[Joyongjun's Travel Miles] Cheap Doesn't Mean Bad... NO, Destinations That Are OK Even with a Thin Wallet

11 Sweet and Salty Tour Destinations Recommended by Korea Tourism Organization for November

If you prepare purple, the entrance fee to Purple Island is free...

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist] Travel is completed through a combination of information. From when, where, and how to go, to what to eat and where to stay. In today's era of high inflation, smart discount information is also indispensable. Although cheap things are often of poor quality and nothing in the world is free, that is not always true. With just a little attention, valuable information can be found everywhere. We have searched for rich and cost-effective travel destinations for thrifty travelers who want to save even a single penny due to their thin wallets. Some places waive entrance fees if you wear purple clothes, shoes, or hats, while others allow you to enjoy a hearty meal and shopping at the market for just 10,000 won. Is that all? Entrance fees can also be refunded in local gift certificates to be used within the region. Coincidentally, the Korea Tourism Organization has also set the theme for recommended places to visit in November as a sweet and thrifty tour and introduced them. Since there may be changes depending on local circumstances when visiting travel destinations, it is essential to check detailed information such as opening status, opening hours, and viewing methods in advance on the websites of relevant local governments.

◇Is it really necessary to go abroad? Cheorwon Hantan River Columnar Jointing Trail

The Cheorwon Hantan River Columnar Jointing Trail, which offers breathtaking scenery and thrills comparable to overseas attractions, is gaining high popularity. It is a trail created in the Sundam-Dreuni section of the Hantan River Geopark certified by UNESCO, with a total length of 3.6 km. Walking along the cantilevered paths (paths built on high cliffs), visitors can admire the unique terrain around the Hantan River formed by volcanic activity. The trail features 13 bridges, 3 sky observatories, and 10 rest viewpoints to fully enjoy the views and thrilling experiences, allowing visitors to adjust walking and resting according to their physical strength. Since the trail has two entrances, to return to the starting point, you must either use a vehicle or walk. For the former, a free shuttle bus runs back and forth between the two ticket booths on weekends and holidays, and taxis are recommended on weekdays. Upon paying the entrance fee (10,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teenagers, 3,000 won for children), about half of the amount is refunded in Cheorwon Love Gift Certificates (5,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for teenagers, 1,000 won for children).

The Sundam ticket booth of the Cheorwon Hantan River Columnar Jointing Trail is not far from Goseokjeong (Gangwon Monument). Goseokjeong is a pavilion by the Hantan River and also refers to the surrounding gorge. The towering rock in front of the pavilion is magnificent. Do not miss the new landmark, the Cheorwon Hantan River Galaxy Bridge, and the Cheorwon History and Culture Park, which recreates the appearance of the modern cityscape when Cheorwon prospered. All three places have no admission fees.

◇A Jecheon Gourmet Tour Enjoyed with Two 10,000 Won Bills

Jecheon in Chungbuk Province is a travel destination where you can expect high satisfaction at a low cost. This is because there is a gastro tour that allows you to enjoy five flavors of Jecheon for 19,900 won. The gastro tour is a gourmet program where you taste various foods while hearing stories about Jecheon (takes about 2 hours). From the famous red fish cake and Deongsil Bunsik glutinous rice cake to herbal medicinal food, you can experience Jecheon's food culture comprehensively. Course A starts with glutinous rice cake, followed by white dandelion bibimbap, buckwheat noodles, sandwiches, and red fish cake in order. Course B enjoys Hwanggi beef bulgogi, buckwheat noodles, Seunggeomcho danja and herbal tea, red fish cake, and craft beer sequentially. You can choose the course according to your preferred food, and Course B, which includes craft beer, is popular among young people. The number of participants ranges from 4 to 20, and the prices for Courses A and B are the same (reservation required).

To relieve fullness, head to Uirimji and Jelim (scenic spots). Walking around Uirimji, which is full of old pine trees, calms the mind. Don't miss the thrilling glass observatory at Yongchu Waterfall. At Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex, you can observe the lifestyle of residents before the area was submerged and enjoy views of Cheongpung Bridge and Cheongpung Lake. If traveling with four people, using a tourist taxi guided by a local driver is efficient. For 5 hours, it costs 12,500 won per person to explore various parts of Jecheon. Vivid local guidance and friendly explanations are guaranteed.

◇No Worries Even with a Thin Wallet! Cost-effective Busan Market Tour

Take a thrifty market trip to Busan. For 10,000 won, you can fill your stomach and enjoy shopping. Gukje Market, as its name suggests, has everything, handling various daily necessities, kitchenware, hardware, lighting, fabrics, accessories, and interior items, making it fun to browse. Be sure to visit Kkotbunnine, where the movie Ode to My Father was filmed, and Silbi Street, where you can enjoy cheap and hearty meals. Opposite Gukje Market is Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, which boasts a long history. It mainly sells ingredients such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dried seafood, as well as clothing, miscellaneous goods, and imported products. Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market, the first night market opened nationwide, offers various street foods with delicious aromas late into the night. Jagalchi Market by the sea is full of fresh seafood such as lively fish, octopus, small octopus, and clams. You can enjoy the sashimi you purchase on the spot. When touring the markets, using Onnuri gift certificates or Zero Pay (mobile payment) offers discount benefits.

Yongdusan Park is an urban park rich in attractions such as the Diamond Tower, a newly renovated Busan Tower, the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the flower clock, and the Citizen’s Bell. It is also a good place for a walk after sunset. Yurari Square attracts many visitors on Saturdays to watch the Yeongdo Bridge opening event.

◇Walk Over the Sea to the Purple Island Tour, Sinan Purple Island

There is a unique attraction where you can travel three islands on foot at once. Sinan-gun in Jeollanam-do’s Purple Island is entirely purple, from village roofs to roads, trash bins, and restaurant dishes. Purple Island is the collective name for Banwoldo and Bakjido, which are subsidiary islands of Anjwa-do. Purple sea footbridges connect Anjwa-do with Banwoldo and Bakjido. The Moon Bridge between Anjwa and Banwol is 380 meters, the Purple Bridge between Banwol and Bakji is 915 meters, and the Purple Bridge between Bakji and Anjwa is 547 meters. Even if you skip island sightseeing and just walk along the footbridges, it takes at least 30 minutes. To fully enjoy the blue sky and sea, it is best to visit at high tide. At low tide, instead of rippling water under the footbridges, a wide mudflat spreads out. The islands have charming photo zones and coastal roads, as well as village hotels and restaurants. When visiting Purple Island, remember to wear purple. Wearing purple clothes, shoes, or hats waives the entrance fee (5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for teenagers, 1,000 won for children).

To get to Banwol and Bakjido, you pass through Amhaedo, Amtaedo, Palgeumdo, and Anjwa-do. All are connected by bridges. The sea bridges total 7.2 km in length, including the Cheonsa Bridge, Cheonsa Island Bonsai Park, Amtaedo Gidongsam Intersection murals, and the former home of Kim Whanki, a first-generation Korean abstract artist (National Folk Cultural Property) along the route. Baekgil Beach and Dungye Beach, beautiful spots on Jaeun Island, are also suitable for travel.

◇A Sweet and Thrifty Tour: Changnyeong Upo Wetland and Upo Dragonfly Land

Changnyeong-gun in Gyeongnam Province is a place well suited to the current era of high inflation. Upo Wetland is the first stop on the thrifty tour and a perfect spot. Its value is fully proven by the title of the largest inland wetland in Korea registered under the Ramsar Convention. In 2014, it proudly earned the title of Korea Tourism Star selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, and it is attractive because there are no entrance or parking fees. From November 25, 2021, if you carefully participate in the Eco Nuri program held at the Upo Wetland Ecology Center, which does not charge admission, your trip will be even more rewarding. Upo Dragonfly Land is an experiential learning center where you learn about various insects, including dragonflies inhabiting Upo Wetland. It refunds 50% of the entrance fee in Changnyeong Love Gift Certificates, allowing for a thrifty enjoyment.

It is also a pity to miss the Upo Wetland Ecological Experience Center and Changnyeong Museum, which do not charge entrance or viewing fees. Santokki Song Garden, equipped with various experience facilities such as a rabbit feeding area, mountain rabbit nursery rhyme hall, and rail sled, is great for spending the whole day with a low admission fee (2,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for teenagers, 1,000 won for children).

Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist jun21@