YANGPYEONG: A RETREAT, RELAXING AND HEALING TRIP (With YouTuber BLIMEY)

OVERVIEW

Traveling has proven to be one of the best way to retreat our soul, cleanse our mind and to refresh our heart. A trip to heal can be in the middle of nowhere, either on a quiet and secluded island or even alone in the bustling busy city. As long as we can be in the different environment and detach from our common space, it is known to be therapeutic to our body, mind and soul.

Last weekend, I took two full day rest for a healing trip to Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province. I'm not alone, I went together with YouTuber BLIMEY and Fahiera. We met through a mentoring program organised by WOWKOREA, the trip was sponsored by Korea Tourism Organisation.

We did have a blast and great moments together. At some point, I get to forget my workload from studying and enjoying one moment at a time. The healing travel course in Yangpyeong were very satisfying. Thus, I'd like to share the details of our trip. Who knows, anyone would need it in the future.

HOW TO GO

Although Yangpyeong is located in another province, but it is one of the most favorite destinations for Seoulites to escape every weekend. Thanks to Seoul powerful public transportation, it is easy to reach via subway and intercity buses as well. From Seoul, take gyeongui-jungang line and stop at Yangpyeong station. It took approximately 1.15 hours and costs only 2,150 won. To commute in Yangpyeong is either by public bus or Kakao taxi for more comfortable option.

WHERE TO GO

Since it is one of the most preferred weekend location, Yangpyeong has a lot to offer. During our trip, we focused on activities that can retreat, relaxing our mind, soul and to destress.

1. Canoe Ride

Imagine riding a canoe, down a calm river with a view of the mountains in late autumn at the back, it was very relaxing. Honestly, this was my first experience canoeing, I was a bit scared and at that time, I just thought what if I fell into the water.

However, the excitedness and the curiosity in me was over everything. I gather all my spirit and yes! I managed to float on the water *laughs*. Information about the location of this canoe is as follows.

This place is also, the location where BTS V rides a canoe in their popular show "BTS into the sup".

Place: DongDong Canoe

Direction: Subway Wondeok Station Exit 1 (899 metres) *reccomended going by cab*

Address: #104 Gajanggol-gil Gaegun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Price: Adults 12,000 won , Children 9,600 won

Operation Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM

2. Glamping

Glamping is synonymous in many countries especially countries rich in natural beauty. Glamping is where stunning nature meets modern luxury. Which describes a style of camping with proper bed, complete amenities and in some cases, resort-style services. It is not usually associated with the "traditional" way of camping.

Along with the concept of healing trip this time, we stayed for one night at a glamping park called Stone Hill. The tent we lived in could accommodate up to four people. Not only that, the spacious interior is very comfortable complete with dining table, heater, dishes, rice cooker and television.

Other facilities outside the tent such as toilets, bathrooms, dishwasher, microwave, grill equipment and campfire are also provided. When we mentioned about camping, cooking is definitely one of the must-do activities. We bring halal meat and grill it on fire. It was amazing! Cold weather, grilled meat, vegetables, and instant noodled are the best combination we could ask for.

Place: Stone Hill Glamping

Address: #552-8 Yanggun-ri, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong-gun Gyeonggi-do

Direction: Subway Yangpyeong Station, Exit 2 (Walk 10 minutes) *taxi recommended*

Price: Weekdays: 250,000 won for 2 persons, 1 night (Up to 6 persons)

Weekend: 250,000 won for 2 persons, 1 night (Up to 6 persons)

3. Susu Cafe

The scale of this cafe was not a joke. Indeed, the location and vibe of this cafe is what sets them apart. River views; The Han river view from this cafe is very special.

On the left, there is a bridge and in every few minutes we can see a train crossing. With the variety of seating areas makes it very attractive and visitors able to have their own time appreciating the view as well as to get our head straight. I also chose few pastry for breakfast along with hot coffee. The ambience of being here feels very cozy and peaceful.

Place : SuSu Cafe

Address: #16 Bukhangang-ro Yangseo-myeon Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Direction: Subway Yangsu Station, Exit 1 (1.3km) *taxi recommended*

Price: Americano 6,500 won

4. Paragliding

Thinking about releasing stress, is there any better option than screaming. We went extra by choosing to do paragliding to destress. I think we made a right decision. This isn’t the first time I’ve done paragliding, so I’m really excited to ride it for the second time. The view from above is very beautiful. The mountain has changed color as if it were dark shade of orange. I really enjoy seeing the scenery. A bit of a stunt thrill from the pilot, can be a bit dizzying to some people, but strangely I was all excited and happy *laughs*.

Paragliding in Yangpyeong is quite expensive but the service provided, I can say the best. Upon arrival at the registration counter, the employee in charge was very friendly and we were asked to choose the package. After that, other staff will wait in the clothes room, for us to wear the suit provided. Don't worry, they help put on the suit, you just have to wait.

Then, move towards the van/truck to take us to the take-off point. The journey takes about 20 minutes with very challenging road conditions. Arriving at the take-off point, each participant will be arranged with one pilot. They will explain how to take off and landing. We only hear keywords and instructions from them. They are very friendly and will make sure all equipment is used properly and safely.

Place: Yangpyeong Paragliding Park

Address: #49 Dongmak-gil Okcheon-myeon Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Direction: Subway Station Ashin Station (Exit 1) Take taxi for 12 minutes

Price: Basic course 110,000 won (Exclude pictures and video)

Dynamic course 140,000 won (Included pictures and video)

Operation hours: Starting from 8.00 AM

WHERE TO EAT

Talking about foods, of course when we go travel, food is included in the highlight. As a Muslim, there are some suggestions what we can eat in Yangpyeong. But please note that, these restaurants are not a halal restaurant but the menu that we chose were not included any pork or meat. Only compromises seafood and vegetables.

1. Park Seung Gwang knife-cut noodles (박승광 해물 칼국수)

This restaurant served seafood knife-cut noodles and seafood pajeon (Korean Pancake). Since it is a famous restaurant, there is always queue. Expect to wait for at least 20 minutes. But honest review, it worth the wait haha.

The seafood was plenty, even abalone was there. My first time eating kalguksu with abalone haha. Noodles were added after we finish the seafood and it was chewy and just nice. Also, pancake portion was scrumptious, thick and light batter with a lot bunch of squid. Worth eating!

Direction: Subway Yangsu Station (Exit 1) Taxi 15 minutes

Price: Seafood knife cut noodles 12,000 won, Seafood Pajeon 13,000 won

2. Yeonip bap Yuk-kong-ei-ney (연잎밥 육콩이네)

The second restaurant is a 20 years restaurant which served rice in lotus leaf. It was my first time eating this. The texture is more like a sticky rice topped with variety of beans such as black beans, almonds, chestnut and sunflower seeds).

Uniquely it was wrapped in a lotus leaf. The rice taste bland with no added preservatives or to be exact a healthy taste *laughs*. The side dishes were all non-meat options, which is great so muslim travelers can enjoy it without doubt. Those are lotus root, spicy stir fried anchovies, kimchi, thin pancake and a spicy dried pollack as a side dish.

Direction : Subway Yangsu Station (Exit 1) Walk 786 metres

Price : Rice in Lotus leaf 13,000 won (Come with side dishes)

OVERALL

All the above activities were very effective for healing, destress and retreat. I'm glad that I get to experience all of these in Korea. It was my first glamping, I think I might do it again in the future. And the highlight of the trip, was definitely the Paragaliding. The thrill ride by the pilot was somehow adventurous yet I get to shout out loud and get rid all of my stress from studying. I think this is a ll for today, I hope whoever who read this post will find it helpful. Thank you for reading.

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