The Road of Coal Part 1 02 - Take the Uijeongbu Gyeonggi-do to Taebaek Gangwon-do intercity bus

To go or not to go, that is the question It was the evening of October 10, and I was deeply troubled. I had decided to walk along the 4th road of Untango from Dogye in Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, to Singi, and then take the train from Singi Station to East Sea City in search of the true coal road. I had made a plan and even decided what to do in Taebaek. Once our itinerary was ready, all we had left to do was get ready to go.

All I had to do was pack up and go to bed early. The itinerary was only for 2 days and 3 nights. Just in case, I packed a spare outfit and three pairs of socks. When I left the house in the early morning, I took the toilet out of the shower, put it in a plastic bag, and shoved it into my bag. Since it was a domestic trip, I didn't have anything to bring. I had to procure what I needed urgently.

The important thing was to get a good night's sleep because I had to get up in the wee hours of the next morning. On the first day, we took the city bus 4 times to see Taebaek. I didn't have to go to Taebaek City 24 hours a day to sleep, but I had to take the city bus 4 times to go around Taebaek City, so I couldn't go late. I had to arrive in Taebaek one minute earlier and start my itinerary, so I had to take the first intercity bus from Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, to Taebaek, Gangwon-do Shall we go next.

The weather was going to be bad. It was going to rain, and the weather in the East Sea was expected to be completely bad.

According to the weather forecast, it was not advisable to go on October 10th. Looking at the weather forecast for October 5, the weather was bad, but it was fine. According to the weather forecast for October 10th, Dogye-up, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, was expected to receive a small amount of rain. The real worst problem was the weather forecast for the East Sea on October 10. It was raining heavily there, and there was even a wind advisory.

Taebaek's weather forecast was fine, but the East Sea was different. It was going to rain hard there, and there was even a wind advisory. You had to meet the rain there, but you couldn't escape anywhere other than the East Sea City. As soon as you enter the new station, the exit is confirmed in the city of East Sea. The weather is the same as in the East Sea or Samcheok, so the moment you go to Singi Station, you must go to the East Sea City regardless of whether there is a storm in the East Sea City or not.

If you just looked at the weather, it was right not to go. But I had to go to see the Taebaek Tongli 5-day market. If I didn't go to Taebaek on October 10th, I had to go to Taebaek on October 5th to see the Tongli market. Instead of a day or two, the trip was pushed back by ten days. If I had postponed it for just two days, I would have been able to visit when the weather was nice, but that didn't happen. It was an extreme choice: brave the inclement weather and force through, or push back the schedule by ten days.

I got on the bus and went to the reservation page for the intercity bus from Uijeongbu to Taebaek City on the app. It was past 7 p.m. Now, the moment I booked an intercity bus ticket from Uijeongbu to Taebaek, I had to go to Taebaek the next day. There would be a lot of cancellation fees. I hadn't booked a bus ticket yet, so I had a choice. I had to choose between going in ten days or the very next day.

"Let's go!"

I booked an intercity bus from Uijeongbu to Taebaek at 10 p.m. on October 4, 7, and  a.m. on October 10, 5. There's no turning back. I'm going to go. The next day, we will go to Taebaek City and take a tour of Taebaek City, and the next day, whether it is pouring heavy rain or not, we will walk the 5th road of Untango Road, and then we will cross over to East Sea City from Singi Station to solve the secrets of the mysterious place in East Sea City and complete the coal road. It's over. It was raining all the time outside. The rain would probably stop by dawn the next day. Uijeongbu is expected to have clear weather from October 50 and continue to be good. The weather was going to be bad in Taebaek, Dogye, and East Sea, where I had to go.

I had to prepare because I decided to go. First of all, I turned off all the smartphone app tech apps. I needed to reduce battery consumption a little. After that, I installed the Korail app. I always take the bus, so I didn't even join Korail. If I needed to take the train, I would go to the train station and buy a ticket, but I don't know if it was a few years ago that I had to take the train. I don't use trains, so I didn't even sign up for Korail. When I went on a train trip with someone else, the person who signed up for Korail would book my own and I would give him money. This time, I had to take a train from Singi Station to East Sea Station. I didn't know if it was possible to get tickets on the spot because there was a station attendant at Singi Station, and I didn't know exactly when I would arrive at Singi Station. I knew the approximate estimated time of arrival because I would be walking from Dogye Station to Singi Station, but it was difficult to determine the exact time. Once I had the right time, I might have to time attack at that time. I didn't like it. So, for the first time in my life, I installed the Korail app and signed up for Korail. I signed up and didn't book a ticket. Anyway, the train from Singi Station to East Sea Station would have a very large ticket.

I had to wake up at dawn, take a shower, pack my bags, and go to bed early to catch the first train of the Uijeongbu Light Rail. I lay down. I set my phone alarm for 3:30 a.m. I had to wake up at 3:30 a.m., wake up, wash up, and go to Uijeongbu Light Rail Station by 5 a.m. The first train of the light rail from Uijeongbu Light Rail Station to Dongo Station, where Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal is located, was at 5:4 a.m. I had to ride this.

The bus was at 5:50 a.m., so I could have taken the next light rail at 5:14 a.m., but it was better to take the 5:14 a.m. car at a leisurely pace than the 5:4 a.m. car. I haven't been to the Uijeongbu intercity bus terminal once or twice, and the terminal is very small. There's no getting lost inside. Still, it was nice to be relaxed. I didn't want to rush because the overpass and road leading from Dongno Station to Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal were slippery. If I tried to catch the 5:14 car and accidentally missed it, then it would be really dangerous to get on time.

I couldn't sleep. Normally, whenever I tried to sleep, I slept well. Sleeplessness was extremely rare. But I really couldn't sleep. I lay down and looked at my smartphone to get a quick sleep. When I lay down and looked at my smartphone, I would fall asleep quickly. I couldn't fall asleep when I lay down and looked at my smartphone. I forced my eyes to close. I didn't think about anything, I just stood in a daze. But I couldn't sleep. I lay there with my eyes closed in a daze, and then I opened my eyes to see what time it was.

I barely fell asleep around 10 p.m. Soon after, I woke up again. I saw what time it was. It was half past eleven at night. When I was using my smartphone to see if there was anything to look at, there was an explosion at an air base in Gangneung, and all kinds of internet communities were in an uproar. People were speculating that the Hyunmoo missile had misfired and exploded on a friendly base. The Gangneung side was quite noisy I'm going to go on a trip to the East Sea, so something pops.'

I went back to sleep. I slept very lightly and woke up repeatedly. Normally, I sleep well as soon as I lie down, but I couldn't sleep as much as I did today. Still, I took a nap little by little, so I felt a little more at ease. If I don't sleep at all, I feel a little overwhelmed when I walk around the next day. But if you walk around with your eyes glued to it, you can get through the thought that you've slept anyway, and that's how many hours after you wake up, and it's not time to go to bed yet.

I turned off my phone's alarm. It was 10 a.m. on October 5, 3. I got up. I didn't fall asleep deeply, but I fell asleep and woke up to the sound of my phone alarm, so I didn't have a lot of sleep left. When I got up, I did a quick cleaning of the room. After cleaning, I took a shower. When I came out of the shower, I brought my toothbrush, toothpaste, and razor. I didn't even have to bring shampoo with me. If that didn't work, I could fix it with soap. When I woke up in the steam room, I washed my hair with washcloth soap, and when I slept in a guesthouse in East Sea City, I probably had shampoo. If I didn't have one, I could go to the convenience store and buy one.

Let's get dressed I opened the window. The temperature has plummeted. The air in Uijeongbu early morning was quite chilly Taebaek is cold Taebaek is cold even in summer It's just a cold neighborhood.

I visited Taebaek once this summer. Because of my friend, I couldn't see it properly and had to pass by almost as if I was passing by, but when I came out of Taebaek Station, I saw Hwangji Market and Hwangji Pond. Even though it was a hot summer, Taebaek City was cold. Taebaek City was different from the rest of Korea. It's cool even in the middle of summer. I remember being startled by the chilly air when I suddenly crossed over Taebaek in the sweltering Uijeongbu. It was like that in late summer, but now it's autumn. The air in Uijeongbu was chilly in the early morning I'm going to have to take care of my clothes.

Taebaek is a cold neighborhood. Taebaek is a particularly cold area that the people of Gangwon Province also acknowledge. I didn't think it would be warm either. It's also a production area. According to the weather forecast, it is a much warmer area than Taebaek, but Dogye, like Taebaek, is located in the middle of the Concubine Mountains. From the Tao world to the new world, it was all mountain valleys. It's chilly in the early morning like this, but Taebaek and Dogye did more, not less.

In Uijeongbu, the days were still mild and it felt a little hot, so I wore my shirt with the sleeves rolled up and my coat over it. This was a story in Uijeongbu. Taebaek had to prepare for the winter. I didn't have anything to wear very thickly. Still, it was early October. I'm going to Taebaek in early October, but I don't have to wear thick padding. Instead, I didn't fold my shirt sleeves, but put a cardigan over it and put on a coat.

I assumed the worst. It's early October, and Taebaek could be too cold. I remembered that I had to start walking in the Tao Realm the next day, and it could be very chilly in the Tao Realm as well. I put the inner shell of my coat in my bag just in case the worst happened. If it was too chilly, I could take the inner shell of my coat out of my bag put it on under my coat, and walk around in it, and it wouldn't be cold. I'm going to put bottled water in it."

When I moved into a new apartment this year, a friend who lives in Seoul came to visit me for a housewarming. At that time, a friend gave me a box of 500mL of Jeju Samdasu and a box of rolls of toilet paper as a housewarming gift. I didn't have to open bottled water to drink while I was living in my apartment. I only had to drink tap water at home. I also had to buy water to drink during the trip. In particular, it was an area where there was nothing from the Taoist system to the new world. I had to bring water with me here. To save money on travel, I put two 500mL bottles of hemp water in my backpack in my room. If I was thirsty in Taebaek, I would go to the store and buy it to drink, and the two bottles of mineral water I brought with me were the water to drink when I walked into the Dogye the next day.

"It's heavy in the water, isn't My backpack was very light until I put two 500mL bottles of water in it. But when I put two bottles of water in it, my backpack became heavy.

I put in extra socks underwear and slippers. It's easy to bring slippers. If my feet hurt too much, I would change into slippers and walk. The shoes were not yet used to my feet, so my feet hurt a lot when I walked a lot. The length of the shoe fit my foot, but my cheeks were so narrow that my foot bones hurt when I walked a lot. So if it hurt too much while walking, I would change into slippers and walk gently. In addition to this, if you go to a guesthouse, slippers are convenient in many ways. I also put an umbrella on it.

Finally, I turned off all the power one by one and made sure I didn't miss anything. It was perfect. Finally, I turned off the lights in my bedroom and went outside You don't have to use an umbrella The overnight rain had almost stopped. It was drizzling too lightly to say it had completely stopped. It was an embarrassing mistake to call it a drizzle. At this rate, I didn't have to take out my umbrella. I walked to the Uijeongbu light rail station without using an umbrella.

5:4 a.m. I arrived at Uijeongbu Station on the light rail.

I went up to Uijeongbu Station on the light rail.

The area surrounding the Uijeongbu Light Rail Station was eerily silent, with hardly any sound to be heard except for the occasional rustling of leaves in the trees nearby. The stillness was almost palpable, creating a sense of serenity that was both calming and unnerving at the same time.

I arrived at the ticket gate and proceeded to plan my route from Uijeongbu Station to Dongno Station where the Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal is situated. The easiest and most efficient way to get there is by using the Uijeongbu Light Rail. However, it is important to note that taking the light rail in the direction of Bangkok Station will not get you to Dongno Station. Instead, you must take the light rail in the direction of Uijeongbu City Hall, which may seem counterintuitive at first.

This is because the Uijeongbu Light Rail makes stops at Uijeongbu Station and Heungseon Station, and then travels around the outskirts of downtown Uijeongbu. Therefore, if you take the light rail towards Balgok Station, you will end up at the wrong Hoeryong Station. To arrive at Dongno Station, you must take the light rail in the opposite direction towards the city hall.

By following these instructions, you can easily and safely reach your destination at the Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal without any confusion or delays.

"There are people who ride from this hour."

I woke up early at 4:30 a.m. and decided to take a ride on the Uijeongbu Light Rail. I walked to the Uijeongbu Station and boarded the first car of the train at 5:05 a.m. The car was already occupied by several passengers who seemed to be in a hurry to reach their destination.

As the light rail moved along the tracks, I noticed that it made several stops at different stations. First, it stopped at the Uijeongbu City Hall Station, where a few more people boarded the train. Then, it made another stop at Heungseon Station before finally arriving at Uijeongbu Central Station. At each station, the doors opened and closed quickly, giving passengers just enough time to board or disembark.

Finally, at 5:05 a.m. on the same day, the train arrived at Dongno Station, where I got off. The station was crowded with people rushing to their workplaces or schools. The experience of riding the Uijeongbu Light Rail at such an early hour was fascinating, and I felt like I had a head start on my day.

As the train arrived at Dongno Station, I got off and started to take in my surroundings. Suddenly, I heard an announcement regarding a train headed from Dong-O Station to Uijeongbu Station that was scheduled to arrive soon. At first, I didn't think much of it, as it seemed like a normal announcement, but then the broadcast caught my attention by mentioning that it was the last train of the day instead of the first one. This was strange and confusing, and I wondered if I had missed something. I looked around to see if anyone else was reacting to this, but people seemed to be going about their business as if nothing was wrong. 

I decided to wait and see what would happen. Eventually, I saw a train approaching the station, and I wondered if it was the last train of the day or the first one. It was a relief to find out that the broadcast was incorrect. The train arriving was the first one, not the last, and I could continue my journey without any further confusion.

As soon as I exited Dongwu Station, I looked around for my next destination.

The city of Uijeongbu has done a commendable job in keeping the river promenade in pristine condition. The Jungnangcheon promenade, which flows through Uijeongbu, has been well-maintained, with regular cleaning and maintenance work. Even the smaller rivers, such as Buyongcheon, a tributary, have been given the same level of attention, resulting in a clean and well-maintained environment for the visitors. 

On the other hand, Seoul's river trail maintenance leaves much to be desired compared to Uijeongbu. While there are some attractive features along the trail, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the overall state of maintenance is not up to the mark. There are many instances of garbage and debris littered along the trail, which not only detracts from the beauty of the surroundings but also poses a health hazard. 

Therefore, it is safe to say that Uijeongbu's river promenade is much better than Seoul's in terms of maintenance and cleanliness. The answer to the question "Is this watery?" is not clear and needs further elaboration.

From my vantage point on the bridge spanning Dongo Station and Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal, I had a clear view of the river. It had rained heavily earlier that morning, and as a result, the water level had risen significantly. However, I couldn't help but feel confused as the river didn't look as swollen as I had expected.

The heavy rainfall that occurred throughout the summer season had caused the water in Buyong Spring to swell up considerably. Although the water level had indeed risen significantly, it wasn't as noticeable as I had anticipated. In  the excessive rainfall that occurred from summer to October caused the river to swell up to an alarming level. At one point, the Baekseok Stream overflowed, flooding the promenade and causing a significant amount of debris and silt to pile up on it. As a result, the spring appeared to be permanently full of water, even though it was an aftereffect of the flash floods caused by the heavy rains.

As the early morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon on October 10, I arrived at the Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal. The crisp air was filled with the sound of buses coming and going, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from a nearby café. As I made my way through the bustling terminal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journey that lay ahead.

I entered the terminal building.

As of the moment, the restaurants and shops are still not operational and unavailable for customers due to the ongoing public health situation. While some establishments may have started preparations to reopen, it is important to note that they have not yet resumed their operations.

Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal is a place I have been to many times. However, I've never ventured up to the second floor of the terminal building. I recently found out that there used to be a ticket office there, which made me wonder why it was closed down.

On my second trip from Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal to Taebaek City, I couldn't help but notice that there was still a bus to Taebaek. I was curious because buses to other destinations like Gangneung and Chuncheon have been suspended. I wondered why the bus to Taebaek was still operating.

My curiosity was piqued even further when I noticed that there was a significant military presence in the area. I wondered if this was connected to the people who were traveling to Gangwon Province. The bus to Cheorwon from the Uijeongbu Terminal is well-developed, and it made me wonder if it had anything to do with the military presence in the area.

As I delved deeper, I learned that the 306th Replenishment Corps was previously located in Uijeongbu. It was interesting to discover that if you were going to the front line from the 306th Replenishment Battalion, you would go to Cheorwon Baekgol Battalion. Even today, military personnel living in Cheorwon are often seen in Uijeongbu City. It's fascinating to note that Cheorwon, which is part of Gangwon Province, has more connections with Uijeongbu than with other parts of Gangwon Province.

Finally, I was surprised to learn that there was still a bus from Uijeongbu to Taebaek. Although it is not a direct route, it goes to Taebaek via Wonju, Jecheon, and Gohan. I couldn't help but wonder if many people were traveling to Wonju from Uijeongbu. Even if the bus picks up new passengers at a stopover, it was still interesting to see that there was a bus to Taebaek.

I made my way back home from Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal No. 9 after a long day of traveling. However, I was disappointed to find out that the bus I was supposed to take had stopped running. Uijeongbu Intercity Bus Terminal No. 9 is a bustling transportation hub that offers a variety of bus routes. From this terminal, one can catch a bus to Sokcho via Hongcheon, Inje, and Wontong. In addition, there are buses available to Wonju, Jecheon, Yeongwol, Gohan, and Taebaek. Even though Inje and Wontong are known for their military presence, the platform I was waiting at was still somewhat manageable. On the other hand, No. 4 Home is the platform where one can board a bus to Cheorwon Dongsong and Wasuri. It is worth noting that this particular platform is where the actual soldiers are stationed. All in all, I was disappointed that my bus was not running, but I was able to learn more about the different bus routes and the military presence at the bus terminal.

I stepped outside of the building and was immediately struck by the peaceful quietness of the morning. The air was cool and crisp, but not uncomfortably so. I walked towards the terminal, taking in the sights and sounds of the early morning. As I entered the terminal, I was greeted by the familiar hustle and bustle of travelers getting ready to embark on their journeys.

I found a comfortable seat near the entrance and settled in, taking out my phone to check the time. It was 5:50 a.m. on October 5th. I had a long journey ahead of me, starting from Uijeongbu, where I was staying, and traveling through Wonju, Jecheon, and Sabuk-Gohan before finally arriving at my destination in Taebaek.

As I waited for my bus to arrive, I took the time to people-watch, observing the various travelers and their unique stories. Some were clearly in a rush, running to catch their flights or buses, while others were leisurely strolling towards their gates. I couldn't help but wonder where they were all headed and what adventures awaited them at their destinations.

Eventually, I heard the familiar sound of my bus arriving, and I gathered my things, ready to embark on my adventure. 

I'm back outside. It was also quiet. I went inside the terminal and sat down in a chair. I waited for it to be time to board the bus.

 

October 10, 5:5 a.m. I started from Uijeongbu, where I had to go, and stopped at Wonju, Jecheon, and Sabuk-Gohan before taking the bus to Taebaek.

"The bus is too luxurious."

The journey from Uijeongbu to Taebaek takes around 4 hours by intercity bus, and it is quite a long ride. However, the seat I am sitting in is remarkably luxurious, with advanced features that make it incomparably better than airplanes and trains. I truly enjoy traveling by bus because of this.

The buses departing from Uijeongbu to Taebaek via Wonju, Jecheon, and Sabuk-Gohan, depart with passengers from Wonju, Jecheon, and Sabuk-Gohan. During the trip, there are quite a few breaks in Wonju and Jecheon, which I know from my previous experience traveling this route.

At 5:50 a.m., the bus left Uijeongbu, and as it passed by, I noticed the Uijeongbu 24-hour café, Ediya Coffee, and Uijeongbu Jangam Station branch lit up outside the window.

I am trying to recall what day it is and when we are expected to arrive in Taebaek. However, I am also curious about the reason for the blocked road.

Unlike my previous trip, the traffic in Seoul was heavy, causing a massive traffic jam. The car couldn't drive properly, and the bus I was on was also struggling to move forward in the early morning traffic. When I previously took this bus, it ran smoothly to Wonju without any obstacles, but today, the traffic is exceptionally bad, and the bus is having a tough time. Whenever there is an opportunity to speed up, the bus can't go because of the traffic ahead of us.

As I embarked on a bus journey, I dozed off and woke up to the sight of bright reddish-yellow sunlight shining through the clouds. It was 7:30 in the morning, and I gazed at the beautiful sky, wondering if the weather forecast was right. The phrase "Is it a sky dog?" came to my mind, and I chuckled to myself.

Despite the forecast predicting cloudy and rainy weather for Taebaek, I hoped that the sunny weather would continue throughout my journey. Wonju, our current location, was supposed to be a long stop, but the bus had been delayed, and we had to leave immediately without taking any breaks. It was already 7:40 in the morning, and I couldn't help but feel a little anxious about the delay.

As I looked out of the window, I couldn't help but appreciate the stunning view of the vivid sunlight shining brightly through the clouds. Although the journey had started with a delay, I was excited to continue my adventure, hoping for good weather and a smooth ride ahead.

On the morning of October 10th, at 5:08 a.m., I arrived at Jecheon Terminal after a long journey. I traveled from Wonju Terminal without any breaks and managed to arrive on time thanks to the efficient transportation system. Upon arrival, the driver kindly suggested that I could use the restroom if I needed to, so I got off the bus for a little while to stretch my legs. I took the opportunity to warm up a bit before getting back on the bus.

The bus that I was traveling on had originally departed from Wonju in Gangwon Province before arriving at Jecheon City in North Chungcheong Province. Now, it was heading back to Gangwon Province, passing through Yeongwol-gun and Jeongseon-gun before reaching Taebaek City. The journey was long but scenic, with breathtaking views of the Korean countryside.

After leaving North Chungcheong Province, we finally entered Yeongwol County in Gangwon Province. The natural beauty of the area was breathtaking, with rolling hills and lush greenery as far as the eye could see. The journey was tiring, but the stunning landscape made it all worthwhile.

The narrator was awestruck by the stunning beauty of Yeongwol-gun, with its sharp mountains, sheer cliffs, and the rolling sounds of the local Mt. Kumgang. The description of the landscape was so vivid that the reader could almost see the scenery unfolding before their eyes.

The narrator recounted a previous bus ride to Taebaek, where they were unable to appreciate the beauty outside due to raindrops on the windows and their friend obstructing their view. However, the narrator was excited to embark on a new adventure with the same friend, exploring the mountain villages of Gyeongsangnam-do and taking pictures of undiscovered places.

The narrator had previously explored the mountain landscape of Gangwon Province, climbing all of Seoraksan and Jirisan, and found it to be incomparable to that of South Gyeongsang Province. They were able to provide specific details about the differences in the mountain landscapes, which made the reader understand why Gangwon's scenery was superior.

As the bus journeyed deeper into the mountains, the narrator noticed the rattling sounds and slight vibrations, which made the experience feel like a train ride. Despite the dreary appearance of the bus terminal in Sabuk Gohan, the narrator remained eager to reach Taebaek and explore its beauty. The reader could almost feel the excitement and anticipation of the narrator as they described their journey.

The bus started to climb up a steep slope, gradually gaining altitude as we headed towards Taebaek City. The landscape outside the window was breathtaking; I could see hills covered in lush greenery and a clear, blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever. As we ascended, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had heard so much about Taebaek City and its beautiful scenery, and I was eager to see it for myself.

Suddenly, I noticed a sign on the side of the road indicating that we had reached an altitude of 900 meters. I was amazed by how high we had climbed in such a short amount of time. However, as the bus continued to gain altitude, the noise inside grew louder and more intense. The engine roared and the wind howled, making it difficult to hear anything else. I covered my ears and tried to yawn to equalize the pressure, but it didn't seem to help much.

Despite the noise, I kept my eyes glued to the window, trying to take in as much of the scenery as possible. I saw mountains in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, and valleys filled with dense forests. The air was crisp and fresh, and I felt invigorated by the cool breeze that blew through the bus.

As we neared the summit, the bus began to slow down, and I could feel it struggling to maintain its speed. Then, all of a sudden, we reached an altitude of almost 1000 meters above sea level. It was a moment of triumph, and I couldn't help but feel proud of the bus and its driver for getting us there.

However, the triumph was short-lived as the bus began to descend rapidly, dropping altitude sharply as we approached Hwangji Pond in Taebaek City. It was almost as if we were free-falling, and I held onto my seat tightly, trying not to panic. When we finally stopped, I saw a stone monument with a thermometer attached that indicated an elevation of 680 meters above sea level. That meant we had descended almost 300 meters in no time. It was a dizzying experience, and I felt like I had just been on a rollercoaster ride.

Despite the sudden drop in altitude, I was thrilled to have arrived in Taebaek City. I couldn't wait to explore this beautiful place and see all that it had to offer.

As the bus made its way down the sloping road, I couldn't help but feel relieved that I was finally on my way to the Taebaek Bus Terminal in Hwangji-dong. I was filled with excitement as I thought about the adventure that awaited me at my destination.

I couldn't help but notice that the sky was gloomy, but it was still a good sign because it wasn't raining. This was a huge relief since I didn't want the rain to ruin my plans for the day. The weather was dull, but at least it wasn't pouring down, and that was good enough for me to get around.

Even though it wasn't the best day weather-wise, I was grateful that it wasn't raining, and I could still explore the area without any disruptions. I was even considering taking some pictures since it was a great day for it, now that the rain wasn't a concern.

On October 10, at 5:9 AM, I arrived at Taebaek Bus Terminal.

Five steps. 

After getting off the bus, take five steps. 

I got off the bus and walked five steps. 

"Aw, it's chilly!" 

The sudden chill in the air made me shiver. He hugged me tightly. It reminded me of my first visit to Taebaek City in the summer when I felt the sudden drop in temperature after walking only five steps from the bus stop. This time, I was prepared for the cold weather. I knew that Taebaek is cooler in the summer and colder in the winter compared to other regions, and I had dressed accordingly. 

I left the Taebaek Bus Terminal and headed towards downtown Taebaek. It was my second visit to the city, so I had a rough idea of how to get there. The scenery was familiar, and it seemed like nothing had changed in the area around Taebaek Bus Terminal and Taebaek Station since my last visit. There were no construction sites that would indicate any changes. 

My next stop was the Taebaek Water Chicken Galbi restaurant, where I planned to have lunch. Water chicken galbi is a signature dish of Taebaek City, Gangwon-do. It originated in Taebaek and was once enjoyed by miners working in the dusty coal mines. They preferred food that made them feel like their throats were getting a good wash, and that's how water chicken galbi came to be. 

"I'll have an early lunch and then head to Tongli quickly," I thought to myself. 

When I planned my trip to Uijeongbu, I searched the internet for directions and the opening hours of the Taebaek Water Dakgalbi Restaurant. Most restaurants open at 11 am, but one opened at 10 am. I planned to arrive a little after 10 am, have a quick lunch, and then head to the Tongli 5-day market in Tongdong, Taebaek City. I hadn't had breakfast, so it was okay to have an early lunch. 

Theoretically, it would take a short time to take the No. 5 bus from the downtown area of Hwangji-dong in Taebaek City to the Tongli 4-day market. However, this was only a theory. If I missed the bus in front of me, I had to wait for the next one, which could take up to 20 minutes. I hadn't been to Tongli before, so I wasn't sure how long it would take to get there. 

"If I go to Tongli on the 5th, what else will I have to eat?" I wondered. 

Having a quick lunch would give me more time to spend in Tongli. The longer I spent wandering around Tongli, the more time I would have to digest my food while walking around. Even though two servings of water chicken galbi weren't that much, it would be very filling if I ate both servings alone. So, I needed time to digest and walk around. 

"I saw the Taebaek downtown area last time, so I don't need to visit it again," I thought. 

I wasn't planning to wander around downtown Taebaek. Hwangji Pond and Hwangji Free Market were both tourist attractions in Taebaek City that were worth visiting. I had seen them during my previous visit, and I knew that I had to pass by Hwangji Pond on my way to Taebaek Young Plaza to take bus No. 4. I didn't have to go to the Hwangji Free Market that day because it was the day of the Tongli 5-day market, and the permanent market wouldn't do well on such days. 

"I'm going to have breakfast," I said to myself. 

With light steps, I headed towards the Taebaek Water Chicken Galbi restaurant, which according to the Naver map, was going to open at 10 am.

As I stepped foot into Taebaek, I couldn't help but notice the sight of a pot of steaming corn. It was a pleasant surprise to know that even though the corn season had passed, Taebaek City, which is situated in Gangwon Province, still had an abundance of corn. Seeing the corn filled me with the feeling of being in Gangwon-do, and I was excited to explore the city further.

Without wasting a moment, I started walking along the alley that led to the center of Taebaek City. The alley was lined with small shops, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. As I walked, I noticed the locals going about their daily routines, some busy with their work, while others leisurely strolled around the city. The streets were bustling with activity, and it was a sight to behold.

As I made my way to the center of the city, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore Taebaek. The city had a charm of its own, and I was excited to see what else it had in store for me.

In the beautiful city of Taebaek, on a sunny day, a cute cat was sitting by the sidewalk. I noticed it as I was walking by, and I couldn't resist admiring its fluffy fur and pointy ears. A passerby asked me if I wanted to take a picture of the cat, and I agreed.

As I was about to take the picture, I remembered reading somewhere that cats like it when you make eye contact and slowly blink, as a way of greeting them. I wondered if this was true and whether the cat would respond to me.

I decided to try it out and looked straight into the cat's eyes, blinking slowly a few times. But the cat didn't show any reaction. It just kept sitting there, looking around, as if I wasn't even there.

I started to question if the eye-greeting was a thing, or if it was just a myth. But then I realized that what mattered was whether the cat liked people or not. After all, some cats are just more independent and prefer to be left alone.

So, I just stood there for a few more minutes, admiring the cat from afar. It was a peaceful moment, and I felt grateful for being able to witness it.

The cat, with its sharp and penetrating gaze, appeared to be highly disapproving and fiercely annoyed. Its expression conveyed its displeasure in no uncertain terms.

Having visited Taebaek City on a previous occasion, I decided not to take any special pictures and made my way directly to a water chicken rib shop which was scheduled to open at 10 am.

However, I had my doubts.

Even in bustling Seoul, there are very few restaurants that open at 10 am. The ones that do remain open 24 hours a day are primarily frequented by construction workers and serve simple meals such as baekban or soup. It was highly improbable that a restaurant serving water chicken galbi would be open for business so early in the morning. I couldn't help but wonder how many people would choose to consume water chicken ribs for a late breakfast.

"I will have to find another water chicken rib restaurant," I thought to myself.

In Taebaek, there are several well-known water chicken galbi restaurants. So, I decided to check them out one by one and eat at the one that opened first. I took my time, looking around as I walked towards the center of Hwangji-dong, where water chicken galbi restaurants are clustered.

I arrived at the Hwangji Free Market and was surprised to find that there were only a handful of people there. It was already 10 a.m., and as expected, there were no people in any wet market at this time. Although the merchants were busy setting up their stalls and displaying their products, there seemed to be very few customers around. This could be because it was the day of the opening of the General Market, which drew away a significant number of people from the permanent market.

Despite the light rain, I decided to walk around the market with an umbrella. The humidity was so high that the atmosphere felt damp and sticky. The weather was rather peculiar, as it was difficult to tell whether it was drizzling or just misty. The clouds were low, and the mist-like raindrops were barely noticeable, except for a few drops that occasionally fell on my umbrella. Sometimes I wondered if it was just water droplets on the power poles or actual rain. 

As I walked around, I noticed tiny droplets of water floating in the air, which made me feel like I was walking through a cloud. With an umbrella, there were almost no heavy raindrops falling from the sky, and without an umbrella, it felt like walking around in the rain. 

Despite the uncertain weather, I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the market. I was unsure if it was going to pour out, but the meteorological forecast suggested a 50% chance of rain, which made it hard to predict. However, the weather cooling down was inevitable, and it was only a matter of time before it started pouring down.

On a crisp October morning, I arrived at Kim Seo-ne's Dakgalbi, a renowned restaurant famous for its water dakgalbi, in Taebaek. As I walked towards the restaurant, I noticed that the doors were already open, and the staff was busy getting ready for the day's business.

The friendly waitresses greeted me and asked if I wanted to place an order for their famous water chicken ribs. However, since I had just arrived and it was still early in the morning, they informed me that they would start taking orders from 11 o'clock onwards.

While waiting for the restaurant to open, one of the waitresses suggested that I take a walk around the area. However, I was hesitant, as I knew that I would be doing a lot of walking in the coming days, and my shoes were not comfortable enough for extended periods of walking. Despite this, I decided to explore the area and see what it had to offer.

As I walked around, I realized that the only notable attraction nearby was Hwangji Pond. I had previously visited Hwangji Free Market, which was also close by, so there was no point in revisiting it. Therefore, I decided to head towards Hwangji Pond instead.

Since it was still early in the morning, I thought of checking if any other water chicken rib restaurants were open nearby. However, most of them were still preparing for business and had not opened yet. I considered going to Yellow Pond, but it was too far away to visit at the moment.

With time to spare, I headed towards Hwangji Park, where the pond was located. The park was a beautiful and serene place, and the pond was a sight to behold. I spent some time there, taking in the scenic beauty and enjoying the early morning breeze.

Overall, it was a pleasant morning, and I was glad that I had the opportunity to explore the area and discover some of its hidden gems.

I went into Hwangji Park.

Hwangji Park is a famous tourist attraction located in South Korea. The park is home to a statue that has become a symbol of the legend of Hwangji Pond. The story behind the statue is a tragic tale of a rich man named Huang who lived in a small village. Huang was known for his unkind and cruel nature.

One day, a monk came to Huang's house to receive alms, but the father and son gave him cow dung instead of rice. The daughter-in-law of the family, who witnessed the scene, secretly went to the monk and gave him a bag of rice. The monk was touched by her kindness and asked her to follow him, but warned her not to look back. The daughter-in-law agreed and followed the monk, leaving behind her husband and father-in-law.

As they were walking, a sudden thunderstorm hit the town of Tao, and the daughter-in-law heard a thunderbolt. She turned back to check on her newborn and puppy, turning into stone along with them. The site of the rich man's house was turned into a pond when the ground collapsed, and the pond is now known as Hwangji Pond.

The legend of Hwangji Pond has become a popular story in South Korea, and it is said that both the rich man's daughter-in-law and the monk's daughter became unhappy in the end. Although the daughter-in-law of the Huang family was at fault for disobeying the monk's warning and looking back, it is also understandable to look back when there is a thunderstorm behind you. Despite her kind-hearted nature, she suffered a tragic fate due to her disobedience.

Hwangji Pond, located in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, South Korea, is a significant natural landmark that holds great significance in the region. It is often referred to as the source of the Nakdong River, which is the longest river in South Korea, stretching to a length of approximately 525 km from its source to the East Sea. Hwangji Pond is an artificial reservoir created by the construction of Hwangji Dam in 1985, which aimed to supply water to the nearby region.

Although Hwangji Pond is popularly known as the source of the Nakdong River, the exact geographical source of the river is the Ragdal Spring, located in Cheonuibong on Maebongsan Mountain, Taebaek, Gangwon-do. However, the city of Taebaek promotes Hwangji Pond as the source of the river, and it has become a significant tourist attraction in the region.

It's worth noting that Hwangji Pond is not just any ordinary pond. With a water production rate of around 5,000 tons per day, it serves as a crucial source of water for the region. The water from the pond eventually flows into the Nakdong River, contributing to its water flow. The pond also plays a vital role in flood control, as it can store excess water during the rainy season and release it gradually during the dry season.

Hwangji Pond is a natural and human-made wonder that holds great significance in the region. Even though it's not the actual geographical source of the Nakdong River, it plays a crucial role in the river's water flow and serves as a primary source of water for the region.

"Autumn leaves have already arrived here, haven't they?"

Taebaek is a small city located in the Gangwon Province of South Korea. The city is situated at a higher altitude than other places, which makes it colder than most areas. I had the opportunity to visit Taebaek recently, and I was awed by the natural beauty of the place. The difference in altitude is reflected in the vegetation, with the leaves in Taebaek changing color much earlier than in other areas. When I left Uijeongbu, where I live, the leaves were still blue. However, the trees around Hwangji Pond in Taebaek City were already transforming. The green leaves, which had not yet changed color, and those that had already turned red blended to create a breathtakingly beautiful and colorful landscape. The air was crisp and fresh, making the experience even more enjoyable. If you ever get the chance to visit Taebaek, I highly recommend it.

According to the historical records, the Yellow Pond was once a vast body of water that covered a significant area. The pond was believed to be a single entity, stretching over a large expanse of land. However, as time passed, the pond's size reduced considerably, and presently, only a small portion of it is left. Today, the Hwangji Pond, which is believed to be a remnant of the former Yellow Pond, has a circumference of approximately 100 meters.

Mistakes can have lasting consequences. This is the lesson that the legend of Hwangjiyeon Pond in Gangwon-do teaches us. According to the tale, the Hwangbuja family's house was ruined due to an error they made. The story serves as a reminder that we should always try to avoid making mistakes as much as possible.

The pond contains a sculpture of the Yellow Father, the Yellow Rich Daughter-in-law, and a gourd. The statue serves as a visual representation of the story that accompanies it. The legend tells us that the rich man's house was destroyed, and he was reduced to begging. The gourd he uses for begging can be seen in the sculpture.

On the other hand, the daughter-in-law of the emperor was turned into a stone while on her way to Daogye to avoid a disaster. Her statue can be found in Taebaek City. While the reason for her transformation is unclear, the legend suggests that she was spared from a life of begging. Her statue is a reminder that there are ways to avoid suffering the consequences of our mistakes.

The legend is not a ghost story about a schoolgirl reading a book. It is a fable that teaches us to be mindful of our actions. It tells us that we should learn from our mistakes and strive to avoid making them again.

The coins thrown into the pond are usually 10-won and 100-won coins. However, it is difficult to distinguish between the two due to the water's reflection. This detail further emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the little things to avoid making errors.

I zoomed in on the photo and examined the coin closely. There was also a lone 500-won coin in the pond.

I had the opportunity to visit Hwangji Pond in Taebaek City for the second time, and I must say that it was an experience I won't forget anytime soon. My initial expectation was that I wouldn't be as impressed as the first time, but to my surprise, it was still as interesting as ever. What made it even more remarkable this time was the fact that the autumn leaves had started changing colors, and the pond had transformed into a stunning canvas of colors, with hues of red, yellow, and orange blending beautifully together. 

As I walked along the pond, I couldn't help but recall the legend of the Yellow Ji Pond, and my attention was drawn to the stone statues of the Yellow Father and the Yellow Daughter-in-law in the pond. I spent a considerable amount of time observing them, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the intricate details of the statues. As I sat by the pond, I found myself lost in thought, pondering the stories and legends surrounding the pond. It was an experience that left me feeling enriched and grateful for the opportunity to witness such beauty, and I look forward to visiting Hwangji Pond again in the future.