By Honorary Reporter Lalien Guillen from Philippines
Photos = Lalien Guillen 

Summer is here and that means heading to the beach to enjoy the best summer vibe. The main regions of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, except the islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo, have two coastal cities and counties along the east coast. The two counties on the northern end of the province are Uljin-gun and Yeongdeok-gun, followed by the cities of Pohang and Gyeongju. For those in search of "vitamin sea" in the province, check out Yeongdeok-gun.

This county is probably most famous for its king (snow) crabs, as evidenced by the annual Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival, one of the country's premiere events. Aside from the beloved crabs, this region is also popular for Yeongdeok Blue Road. 

The road is a 64.6-km walking path opened in 2013 and divided into four courses, with each averaging between five to six hours to finish. Those not keen on long walks (like me) can always use a car.  

We recently took a road trip using the road, making stops at Yeongdeok Wind Power Plant Complex, Yeongdeok Haemaji (Sunrise) Park, Jukdosan Mountain Observatory and Chuksanhang Port Lighthouse. The entire stretch of the road covers the seaside, allowing a clear and wonderful view of the East Sea as we drove. We stopped to admire the views from a closer distance, parking our car by the road to get closer to the water.

The sound of the waves was music to our ears and the sea breeze was bliss for our skin. After a few minutes admiring the sea, we returned to our car and headed toward our first destination.

Yeongdeok Wind Power Plant Complex

Opened in 2005, this complex is in the village of Changpo-ri within the town of Yeongdeok-eup. It has 24 wind turbines that can generate 96,680 megawatts of electricity a year. The two-story New Recycling Energy Exhibit Hall is also there.

We skipped the exhibition hall and went directly to the observation deck atop Changposan Mountain. Seeing the blue hues of the sky and sea contrasted by the earthly colors of the mountain was breathtaking, as was the soft tweeting of birds in the background. The continuously blowing wind left us feeling refreshed every time. I badly wished that we could take the fresh air back with us to our city.

Amazed by the stunning beauty, we stayed at the observation deck longer than planned. The sky, sea, wind, mountain and hypnotizing circular movements of the turbines were soothing to our minds as well as our eyes.

Yeongdeok Haemaji (Sunset) Park

As much as we wanted to stay longer in the complex, we moved on to our next destination. Still in Changpo-ri, Yeongdeok Haemaji (Sunrise) Park has a walking path 2.1 km long. This beautiful venue has a great view of the East Sea and many pavilions, observation decks and pergolas, as well as a lighthouse that resembles a snow crab's claw.

We found a secluded spot on one of the cliffs and marveled over this masterpiece of nature with its cloudless sky, vivid blue sea and endless splashing of waves on the shore.

My husband and I enjoyed the sound of the waves hitting the rocks; it was powerful and loud but relaxing. For almost half an hour, we sat there on the cliff barely talking and just listened to the calming sound of the waves.

Again, we didn’t want to leave but had to.

Jukdosan Mountain Observatory

This mountain is in the charming township of Chuksan-myeon. Back in the Joseon Dynasty era, Jukdosan was mapped as an island separate from the mainland but over time, it incredibly got connected to the town naturally.

This was possible due to the sand accumulation of the Chuksangang River being split by the littoral current of the East Sea, thus creating a sand dune in between them. The Blue Road Bridge was built over the dune.

Walking along the bridge was a surreal experience, as was seeing a miracle of nature: salt water and fresh water on both sides.

Finally, we arrived at our final destination. Chuksanhang Port Lighthouse is atop the 80-m summit of the mountain as an observatory and guide to fishing boats in the port.

We had a 360-degree view of the East Sea, the port and ridges of never-ending mountains, giving our eyes more fascinating sights to feast on.

We headed home lighthearted and fully rejuvenated. The sea, waves, mountains and breeze had a therapeutic effect on us. Yet spending just a day in Yeongdeok-gun is simply not enough to fully appreciate its magnificent beauty. Thus I strongly recommend staying there for a weekend.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.