Yeongdong-gun (영동군) is a rural county in southern North Chungcheong, South Korea.
Known for its vineyards, wine-themed attractions, and traditional music festivals, Yeongdong makes a relaxed stop between the mountains of central Korea and the Geum River basin.
Understand
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Yeongdong County, located in southern Chungcheongbuk-do, is best known for its vineyards and locally produced wines. The area brands itself as the "home of grapes" in Korea, hosting an annual Grape & Wine Festival each September. The county seat, Yeongdong-eup, is a quiet market town surrounded by valleys and low mountains. Traditional music also plays a key role in local identity, with Yeongdong often referred to as the birthplace of Korean gugak (traditional music).
Yeongdong County is divided into one town (eup) and ten townships (myeon). These subdivisions are mostly rural, with vineyards, mountains, and traditional villages.
- Yeongdong-eup – The county seat and main transport hub, with markets, restaurants, and accommodation. Most visitors will pass through here.
- Haksan-myeon – A rural township known for orchards and quiet valleys.
- Simcheon-myeon – Famous for the Simcheon Riverside and hiking trails.
- Hwanggan-myeon – A small township with a traditional market and access to mountain temples.
- Yangsan-myeon – Agricultural area with vineyards and scenic countryside.
- Chungbuk-myeon – Farming community with seasonal festivals.
- Gimcheon-myeon – Bordering Gyeongsangbuk-do, with mountain scenery.
- Maegok-myeon – A rural area producing grapes and peaches.
- Yanggang-myeon – Known for its valleys and rural guesthouses.
- Baekseok-myeon – Remote and mountainous, good for hiking.
- Jincheon-myeon – Agricultural land with traditional villages.
Talk
[edit]Standard Korean is widely spoken and understood throughout Yeongdong County. Locals may also use the Chungcheong dialect, known for its slow and relaxed intonation. A few regional expressions, such as "georyeo" (그려, meaning "that's right") or "geosigi" (거시기, a vague word used in place of "that thing"), may be heard in daily conversation, but visitors will generally have no problem communicating in standard Korean.
Get in
[edit]KTX/ITX and Mugunghwa services stop at **Yeongdong Station**; there are intercity buses from Cheongju, Daejeon and Seoul. National Route 4 and the Jungbu-naeryuk Expressway provide road access.
Get around
[edit]Local buses connect the town with surrounding villages; taxis are easy to hail around the station.
See
[edit]- 1 Yeongdong Wine Tunnel (영동 와인터널), 1 Maecheon-ri, Yeongdong-eup (About 5 min by taxi or 20 min on foot from Yeongdong Station.), ☏ +82 43-740-3208. 09:30–18:00. A 420-m former railway tunnel converted into a themed wine exhibition space. Visitors can taste and buy local Yeongdong wines, explore displays on wine-making, and enjoy seasonal cultural events. The tunnel maintains a naturally cool temperature year-round, making it especially pleasant during the hot summer months. Adults ₩2,000; children ₩1,000.
- 2 Yeongguksa Temple (영국사), 132-1 Haksan-ri, Haksan-myeon (About 20 min by car from Yeongdong-eup; local buses run to Haksan-myeon, then a short taxi ride or hike to the temple.), ☏ +82 43-743-3239. Sunrise to sunset. Historic Buddhist temple nestled in forested hills northeast of Yeongdong. The site is known for its serene walking paths, centuries-old stone pagodas, and mountain scenery. A peaceful stop for those interested in Korean temple architecture and quiet nature. Free.
- 3 Wollyubong Peak (월류봉), Hwanggan-myeon (About 15 min by car from Hwanggan town center. Local buses stop near the entrance; from there, hiking trails lead up to the peak.). Always open. Scenic rocky peak in the Hwanggan area, known for its sheer cliffs rising above the Geum River. Popular with hikers for its trails and panoramic views, especially at sunset. The site is also noted for its seasonal foliage in autumn. Free.
- 4 Nogeunri Peace Park (노근리 평화공원), 525 Nogok-ri, Hwanggan-myeon (About 10 min by car from Hwanggan town center; accessible by local bus or taxi.), ☏ +82 43-740-3602. 09:00–18:00 (closed Mondays). A memorial park commemorating the tragic Nogeunri incident during the Korean War. The site combines reflective indoor exhibits, outdoor monuments, and peaceful natural surroundings. It serves as a place of remembrance and education about wartime history. Free.
- 5 Songho Tourist Site (Geum River Trail). River-side area by the Geum River, walking trails, scenic views, relaxing natural setting near 강선대.
- Minjujisan Provincial Park (민주지산도립공원) – A mountainous provincial park shared with Boeun and Geumsan counties. It features dense forests, waterfalls, and the 1,242 m peak of Minjujisan, popular with hikers year-round.
- Sangchon Valley (상촌계곡) – A scenic valley with crystal-clear streams and shaded picnic areas. In summer, it is a favorite spot for swimming, camping, and escaping the heat.
- Docheon Hot Springs (도천온천) – A small local hot spring area with mineral-rich waters, said to be good for skin and relaxation. Several bathhouses and accommodations are clustered nearby.
Do
[edit]- 1 Yeongdong Grape & Wine Festival (영동 포도·와인 축제). Annual late-summer festival celebrating the county’s grapes and wines with parades, tastings and hands-on picking.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Local grape-fed specials. Small eateries around the market use seasonal grapes and local produce; ask for house wine pairings.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Yeongdong wines & tasting rooms. Family-run wineries pour light, fruity styles; many sell bottles to take away.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Yeongdong-eup guesthouses. Simple inns and guesthouses near the station and market.
Stay safe
[edit]Yeongdong County is generally safe with very low crime rates. Visitors are unlikely to encounter any problems beyond the usual precautions needed anywhere in Korea.
Weather, however, can present some hazards. Summers are hot and humid, with occasional heavy rains that can cause flash flooding in valleys. Winters can be icy, and rural roads may be slippery after snow. If hiking in the surrounding mountains such as Minjujisan, bring proper gear and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
As in most rural areas, medical facilities are limited outside the county seat, so consider bringing basic medication and allow extra travel time in case of emergencies.