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Review: Byeolmaro Observatory in Yeongwol for Stargazing
🌌 Review of Byeolmaro Observatory in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do
The Yeongwol area in Gangwon-do is famous for its natural scenery along the Donggang River and its clear skies, making it a great place for stargazing. The Byeolmaro Observatory is one of the most popular observatories in South Korea, and a top choice for family trips, couple dates, and educational activities for children.
On December 8, 2024, I visited the Byeolmaro Observatory on a special day when the Moon and Saturn were visible. It was a highlight of my Yeongwol trip, which combined work and vacation.
📅 Booking Tips
Booking a spot at Byeolmaro Observatory is highly competitive. Due to the intense demand, on-site ticket purchases are not possible; you must buy them online.
For weekends, it is best to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. I initially failed to book for a Sunday, but a week later, I was able to snag a last-minute cancellation by phone.
👉 Reservations are only possible on the official website. If you need to change your schedule, you can do so by calling them directly.
🚗 Entry & Parking
Due to the observatory’s location deep in the mountains, you cannot drive directly to it. You must use the shuttle bus provided by the observatory. You can park your car near the ticket booth. The parking lot is very spacious, so you don’t need to worry about finding a spot.
When I visited, there was a temporary parking lot. After booking, I received a text message with the parking lot location and shuttle bus information. It took about 30 minutes to reach the observatory. Please check the latest announcements before visiting, as the temporary parking lot situation may have changed.
🪐 Exhibitions & Experiences
Upon arrival, you can freely explore the exhibition hall and cafe before the observation time. The lobby had displays of planets and constellations that were great for photos, and there was also a media art exhibition hall with a stunning light show.
The observatory also has Cafe 799, where you can enjoy a warm drink while taking in the night view of Yeongwol city. The open view of the city lights stretching out below the mountains was a scenic attraction in itself.
My only regret was that it was too dark to get a good picture of this beautiful spot.
🌠 Constellation Explanation & Planetarium
Before the observation, they showed a simulation of the night sky in the planetarium. On the giant dome screen, the constellations appeared one by one, making it easy to understand the locations of Orion, Sirius, and Gemini.
A laser pointer was used to trace the sky, and hearing stories like “This star corresponds to ○○ in Greek and Roman mythology” made the experience feel less like a simple viewing and more like a storytelling session.
🔭 Telescope Observation
Finally, we went to the top of the observatory to observe real stars and planets through the telescope.
That day, we were lucky enough to see the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. Although the telescope’s focus sometimes shook due to the wind, the feeling of awe when I saw Saturn’s rings with my own eyes after the wait is something I will never forget.
Since the lights were completely out for the astronomical observation, I couldn’t take any pictures. Instead, I’ve included a picture of the night sky itself. There were so many stars that the camera just couldn’t capture.
📝 Overall Review & Tips
Byeolmaro Observatory is not just a place to see stars; it’s a destination that combines an educational experience with an emotional journey. Families can have a great time learning about constellations with their children, and couples can create romantic memories under the night view of Yeongwol and the Milky Way.
- ✅ It is recommended to book at least 2 weeks in advance, and 3 weeks for weekends.
- ✅ Reservations are only possible on the official website, but cancellations and changes can be made by phone depending on the situation.
- ✅ For a convenient itinerary, book your accommodation in downtown Yeongwol or near the Donggang River (e.g., Donggang Cistar Resort) on Agoda or Booking.com.
In Conclusion
The highlight of my Yeongwol trip was undoubtedly the Byeolmaro Observatory. The experience of seeing Saturn and Jupiter firsthand under a sky full of stars and taking photos with the Milky Way as a backdrop is something I will remember for a lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to Yeongwol, I can confidently recommend Byeolmaro Observatory as an essential stop on your itinerary.