Danyang

Danyang (단양, 丹陽) [1], also Tanyang, is a resort town in North Chungcheong, South Korea. Danyang Bridge Understand Perched by the lake, surrounded by three national parks and dotted with caves and temples, Danyang is considered North Chungcheong's top attraction. The modern town of Danyang dates only to 1986, as most of the old city was submerged beneath the waters of the artificial Chungju Lake. Throughout town, you'll see statues, pictures and even lampposts of a guy with huge eyebrows, holding hands with a lady. This is Ondal, a jester in the imperial court, who managed to break through Korea's strict caste system to marry the princess Pyeonggang and become a respected general. Get in By train Danyang is on the eastern Jungang line from Seoul's Cheongnyangni station through Wonju to Andong. There are mugunghwa services every hour or two (2:05, W10000), and two saemaeul expresses daily (2:00, W14000). The train station is 3 km outside Danyang, but you can take a bus from the stop just outside the station (W1000) or a taxi (around W5000). By bus Danyang's clean and modern bus station, on the northern side of town, has hourly express services to Seoul's Express Bus Terminal (2:30, W14000) and intercity services to Dong-Seoul terminal (over 3 hours). Most buses from Seoul continue onward to Guinsa (30 minutes, W2600). There are also hourly services to Chungju (1:30, W6200) and Jecheon (1 hour), and a few departures daily to Busan and Daejeon. By boat In season, you can take a very scenic cruise across Chungju Lake to Chungju (2 hours, W18000). The ferry is a decent taxi ride from the bus station and is well outside Chungju City centre and bus terminal. Very few taxdi drivers speak English and the tourist information is aimed at native Korean speakers and therfore is of no use to foreigners despite decent information books being written in English. These guides are useful for assessing the sites of Chungju but the transport directions are poor unless you have a car. Get around Central Danyang can be covered on foot, but taxis are plentiful (starting fare W1500). See Deep in the bowels of the earth, Gosu Cave Gosu Cave 고수동굴, (Cross the bridge, turn right and walk 10 minutes along the road; a taxi from Danyang is around 2,200-3,000W). ? to 5:00 PM. One of Korea's most famous caves, 1.7km of twisting, turning limestone caverns have been outfitted with metal walkways and subdued lighting. It's quite a remarkable sight, but claustrophobes and people in need of a diet might want to skip it as some tunnels are quite narrow. W4000.  edit Do There are plenty of hiking opportunities around Danyang, especially in the nearby Sobaeksan and Woraksan National Parks. The easiest option, though, is to head to Mount Daesong (Daesongsan, 380m), located right behind the city and covered with easy, well-signposted (in Korean) hiking trails, the main one doing a loop around the base of the hill. There are several trailheads; to reach the most convenient one, walk up the hill from the bus terminal, then turn left after the police station. The "summit" is about 1 km away. Buy Pay a visit to the Danyang Market in the centre of town, where you will have the opportunity to see (and smell) more garlic than you have ever seen in your life. Eat Yeongyangilbeonga 영양일번가, (across the street from the terminal, tucked down an alley; look for the bright yellow sign). The speciality here is yeongyangtang dog soup, but the chueotang minced fish soup with potatoes, mushrooms and rice cake is also quite tasty. No English menu. W7000.  edit Jeonwon Hwagwan 전원화관, (up the hill from bus terminal, on the left side). Korean barbeque, offering the full range of beef and pork cuts and some pretty tasty cold noodles (naengmyon) to go with them. Some English and Russian spoken. W10000-.  edit Drink The local speciality is Sobaeksan dongdongju, a fermented, milky, peach-colored rice wine sold in big white containers in shops and by the cupful at tourist sites. The look and smell are unappetizing but the taste, while unusual (think of an alcoholic Sprite mixed with milk), is refreshing when served cold. Sleep The riverside strip along the bus and ferry terminals is pretty much all motels, all offering rooms for W30,000-W50,000. Sky Motel (스카이모텔), (just south of the bus terminal). Don't be put off by the dark hallways, the rooms are some of the nicest and cleanest around. The "family" part means that there's no porn on the TV, but you get a small, fully-equipped kitchen instead. Located in the tall, modern-looking building a block south from the bus terminal, with the entrance on the third floor. Napoli Motel 나폴리모텔, right next door, is similar and run by the same outfit. W50,000-.  edit Hotel Luxury, (on the river, near the bridge). Recent and clean Motel with fun room design. Enter through the parking, there are rooms with view on the river and the bridge. By far, the nicest of the motels and up to western standards. http://www.hotel-luxury.co.kr . You can reserve through a bank transfer or arrive at 5 PM when check in begins. Basic English spoken. W70,000-W100,000.  edit Contact The tourist information office is rather inconveniently located on the far side of the red bridge from the bus terminal. Some English spoken, and you can pick up a handy town map from here. Get out Guinsa, the stunning mountain headquarters of the Cheondae sect, is just 30 minutes away by bus. Sobaeksan National Park Woraksan National Park South, to Cheongju, the closest airport, and birthplace of jikji, the world's first metal printing press. This article is an outline and needs more content. 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