Mt. Wolchul and the neighborhood of Yeongam are seen beyond the Deokjin Tea field of Deokjinmyeon, Yeongam, South Jeolla Province.



By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter

The pure white of the cherry blossoms often plays tricks on our eyes, giving the flowers a snow-like appearance. But the warm spring sun, the breeze and the fragrance gives the illusion away. The 38-kilometer stretch of road from Yeongam to Yongdang transforms into a magnificent tunnel of cherry blossoms.



Yeongam, situated in the southwestern part of South Jeolla Province, is known for its superb natural scenery, rich history and culture. It is hailed the hub of cultural tourism for the region.

In 2006, National Trust of Korea designated Gurim Village in Yeongam as a cultural heritage. Based on findings from a pre-historic site in nearby Jangcheon-ri, it is estimated that the Gurim Village has been inhabited for 2,200 years.



Prominent figures such as Wangin, who took Korean culture to Japan, were from the village. The village has programs for visitors the whole year through such as a Home-Stay in a traditional house and the History Walk Tour. Also, from April 5-8, the village hosts the Yeongam Wangin Cultural Festival, near the relics of Wangin. For information on the festival, visit 2008 ¿µ¾Ï¿ÕÀι®È*ÃàÁ¦ or call 061-470-0224.

A must is Mt. Wolchul in Yeongam, where mountain climbers visit in droves. The word ``wolchul'' means ''moon is rising.'' When the moon wafts over Mt. Wolchul, the image is like that of a painting made in Indian ink. The Mt. Wolchul National Park, with its rocks and cliff, is likened to Mt. Geumgang in North Korea and accordingly dubbed the ``small Geumgang of Jeolla.'' It was designated as the 20th national park in 1988. The park runs an ecological tour. To participate in the program, one has to register first online at ::±¹¸³°ø¿ø°ü¸®°ø´Ü:: or call 061-473-5210 for reservations.



Last but not least, is the food. Yeongam is famous for its beef with octopus stew, fried octopus and mudskipper stew. For more on tours to Yeongnam, visit »çÀ̹ö¿µ¾Ï°ü±¤Å¸¿î or call 061-470-2224.

shim@koreatimes.co.kr