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Yeongwol Yemil Wine Village isn’t the most popular destination in South Korea, but it is certainly making itself known in the wine-lovers community!
Yemil Wine Village, a tiny, modest haven for wine lovers, is situated within Mount Manggyongdae Valley. This place is a hidden gem, brimming with captivating wine aromas that are just waiting to be discovered by the world. It officially goes by the name of Yemil 2-ri and has Yemil 1-ri, well known as the “grape village,” as its neighbor.
Come, let’s explore the village’s specifics and get a little more familiar with it.
Where is Yemil Wine Village?
Yemil Wine Village is nestled in the quiet mountain valley of Yemil-ri, Yeongwol County, Gangwon-do, about 2.5 hours from Seoul. The vineyard is surrounded by rolling hills and the clear waters of the Donggang River, creating the perfect natural backdrop for winemaking.
Tip: You can reach the village most easily by car or local taxi from Yeongwol Bus Terminal.
History of Yemil
Yemil, which in Korean means “full of politeness,” wasn’t originally known as a wine village. It was highly recognized for supplying wonderful grapes before the Agricultural Corporation in 2009. After that, the area flourished, and in 2011, a legitimate winery was constructed. By 2015, it had become a well-known wine destination.
What makes the Yemil Village Wines So Special?
There are many reasons why Yeongwol Yemil Wine Village produces some of the most exquisite wines.
Rich Soil
The fact that the grapes are grown with great care is one of the key factors contributing to the smooth and delightful nature of the wines. The wines are created in calcareous soil. This soil is rich in calcium. Therefore, when the roots penetrate deeply, they receive an abundance of nutrients and minerals, thereby producing high-value grapes.
Temperature
The village, situated amidst the mountains, experiences drastic highs and lows in weather. For instance, when the sun is up, the temperature is relatively high, but as soon as it sets, the rough winds blow and mellow down the temperature by many degrees.
Fortunately, whatever the weather, it seems to suit the cultivation of the grapes. This is because, over the past couple of years, grapes have developed a higher sugar content.
When the raw ingredient is naturally so tasty, the wines are bound to taste amazing.
Technique
The people of Yeongwol Yemil Wine Village cultivate the grapes with great strategic planning. To be specific, a lot of science goes into making the production process perfect. The entire process takes more than a year.
The production of grapes is the first step in the process, which is followed by their fermentation and maturation. This entire event takes place in the Yemil village.
During the off-season, around 10-65 families labor meticulously to grow the grapes. However, when there is high demand, several other villagers come to lend a helping hand and contribute in their own way, be it by harvesting, picking small fruits, or taking care of side shoots.
Cultural & Historical Importance of the Village
Yeongwol isn’t just about wine. The region is famous for its cultural heritage, most notably Kim Satgat, the wandering poet of the Joseon Dynasty, who spent his final years here. Many travelers combine a trip to Yemil Wine Village with a visit to the Kim Satgat Memorial Hall, blending Korea’s poetic history with its emerging wine culture.
Beyond the vineyard, Yeongwol offers natural and artistic gems like Y Park (an outdoor sculpture park), the scenic Donggang River, and Seonjae Village, making it easy to plan a full weekend getaway.
Different Types of Wine To Try from the Yeongwol Yemil Wine Village
The flavors of the wines produced by Yemil wine village are unique and have a fruity aroma. In fact, the town won numerous competitions held by the Rural Development Administration of Korea due to the exceptional quality of its wines.
Great for everyone, there is quite a large variety of Yemil wines for people to enjoy. There are four main types, namely “Sweet,” “Rose,” “Dry,” and “Cheonghyang.” The first 3 are red wine varieties, while the last is the only white wine kind they produce as of today.
You may be wondering about the availability of the wines, given the huge demand they have. Fortunately, the village can employ about 2000t of grapes annually to make wines, which results in a staggering 20,000 bottles.
The hard work and unity of the villages have contributed to the town’s growth over the past couple of years. However, only 10% of Yemil’s grapes are converted to wine. The hope is that with more assistance and recognition, this village’s wine output will increase.
Other Activities to Consider During Your Visit to Yemil Wine Village
Along with savoring the flavorful wines, you can participate in wine experience programs and other entertaining pastimes to enrich your stay at Yemil Wine Village.
- Take a foot bath in wine. The center is a recent addition that continues to welcome more tourists. We guarantee you a great, relaxing, and fun time there. So, do not miss it.
- Create your own memories during seasonal grape picking.
- Take part in the wine-dyeing event. Locals in the area arrange this and cordially invite everyone to participate.
- Other fascinating activities include making wine muffins, ice cream, and even wine soaps.
Visitor Information & Practical Tips
How to Visit Yemil Wine Village
- Getting There: From Seoul, take an intercity bus to Yeongwol Bus Terminal (approx. 2.5–3 hrs). From there, take a taxi (approximately 20 minutes) or arrange a local tour.
- Opening Hours: Typically 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays). Check ahead during the winter months.
- Reservations: Group activities like wine foot baths, grape harvesting, and DIY wine label sessions may require prior booking.
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early fall (August–October) for the harvest season, or November when the annual Yeongwol Wine Festival takes place. Spring offers a blooming scenery, while autumn brings a display of colorful foliage around the vineyard.
Conclusion
Yemil wine village is a rapidly expanding area. The blend of the villagers’ devotion and the high-quality grape used as a raw material has produced some wonderful wines. The flavors are genuine, authentic, and have the power to bring people happiness. In the coming years, we hope the village will continue to grow and produce even more exquisite wines.
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