Account of train travels for five nights six day

Naeilro is a free pass train ticket with which you can board all the domestic trains except KTX. It has been released every summer and winter season since 2010. Previously, it was only for people under 25 years old but this year the age level was extended to 28. This time, 50 percent discount was applied so many young people got on the train. I was one of them. To spend meaningful vacation I decided to travel with my friend.

We had one week to prepare. First we decided where to visit- Gangneung, Jeongdongjin, Yeongwol, Danyang, Andong, Gyeongju and Yeosu. After that we listed them in a clockwise and searched transfer stations and train schedules. Next step is setting a travel route and reserving accommodations. When setting the route, we chose to look around a few locations in details rather than visit as many place as we could. We decided one region for one day and visited two or three places. When it comes to the accommodations, we usually used a guest house. It is for the travelers and provides them with many perks like breakfast, towels and other bathroom supplies. It is a form of dormitory. To stay there advance reservation was required. When we booked a guest house, location was important as well as facilities. We considered the distance between the station and the sights and the accommodations. When packing, the lighter the better. You may have to go around with your heavy backpack all day long. That will make you feel more exhausted. Also using bags in a bag or a zipper bag can help organize your backpack more neatly. One more tips, Naeilro has standing seats so prepare a mat to sit on the train floor. It is very useful.

Day 1: Gangneung. Starting from Iksan Station we went to Jeongdongjin Station to go to Gangneung. There’s no train station in Gangneung so we had to take a bus in Jeongdongjin. As soon as we arrived in Gangneung, we went to Chodang Sundubu Village to eat Jjamppongsundubu. Many people were waiting for their turns. It was great as we expected. After lunch, we went to the Kangmun beach. It took 10 minutes on foot. Wide and beautiful beach was impressive. At night, we went to the guest house we had reserved before. Leaving our backpacks, we went to Anmok Beach. In front of the beach, an array of cafés and the fireworks made a beautiful night view. We entered one of the cafés and ordered Green grape tarte and a cup of coffee. Eating delicious dessert, we put a period of the first day.

Day 2: Jeongdongjin and Yeongwol. At the early dawn, we departed from the house, to see the sunrise in Jeongdongjin. The nearer the time drew, the sky became brighter and the red sun appeared. Sea and the sky made the horizon and the sun was right above it. It was an amazing view. We grabbed a bite there and headed for Yeongwol. We had reserved a white water rafting in advance. For a good while, we climbed the mountain by bus and finally we got to the starting point. It was about a two-hour course paddling down the river. During that time, we could appreciate the sceneries of Dong River and had fun in the water. I concerned much about that before, but it was very satisfactory.

Day 3: Andong. Arriving at Andong Station we went to a market to eat the representative of Andong food, Andong Jjimdak. Fortunately, the market was near the station. The whole street full of Jjimdak restaurants and they all looked busy. It was hard for us to choose a restaurant, but we chose one. The result was a great success. It was the most delicious chicken that I ever tasted. At night, we went to Wollyeonggyo. It is a wooden bridge that commemorates beautiful love of one couple. The night view was wonderful. It was one of the most impressive moments during my trip.

Day 4: Gyeongju. We wandered about the road a little because of short pre-investigations. But it was also good that way. We visited Gyeongju East Place Garden, a large scale botanical garden. Just when we reached, music fountain was playing so we enjoyed it. Inside the garden, we could see a lot of trees and plants we had seen in the book. Gyeongju has many historic sites to see and we visited one of them Cheomseongdae, an observatory of the Shinar era. It was shining beautifully. We want to see more sites so went to Anapji pond. But it was in vain because it was too late. We were very sorry for that but promised next time.

Day 5: Danyang. It was the most anticipated day. The day we went paragliding! It was always on my bucket list. On the top of the mountain, now that it actually took place and I got nervous. But I couldn’t give up. Wearing a flight uniform, helmet, gloves, knee pads, I was ready. I ran as fast as I could. It was hard to run because of wind resistance. Eventually, I was running in the air and flying! It was really thrilling experience. The whole world was below me. I finally realized my wish. That night, we stayed at a pension deep in the mountain. There I saw the most beautiful night sky that I had ever seen. I’ll never forget it.

Day 6: Yeosu. On the last day, we visited the shrine of Naeilro, Yeosu. As its reputation, there were so many travelers. Yeosu is famous for marinated crab, so-called rice thief. After filling our stomach with crabs, we went to the aquarium. It was great. I felt like I was in the sea world. It left one thing to be desired, white whale souvenir. I will go there some other day. At night, we watched the Big-O Show, an ocean fountain show. The symbolic icon of Yeosu Expo, alphabet O shaped one emitting light and flames, presents a great site. Finishing the show, watching sea of Yeosu at night we finalized our trip.

My first trip was very successful. It was hard sometimes but I found much happiness in that. I really hoped my trip would not end. In my everyday life, I occasionally recall my memories. That makes me warm. I will definitely go another trip this winter. I would miss this trip for a long time.