A view of the Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park. [Yeongyang-gun]
A view of the Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park. [Yeongyang-gun]

The Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park in North Gyeongsang Province is drawing growing attention as a premier summer retreat where visitors can enjoy cool valley streams alongside beautiful starlit skies.

According to Yeongyang-gun on Thursday, the ecological park office (director Kwon Do-won) within the International Dark Sky Park operates a youth training center, campsite, pension accommodations and an observatory amid pristine natural surroundings. Some 20,000 visitors have already come or completed summer reservations — a 30 percent increase from the same period last year.

The youth training center offers group activities for city dwellers and students seeking a break from daily life. A challenge tower featuring a zip line and quick-flight course operates during peak season and is open to campsite and pension guests as well.

The campsite, nestled where the clear waters of Suha Valley meet dense forest, is one of Yeongyang-gun's signature tourist attractions, offering camping, water activities and stargazing all in one place.

Equipped with 30 sites, hot-water shower facilities and a book café, the campsite draws a steady following from campers and families alike. This year, the county invested 600 million won ($402,000) to renovate the grounds and install a net adventure course.

A river swimming pool at the youth training center will operate from July 24 through Aug. 17. The 720-square-meter facility includes a water slide and a mid-size pool, giving children and families a refreshing place to splash around.

A nighttime view of the Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park under a star-filled sky. [Yeongyang-gun]
A nighttime view of the Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park under a star-filled sky. [Yeongyang-gun]

For the summer peak season, the Banditburi Observatory will also extend its hours from July 22 through Aug. 21, opening daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. with no closures. Visitors will have ample time to observe the sun, planets, nebulae, star clusters and the Milky Way, making for a memorable summer night.

The park's greatest appeal lies in the variety of experiences it packs into a single day. Guests can cool off in Suha Valley and the river pool during the day, enjoy an evening of camping in nature, and then spend the night gazing at stars beneath the park's clear skies.

"The Yeongyang International Dark Sky Park is a one-of-a-kind retreat where valleys, forests and stars come together," Yeongyang County Chief Oh Do-chang said. "We hope visitors will come this summer to enjoy the cool streams and beautiful night skies with family, loved ones and friends."


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