Explore Yeongdeok County, South Korea | A Dreamy 2-Day Getaway to the East Coast

| A dreamy 2-day getaway to the East Coast. Tired of the same old South Korean travel routes? Today, we'll take you to a hidden gem—Yeongdeok County. With stunning coastlines that rival K-drama scenes and a mouthwatering seafood feast, are you ready for this dreamy, off-the-beaten-path journey? Trip Highlights - King Crab Feast: Yeongdeok, the "Seafood Kingdom" of South Korea, offers plump and juicy snow crabs and mitten crabs, caught and cooked fresh to satisfy your taste buds. - Visit Filming Locations: Follow in the footsteps of "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" and stroll along the healing pier, experiencing the romance and warmth of the K-drama. - Ocean Bike Ride: Cycle along South Korea's most beautiful ocean bike path, enjoying the sea breeze and 360-degree views of the crystal-clear waters. - Encounter Sea Sparkle: On summer nights, you might encounter the magical sea sparkle at Jukbyeon Wetland, experiencing a dreamy fluorescent beach spectacle. Day 1: Seafood Extravaganza + Coastal Adventures 10:00 Yeongdeok Ganggu Port Yeongdeok's seafood market is a paradise for seafood lovers! From December to March, snow crabs and mitten crabs are at their prime. As you enter the market, a variety of fresh seafood greets you—king crabs, snow crabs, and mitten crabs, each beckoning you to try them! - Must-try: Choose a few live crabs from the many stalls and watch the vendors prepare them on the spot for ultimate freshness! - Recommended Restaurant: "Cheonghaksan," the third restaurant from the port. Try their three-course king crab set meal: crab roe bibimbap, sweet and crunchy crab leg sashimi, and finally, the rich and savory doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) made with the crab body. 14:00 Yeongdeok Ocean Bike Path After a satisfying meal, get up close and personal with the ocean! Rent an electric-assisted bicycle (KRW 8,000/2h) and enjoy a leisurely ride along the 7km ocean path. Starting from Ganggu Port, head towards Jukdo Island Observatory, with the sparkling sea on one side and a refreshing sea breeze on the other, as if cycling on the ocean itself. 17:00 Jukbyeon Wetland Observatory In the evening, visit the Jukbyeon Wetland Observatory, a true natural film set. At sunset, the golden sunlight casts beautiful reflections on the water forest, making every photo a masterpiece. If you visit during summer, you might even witness the magical sea sparkle. As the blue fluorescence twinkles beneath your feet, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. 19:00 Yeongdeok Night Market As night falls, Yeongdeok Night Market comes alive. Various food stalls emit enticing aromas. Spicy grilled octopus, crispy crab croquettes, and fresh sea urchin rice balls—every bite is pure bliss. Day 2: A Cultural Healing Journey 9:00 Yeongdeok Cherry Blossom Road (April only) If you visit Yeongdeok in April, don't miss the Cherry Blossom Road. The cherry blossom tunnel along the old railway tracks of Guryongpo Port is a hidden gem for photography. Stroll beneath the cherry trees as pink petals fall around you, as if you've entered a romantic cherry blossom shower. 11:00 Guryongpo Modern Culture Street This is the filming location of "The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure." A retro atmosphere permeates the streets. Find the same fish cake shop that Park Bo-gum visited and savor the soft and sweet fish cakes. Then, visit the 1913 old post office and send a postcard to a friend, embracing the slow pace of time. 14:00 Mangyangjeong Raw Fish Center You can't miss the raw fish in Yeongdeok! At Mangyangjeong Raw Fish Center, spend KRW 20,000 on a fresh, mystery sashimi box. You might even get some delicious flounder sashimi. After the sashimi, don't forget to order a bowl of fish bone soup and kimchi fried rice—it's a hidden menu item! 16:00 Yeongildae Beach Enjoy the sea breeze and try a transparent kayak at Yeongildae Beach, admiring the beauty of Yeongdeok from the sea. At dusk, write a wish in Chinese characters on the beach—a local tradition that adds a unique touch to your trip. Transportation Tips 1. Seoul → Yeongdeok: Take an express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 4.5 hours. Enjoy the scenery along the way, and you'll arrive at your destination before you know it. 2. Essential Apps: "Kakao T" for convenient taxi rides and "Naver Map" for accurate and practical public transport routes. With these apps, getting around Yeongdeok is a breeze. 3. Recommended Purchase: A one-day pass for the "East Coast Loop Bus" for unlimited rides and easy access to various attractions in Yeongdeok. Foodie Recommendations - Snow Crab Soup: "Jinyeong Restaurant" is open 24 hours a day, satisfying your snow crab soup cravings anytime. The delicious broth is simply irresistible. - Crab Meat Gimbap: "Jangmi Restaurant" offers the perfect combination of crispy seaweed, soft rice, and fresh crab meat. Each bite is a delight. - Seafood Pajeon (Scallion Pancake): "Badamajunga" on the second floor of Ganggu Port serves crispy and savory seafood pajeon with a blend of scallion and seafood flavors. Things to Avoid 1. Buying Crabs at the Market: Look for the "인증" (certification) sticker to ensure you're buying high-quality seafood. 2. Taking Photos on the Bike Path: The bike path is backlit in the afternoon, which isn't ideal for photos. Visit in the morning for better lighting. 3. Fishing Boat Closure: Some fishing boats are closed on Wednesdays, resulting in fewer seafood options. Try to avoid visiting the seafood market on this day. Hidden Gems 1. Early Morning Crab Fishing: Join a fishing boat at 5:00 am to experience the thrill of crab fishing and get a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen. Remember to book in advance! 2. Lighthouse Souvenir Stamp Collection: Collect souvenir stamps from seven lighthouses along the coastline, each representing Yeongdeok's unique scenery. 3. DIY Seafood Specimen: Every Saturday, the Cultural Center offers DIY seafood specimen workshops, allowing you to "take home" a piece of Yeongdeok's marine life. Photo Tips 1. Ganggu Port: Capture the silhouettes of fishing boats against the golden sunrise as they return to port in the early morning for an atmospheric shot. 2. Ocean Bike Path: Use a GoPro for low-angle shots and create a cool cycling vlog, documenting your close encounter with the ocean. 3. Guryongpo: Wear light-colored clothing and take Japanese-style photos in front of the colorful warehouses for effortlessly stunning pictures.