Experiencing Korean and African Folk Traditions at Museums in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do

While Yeongwol, Gangwon-do boasts many spots with beautiful scenery and places to enjoy, experiencing traditional Korean folk painting alongside exotic African culture, which might seem entirely unrelated to Korea, makes for a unique trip. The Joseon Minhwa Museum in Yeongwol displays over 3,000 precious pieces of traditional Korean folk painting, making it a favorite among experts, while the Yeongwol African Art Museum offers a glimpse of authentic native African artworks.

Along the way

1. 1

   Joseon Minhwa Museum

   조선민화박물관

   The Joseon Minhwa Museum, the only one of its kind in Korea, opened on July 29, 2000, in conjunction with the 4th Yeongwol Donggang Raft Festival. It was established by Oh Seok-hwan, who invested his entire personal fortune to raise awareness among the general public and folk painting enthusiasts about the precious value of tradition. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Gimsatgat Valley

   김삿갓 계곡

   Gimsatgat Valley boasts scenic views so outstanding that the poet Kim Sat-gat referred to it as "Mureunggye" during his lifetime. Although it is not officially designated as a tourist resort, it is well-preserved and unpolluted, standing as a pristine sanctuary. The presence of white-bellied woodpeckers in the neighboring Naeri Valley, woodpeckers on the trail up to the Jeokbyeolbogung (Jeokmyeolbogung) of Beopheungsa Temple, as well as otters, Eurasian eagle-owls, goosanders, golden eagles, Oriental scops owls, tawny owls, kestrels, and flocks of wild ducks living where the Donggang and Seogang rivers flow around wondrous rocks, proves that this area is truly a living ecological museum. Yeongwol-gun operates a rotational sabbatical system for this valley and nearby valleys such as Naeri Valley, so visitors should check the schedule before departing. MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (Choseong Garden, Gangwon Tosok Sikdang, Daeyeong Minmul Maeuntang)

   점심식사(초성가든, 강원토속식당, 대영민물매운탕)

   [Choseong Garden] Known for its deliciously spicy flavor made with freshwater fish caught in Yeongwol's Donggang River. [Gangwon Tosok Sikdang] Serves arrowroot noodles (chik-guksu), a dish that is gentle on the stomach and good for hangover relief, made with noodles handcrafted directly from arrowroot. [Daeyeong Minmul Maeuntang] Serves spicy freshwater fish stew (maeuntang) prepared with mandarin fish caught in the Donggang River.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Gossigul Cave, Yeongwol

   영월 고씨굴

   This cave formed within sedimentary rocks (carbonate rocks corresponding to the Makgol Formation of the Joseon Supergroup, dating back about 480 million years) deposited during the Ordovician period of the Lower Paleozoic era. The scale of the cave consists of a main passage of about 950 meters and branch passages of about 2,438 meters, totaling approximately 3,388 meters in length. Among this, only a section of about 620 meters (with a visitor walking route of about 1.5 km) has been developed for tourism and opened to the public. MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Yeongwol African Art Museum

   영월아프리카미술박물관

   To foster a broad understanding of diverse African cultures, the museum semi-permanently displays African cultural artifacts contributed by African embassies in Korea and complements its functions with special exhibitions tailored to occasions or regional characteristics. Through sculptural arts such as masks and figures representing the conceptual world of African peoples, visitors can discover their artistic talents and explore the materials, production techniques, and artistic characteristics of African art, as well as their influence and significance in modern art. MoreLess

   

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