A day away... Taebaek

When the weekend comes, it most certainly is time to play. One of the things that Jo and I do during the week is try to find something new and exciting to do. In fact, for the next month, we have nearly every weekend planed with a fun outing or gathering.

We weren't sure what we had wanted to do this past weekend, but thankfully the KTO posted a link on their Facebook page for the Taebaek Sunflower festival.

There were several options on getting out there, but Jo and I settled on grabbing an Intercity bus from Suwon and resting along the way. Once there, we walked over to the Tourist Information booth and were instructed to take a taxi to the festival.

Being up in the high country was a welcome change after over a year in the concrete jungle, I really wanted to see some alpine areas. Taebaek was just what the doctor ordered, too. Everything was spectacular, even though most of the sunflowers had moved on to... greener pastures (I know... lame).

From the festival area, Jo and I opted to taxi-it to Yeongyeon Cave. It was even a little higher up the mountain and took us on a 800 meter walk underground. It was an amazing experience, mostly because after being in the direct sunlight for hours, the cool, damp cave was welcomed. I thought it was strange that they gave us hard hats when going into the cave, but Jo and I soon realized why they did this.

While the trail system in the cave is extensive, it really isn't tall-people friendly. Several times low outcroppings darted into the path, and on more than one occasion, I had to get down on my hands and knees to traverse the cave. That being said, it was a great experience, one that I'm thankful Jo and I made together.

The one thing I didn't understand was the pace that others were taking through this natural wonder. Jo and I took our own sweet time (maybe 90 minutes) to go through everything. Everyone else seemed to be in some sort of race to see how fast they could get through the cave, and in my opinion, missed out on seeing how beautiful it was.

After lunch, we headed out to Hwanji Pond. It's located about 10 minutes from the bus terminal and was nothing less than an oasis in the center of town.

Everything was so peaceful there, that I think Jo and I thought this was the highlight of the trip. What's really unique about this 'pond' is that since it produces so much water, it's actually the source of the Nakdong River.

If you have a free day and want to explore some great natural wonders, I really recommend hopping on a bus or train and giving Taebaek a try. There's a lot to do, and I know that Jo and I will return to visit some of the other natural wonders in town.

Music, used with permission from Jason Shaw and Kevin MacLeod.

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[cgkitti]

Have you gone there in the winter when it's covered in snow? It's beautiful. I went there last winter!

[qiranger]

@cgkitti Haven't made it up there for the winter stuff yet... maybe next year!

[lynn4er]

I lived in Taebaek for 15 years, but some parts of your video I've never seen it before. And I never been that cave either. Next time when I go there, I'll definitely check it out.

[qiranger]

@lynn4er Wow! that's awesome! I really like it there. Jo and I will be back!

[rocknrose99]

you r soooo lucky :)

[qiranger]

@rocknrose99 Thanks!

[prcrossman]

Taebaek, great choice!

[qiranger]

@TravMcTavish Glad you're having so much fun watching the videos! I'm really enjoying putting them together!

[qiranger]

@stuffnnonsense There's so much one can do to escape the heat! So much fun to have!

[TravMcTavish]

Awesome video as always mate. Your videos are a highlight of my YT viewing. Little too tall for those caves. :)