IFEZ Journal

Lots of Fun at Yeongjong Sea

COASTTO COAST

This past summer, the east and west beaches of Yeongjongdo were crowded with visitors. 

In the east, they could face the sea more closely; in the west, a festival offered respite from the sizzling heat.

Let’s learn more about the summer sea of Yeongjong, boasting the stunning beauty of the sunlight’s glittering reflection.

➊ The trail along the coast of Yeongjongjin.

➋ The trail has been created in order to enjoy the sea more comfortably.

➌ The trail begins at the entrance of the Seaside Rail Bike.

➍ The road is connected to Yeongjongjin Park, so it is good for a walk.

➎ If you climb the pavilion in Yeongjongjin Park, you can capture the panoramic view of the sea.

The Road Brings You Closer to the Sea

Yeongjongjin, at the eastern end of Yeongjongdo Island, where a rail bike course is set up, along with Gueup Batteo and a forest-experience center, has recently added yet another attraction: a dule-gil (trail) has been built along Yeongjongjin Park’s coast. This trail starts at the Yeongjong Seaside Rail Bike entrance and continues to the Western Grace Hotel, stretching out for a length of 230 m. Citizens who previously had to bypass this section or cross it by stepping over the sandy beach have welcomed this new dule-gil, thanks to which they can now comfortably walk right up to the sea. There are also two shelters in place, offering more options for spots to rest and look out at the incredible scenery. If all of that is not enough, there are also nearby tidal flats exposed at low tide, or visitors can take a stroll through Yeongjong Sky City Park right next door. All in all, the dule-gil showcases the beautiful nature and provides healing to those who visit Yeongjongjin.

➊ Guests conducted a calligraphy performance.

➋ The children enjoyed a water-gun fight at the water park.

➌ Citizens enjoyed the festival with a rare yachting experience.

➍ Famous singers took to the stage for the celebration.

Unique Experiences at Sea

On the west coast of Yeongjongdo, there are many famous beaches, such as Eulwangni, Wangsan, and Masian. Among them, be sure to visit Wangsan. If you go a little further from the shore, there is Wangsan Marina, a port where various yachts come and go. Last summer, the Yongyu Sea Festival was held here, which made full use of the exotic scenery on hand.

IFEZ hosted this festival with the theme of “Yachts & Highballs” to provide citizens with unforgettable memories of the summer sea. 

For most citizens, a yachting experience is a rare opportunity. About 10 passengers who applied for the program climbed aboard the yacht with untethered excitement. The vessel then left the port and sailed on the coastal waters of Yeongjongdo, allowing the passengers to enjoy the cool sea breeze for about an hour while delighting in this new experience.

On one side of the festival venue, a highball club was held. The bartenders presented a splendid cocktail show, pleasing the eyes and mouths of all in attendance. Visitors then joined a water-gun competition and ice-treasure hunting at the water park. Meanwhile, the experience booths presented various programs, such as making dalgona, fashion tattoos, and pinwheels, adding even more fun to the already exciting day.

The opening ceremony started at 6:00 p.m., coinciding with the heat’s subsiding. First, a children’s choir and calligraphy performance opened the event, with the festival’s title written out skillfully on a banner, formally welcoming the audience. In a congratulatory speech afterwards, IFEZ Commissioner Kim Jin-yong said, “I hope Yeongjong International City and Incheon will leap forward as world-class tourism and leisure hub cities through the Yongyu Sea Festival.” The highlight of the opening ceremony followed in the form of a celebratory performance, where famous artists like Rhythm Power, Kisum, Young Ji, Dream Note, Na Tae-joo, and Bada took to the stage one after another to bring the heat back to this summer night.

MINI INTERVIEW

Choi Ri-an and Choi Young-eun (Jungsan-dong, Jung-gu)

We live in Yeongjongdo. We found this event from a festival-promotion banner hanging on the street. We knew Wangsan Marina had a lot of events, but this is our first time joining in person. We made a plaster air freshener in the experience booth as soon as we arrived. I am so excited to eat delicious food from the food trucks and to see the splendid performances. I hope to see more festivals like this in the future.