Things You Need to Know about Youngwol Y Park, Gangwon-do (2024)

During the winter months in Korea, finding a place to stay warm can be challenging, but there are plenty of indoor options like museums, malls, and movie theaters. However, for those willing to venture outside of Seoul, there’s an artistic escape that combines the tranquility of the countryside with the excitement of contemporary art Youngwol Y Park.

Nestled in the serene countryside of Gangwon-do, near the quaint town of Gonju, Youngwol Y Park also known as Jeolmeun Dal Y Park is a hidden gem that art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike should not miss.

Why Visit Youngwol Y Park?

There are countless reasons to explore this incredible art installation, especially for those with a passion for art. As an enthusiast, I found Youngwol Y Park to be a fascinating blend of natural beauty and artistic innovation. The park’s most striking feature is the towering red bamboo installation near the entrance, which is a sight to behold against the backdrop of the serene countryside. These vibrant sculptures are mesmerizing, and they set the tone for the artistic journey that awaits.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Youngwol Y Park serves as a gateway to the world of art for visitors of all ages. Art has always been a form of therapy for me, and this park provides a perfect setting for reflection, creativity, and inspiration. It’s an ideal destination for families, as it encourages children to explore their imaginations and engage with art in a hands-on way.

What to Expect at Youngwol Y Park

Youngwol Y Park is a sprawling art installation museum that features several different areas, each offering unique exhibits and experiences.

Art, in its many forms, is a powerful tool for learning and self-expression, and Youngwol Y Park offers a space where these elements come together harmoniously.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect during your visit in Gangwon:

The Red Bamboo (붉은대나무)

As you arrive at Youngwol Y Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant Red Bamboo installation by sculptor Choi Ok Young. These towering red steel pipes, designed to resemble bamboo, stand out against the green and blue landscape, creating a visually stunning contrast. The installation gives you the feeling of being a tiny ant navigating a massive universe—a theme that recurs throughout the park. This epic entrance sets the stage for the immersive experiences that follow.

Jupiter

After passing through the entrance, you’ll encounter “Jupiter,” another awe-inspiring work by Choi Ok Young. This massive cocoon-like structure, woven from wood, features a single circular opening at the top, allowing light to filter in. As you stand inside, you’re enveloped in a sense of wonder, as if you’re gazing up at a starry sky. The interplay of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that’s both calming and exhilarating.

Young Dal Art Museum 1

The first section of the Young Dal Art Museum transports you to a world of flowers and shapes. The exhibit “The Road that Saimdang Walked” by Grace Park is a floral wonderland that leads into the “Space Garden” by Choi Ok Young. The Space Garden is a tunnel of tubular shapes, inviting visitors to walk through and experience the intricate interplay of form and space. This section also features three distinct rooms:

Room 1: Filled with flowers and hanging teardrop mirrors, this room is a sensory delight.

Room 2: A hanging wooden sculpture representing the infinite universe.

Room 3: “Regeneration,” a space filled with abandoned pulleys and a scrapped car, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

Young Dal Art Museum 2

This museum is dedicated to the unique and thought-provoking works of Jeongyun Choi, who is renowned for his use of salt and thread. The space features salt swords that appear frozen in time, juxtaposed with soft threads that create a delicate and intricate web of color. The contrast between these two elements is striking, creating a sense of tension and harmony that is both visually and emotionally compelling.

Young Dal Art Museum 3

Young Dal Art Museum 3 is a diverse space that showcases a variety of artistic expressions. One of the highlights is the room filled with flying mechanical birds, which create a sense of movement and life within the otherwise still environment.

Another notable installation is the mirrored glass room, which offers a unique perspective as the reflections play with light and space. This museum also features the “Space Exhibition,” where round and circular forms symbolize the vitality of the mother’s womb, connecting the viewer to themes of birth and creation.

Road of wind (바람길)

The “Road of Wind” installation is a pathway lined with red columns, continuing the park’s recurring theme of vibrant red structures. As you walk along this path, you’ll feel the wind rushing through the breaks in the wall, creating a dynamic and sensory-rich experience. This installation serves as a transition between the various museums within the park, guiding visitors through the artistic journey.

Young Dal Art Museum 4

This museum is a tribute to the art of beer-making, featuring exhibits that showcase the history and culture of beer. The space includes materials used to make beer, store beer, and beer steins from around the world. The highlight of this museum is Choi Ok Young’s “Dragon,” a large pine structure that dominates the space.

The “Beer Museum” also pays homage to Meissen’s 555-year-old German beer factory, showcasing copper distillers and antique displays. This section of the park offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and artistic significance of beer.

Young Dal Art Museum 5

As you continue your exploration, you’ll come across Museum V, home to a towering metal structure that spirals into the sky like a giant tornado. This installation is made from repurposed building materials, creating a striking visual statement about the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The Red Pavilion

The Red Pavilion is divided into three distinct areas, each offering a unique experience:

Red Pavilion I

A giant red square space filled with sculptures, including the “Mirror Lizard.” When you look up into the lizard, the object is reflected in a confusing array of lines and ripples, creating a playful and disorienting effect. This pavilion connects the different spaces within the complex, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the art in their own way.

Red Pavilion II

This area is a playground for both children and adults, featuring a giant “Spider Web” play space. The web is suspended several stories above the ground, offering a thrilling and unique experience.

Beneath the web are blue deer sculptures by Tak Myung Yeol, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. It’s important to note that the Spider Web requires a separate ticket, and children must be accompanied by a guardian.

The Garden of Rest

As you near the end of your visit, take some time to relax in the Garden of Rest. This serene space offers a peaceful escape from the bustling activity of the park, with benches and shaded areas where you can sit and reflect on the art you’ve experienced. The garden also provides access to a small rooftop with views of the surrounding landscape, offering a perfect spot for photography.

Cafe Dal

No visit to Youngwol Y Park would be complete without stopping by Cafe Dal, also known as the Moon Cafe. This charming cafe is not only a place to grab a bite to eat but also an exhibition space in its own right. The interior is adorned with antique furniture and installations collected from various countries, creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere.

The cafe offers a range of desserts and drinks, including a 20% discount on Americano with your entrance ticket. The Cacao Factory, located within the cafe, provides hands-on workshops for cacao roasting, chocolate making, and coffee education, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the park.

Overall Experience
Youngwol Y Park offers a variety of experience programs that allow visitors to engage with art in a more interactive way. These programs include workshops on cacao roasting, chocolate making, and coffee education, all of which are available by appointment. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of the creative processes behind the art and are a great way to spend more time in the park.

Plan Your Visit

Youngwol Y Park is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the museum closed on national Korean holidays. Admission fees vary depending on age, with discounts available for online purchases and residents of Yeongwol-Gun and Gangwon-do. Parking is free, and the park’s spacious lot ensures that you’ll have no trouble finding a spot.

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

• Adults (Over 12): 15,000 won (12,000 won online)
• Children (12 and Under): 10,000 won (7,000 won online)
• Yeongwol-Gun Residents: 7,500 won
• Gangwon-do Residents: 10,000 won
• Spider Web Access (Currently Closed): 5,000 won

Youngwol Y Park is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, but it may be closed on national holidays.

How to visit Youngwol Y Park

Youngwol Y Park is accessible by both public transportation and car, though I highly recommend visiting by car if possible. Driving offers the convenience of a direct route and the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Location: 강원도 영월군 주천면 송학주천로 1467-9 (Free Parking)

For those traveling by public transportation, the journey is a bit more complex but still manageable. From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to the Yeongwol Bus Terminal, a ride that takes approximately two hours. From there, a second bus ride of about 30-45 minutes will take you to Juncheon Bus Terminal, followed by a short 6-minute walk to Youngwol Y Park. Alternatively, a taxi from Yeongwol Bus Terminal can save time and simplify the trip.

Whether you’re drawn to the striking red bamboos, the intricate installations, or simply the peaceful surroundings, this park offers something for everyone. Spend a few hours wandering through the various exhibits, let your imagination take flight, and discover the therapeutic power of art in this one-of-a-kind destination.

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