A Perfect Winter Night Getaway in Gangwon-do How About a “Star-cation”? ๐โ๏ธ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/417/0001120412 Winter in Korea has a special charm—especially at night. Because the sun sets earlier and the air becomes colder and clearer, winter is actually one of the best seasons for stargazing. When darkness falls, countless stars slowly appear in the sky, and just looking up can become the highlight of your trip. If you’re living in Korea and looking for a unique winter experience beyond cafés and city lights, Gangwon-do is the perfect destination. Thanks to its high altitude and low light pollution, it offers some of the best stargazing spots in the country. The Korea Tourism Organization recommends these four star-viewing locations in Gangwon-do, each with its own personality and story. This guide will help you understand where to go, what to expect, and why these places are so special โจBy the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas for your next winter night trip! 1๏ธโฃ Anbandegi, Gangneung – A Sky Full of Stars Above the Clouds ๐ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/417/0001120412 Anbandegi is a highland village located about 1,100 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest farming villages in Korea. Because there are almost no tall buildings or artificial lights, the night sky feels incredibly wide and open. ๐ฟ Why it’s special Extremely low light pollution Wide-open views of the night sky Recognized as a “Premium Village” and a “Green Road Worth Visiting” by the government During the day, you’ll see rolling hills, cabbage fields, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. At night, the scenery completely changes—stars fill the sky from horizon to horizon. ๐ Although it’s about 30 km from downtown Gangneung, the surrounding mountains block most city lights. Winter temperatures can be freezing, so warm clothing is essential ๐งฃ๐งคBut once you see the stars pouring down from the sky, you’ll understand why many visitors stay long after sunset. โ ๏ธ Tip: Some cabbage fields are private property, so be careful not to damage them when visiting. 2๏ธโฃ Byeolmaro Observatory, Yeongwol – Stars Above, City Lights Below ๐ญโจ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/417/0001120412 The name Byeolmaro combines: Byeol (๋ณ) = star Maru (๋ง๋ฃจ) = top or peak Ro (็ง) = calm and quiet Together, it means “a quiet peak for watching the stars.” Located on the summit of Bongnae Mountain (799.8m), this observatory offers a rare view where stars shine above while the city glows below—a truly magical winter scene. ๐ It was selected as one of the “100 Best Night Tourism Spots in Korea” in 2023. ๐ What you can do here Observe the moon, planets, and stars through professional telescopes Enjoy Yeongwol’s night view at the same time Join guided stargazing programs (perfect for beginners!) Even if the weather isn’t great, there’s a planetarium room that projects a virtual night sky, so you can still enjoy learning about the stars. This place is especially great if you want both education and atmosphere ๐ 3๏ธโฃ Time Capsule Park, Jeongseon – A Romantic Night Under the Milky Way ๐ซ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/417/0001120412 Time Capsule Park sits on Saebijae Hill at about 850m altitude. During the day, you can enjoy panoramic views of Gangwon-do’s mountains. But at night, the park transforms into a quiet, star-filled space that feels almost unreal. ๐ On clear nights, you may even spot the Milky Way stretching across the sky. ๐ฌ A movie connection This park became famous after appearing in the Korean movie My Sassy Girl. In the film, the main characters bury a time capsule under a pine tree, promising to meet again in the future. At the center of the park: A symbolic pine tree 12 circular stone blocks arranged like a clock ๐ฆ Outside of winter, visitors can actually bury their own time capsules. Looking up at the stars while sealing your memories into the ground is a truly unique and emotional experience—one you can only have here. 4๏ธโฃ Jo Gyeong-cheol Observatory, Hwacheon – A Night to Listen to the Stars ๐ ๐ง๐ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/417/0001120412 This observatory honors Dr. Jo Gyeong-cheol, a pioneering Korean astronomer often called the “Apollo Doctor.” It’s located at 1,010m above sea level, making it the highest citizen observatory in Korea. โจ Why it stands out Over 130 clear observation days per year Excellent conditions for viewing star clusters and the Milky Way Deep silence of the surrounding mountains ๐ Special Program: “Counting the Stars at Night” This paid program is divided into: A short talk A relaxing stargazing session Instead of focusing on difficult formulas or science terms, the astronomer talks about why humans look at the stars, turning astronomy into a shared story rather than a lesson. In the quiet winter mountains, you’ll find yourself naturally slowing down, speaking less, and simply letting the stars do the talking ๐ Why Gangwon-do Is Perfect for Stargazing ๐ โ High altitudeโ Clean, cold winter airโ Minimal light pollutionโ Unique observatories and themed parks If you’re living in Korea and want to experience something peaceful, meaningful, and different, a winter “star-cation” in Gangwon-do is a wonderful choice. This guide isn’t just about places—it’s about learning where to go, what to see, how to prepare, and what kind of experience each spot offers. Save this post, share it with friends, and use it as your go-to reference for winter night trips in Korea โจ So next time the winter night feels long… Why not look up at the sky and let the stars become part of your journey? ๐๐ #GangwonDo #WinterTravelKorea #StargazingKorea #Starcation #NightTravelKorea #GangwonTravel #KoreaWinter #KoreaNature #HiddenKorea #TravelKorea #KoreaTrip #KoreaNightView #AstronomyKorea #ObservatoryKorea #MilkyWayKorea #ForeignersInKorea #ExpatsInKorea #LivingInKorea #WeekendGetawayKorea #HealingTrip #NatureEscape #SlowTravelKorea #KoreanMountains #WinterNight #SkyLovers #TravelIdeasKorea #KTO #VisitGangwon #KoreaBucketList All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
