Yeongwol Park Golf Course Draws Players to Historic Danjong Sites

Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province, is where the young King Danjong, dethroned by his uncle, spent his exile and ultimately his final days. The recent blockbuster film "The Man Who Lives with the King," depicting the dramatic life of Danjong, has become the fastest Korean film to reach 10 million viewers, drawing increased visitor traffic to the area. The region is also gaining popularity among park golf enthusiasts thanks to the Seogang Course at Yeongwol Park Golf Club, situated along the Seogang River where the Pyeongchang and Jucheon rivers converge before flowing past the Korean Peninsula-shaped terrain and Cheongnyeongpo. The course along the tranquil waterway offers both scenic riverside views and historical ambiance.

Strategic Play Required on Undulating Terrain

Yeongwol Park Golf Club opened on September 19, 2025, near Cheongnyeongpo in Hasong-ri. The partially opened Seogang Course features 18 holes across 27,927 square meters. Once the Donggang Course, targeted for completion this year, is finished, the facility will expand to 51,454 square meters.

The Seogang Course comprises C Course and D Course, each with nine holes measuring 729 meters and 720 meters respectively. Unlike typical flat courses, significant uphill slopes throughout the field add both challenge and enjoyment.

Precise distance control is essential given the terrain's propensity for out-of-bounds shots. Players must carefully predict ball trajectories along slopes. Strategic play calculating elevation changes outperforms raw power, making accurate slope assessment the key to lowering scores.

Essential Guide Before Your Visit

The Yeongwol County Park Golf Association currently manages the facility. Operating hours run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., shortened to 5 p.m. during winter months. Both county residents and outside visitors can play free of charge but must bring their own equipment.

As the course opened less than six months ago and turf is still settling, daily capacity is limited. Groups and visitors from outside the county should confirm reservations through the association in advance.

Exploring Danjong's Legacy in Yeongwol

Nearby historical sites make perfect post-round destinations. Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung, the royal tomb of King Danjong, are both a short drive away.

Surrounded by river on three sides, Cheongnyeongpo features centuries-old pine trees including the famous Gwaneumsong, creating majestic scenery.

Jangneung was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 30, 2009. The site is renowned for its red pine clusters that appear to bow toward the tomb, as if mourning the king's tragic fate.

Visitors during the annual Yeongwol Danjong Cultural Festival, held over three days starting the last Friday of April, can experience traditional ceremonies including royal funeral reenactments. This year's festival runs from April 24 to 26.

Yeongwol Park Golf Club Seogang Course at a Glance

- Location: Hasong-ri 81-74, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Province

- Size: 18 holes (27,927㎡)

- Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (March–September); 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (October–February)

- Fee: Free

- Equipment rental: Not available

- Reservations: Walk-in for county residents; phone reservation for outside visitors

- Operated by: Yeongwol County Park Golf Association