookstores, and gardens.

#Thrilling Ways to Enjoy the Season of Fresh Greenery, Gapyeong ‘Bridge Zipline’

Gapyeong Bridge Zipline, the certified photo spot: the swinging bridge

Gapyeong’s ‘Bridge Zipline’ is located near the center of Gapyeong, nestled in the well-preserved natural forest at the foot of Kalbongsan Mountain. With a total of 8 courses and an overall length of 2,418 meters, it boasts the longest course-type zipline in Korea. The zipline consists of 7 courses ranging from about 100 meters to 500 meters in length and difficulty, plus one suspension bridge course crossing the sky, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during the experience. After driving up to the first course at the top, you ride the zipline down through the mountains and valleys. The early courses are designed for beginners to help participants adapt. The latter courses, ranging from 300 to 500 meters, include the highlight 7th course that flies along the Kalbongsan ridge to the opposite mountain, and the longest 8th course at 528 meters. As you progress, you gain confidence and can fully enjoy the thrill of the zipline and the surrounding scenery.

Participants enjoying the Gapyeong zipline

Jarasum Island, selected as one of Korea’s Top 100 Tourist Attractions for 2023-2024, and Homyeong Lake, one of Gapyeong’s eight scenic spots, are also great places to visit during the fresh greenery season. Both are perfect for spring walks, and Jarasum hosts a Flower Festa from May 25 to June 16, adding more attractions. Visiting Music Station 1939, a music-centered complex cultural space built on the old Gapyeong Station’s abandoned railway site, completes a perfect spring travel itinerary in Gapyeong.

#Run with the Spring Breeze on Your Whole Body, Yeongam International Kart Circuit

Children enjoying karting at Yeongam International Kart Circuit

Yeongam International Kart Circuit features a 1.222 km track, a scaled-down version of an F1 circuit, making it popular among kart enthusiasts nationwide. Although the karts may look like small racing cars compared to F1 machines, their speed, ride quality, and engine sound are impressive. Before karting, you must fill out a driving application form. For safety, wearing protective gear and attending a training session are mandatory. Once seated, you’ll see the brake and accelerator pedals. The track consists of straight and curved sections. Typically, during a 10-minute ride, beginners complete 4 to 5 laps. The second floor of the training building houses virtual experience facilities, including a 4D theater, VR racing, drone flying, roller coaster, and rafting simulations. Nearby, there is also a place to drive RC cars.

Infinite sprint of a single-seater cart

Yeongam Ceramic Museum researches, preserves, and exhibits Gurim ceramics. The Yeongam County Hajungwoong Art Museum was established after Hajungwoong, a promotional ambassador for Yeongam County, donated over 3,600 artworks. The Wangin Doctor Historic Site gathers various materials, exhibits, and cultural relics related to Wangin Doctor, making it a notable travel destination.

#Bounce on the Colorful Nets! Hongseong Namdang Port Net Adventure

Trick Art Zone at Namdanghang Marine Fountain Park

Hongseong Namdang Port has become thrilling. Korea’s first marine-type net adventure, where dopamine bursts with excitement, has opened. It is located at the far end of Namdang Port Marine Fountain Park, next to Namdang Port Fish Market. The Net Adventure is like a massive marine fortress built by stacking colorful nets layer upon layer. It features narrow maze-like paths, vertical tunnels and slides connecting the first and second floors. In the spacious ball park where you can jump freely, children and parents can roll and toss large balls together. Jump high to see nearby Jukdo Island, and even higher to catch a glimpse of Anmyeondo Island. This place offers the best ‘view spot’ at Namdang Port, where you can soak in the golden sea of the West Sea with your own eyes. The adjacent Marine Fountain Park is a huge fountain plaza decorated with musical floor fountains and trick art photo zones, creating a charming atmosphere.

Hongseong Net Adventure

Namdang Port has always been a place where seasonal seafood festivals never cease. In autumn, there’s the large shrimp festival; in winter, the new clam festival; and in spring, the webfoot octopus festival. Especially from April 20 to May 7, the Sea Trout Festival takes place. Another highlight is the opening of Hongseong Sky Tower, a new landmark standing 65 meters tall, in May. The tower’s highlight is the transparent skywalk that circles the tower. The newly developed Nolgungri Marine Park at Gungri Port will open at the end of April. When the sun begins to set, you can take stunning photos at the Sunset Observatory. Leaving behind the days when seasonal food was abundant but entertainment and sightseeing were lacking, Hongseong Namdang Port is undergoing an exciting and thrilling transformation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.