When night falls over Anbandegi in Gangneung, the vast vegetable fields are hidden in darkness, and the sky blooms. Located deep in the mountains at an altitude of 1,100 meters, Anbandegi boasts of clean air and minimal light pollution; thus making it one of Korea’s top destinations for Milky Way viewing. Standing silently in the middle of the night with no artificial lights, you are struck first by the tranquility of nature. Then, looking up at the night sky, you are awed by clusters of glittering stars. A lone wind turbine rising into the night is also overwhelming. The effort of climbing the long winding mountain roads is instantly rewarded by this scene. Meteor showers—invisible even in cities no matter how hard people try to focus—can also be spotted here easily. If you have a desperate wish to make, head to Gangneung Anbandegi.

When night falls over Anbandegi in Gangneung, the vast vegetable fields are hidden in darkness, and the sky blooms. Located deep in the mountains at an altitude of 1,100 meters, Anbandegi boasts of clean air and minimal light pollution; thus making it one of Korea’s top destinations for Milky Way viewing. Standing silently in the middle of the night with no artificial lights, you are struck first by the tranquility of nature. Then, looking up at the night sky, you are awed by clusters of glittering stars. A lone wind turbine rising into the night is also overwhelming. The effort of climbing the long winding mountain roads is instantly rewarded by this scene. Meteor showers—invisible even in cities no matter how hard people try to focus—can also be spotted here easily. If you have a desperate wish to make, head to Gangneung Anbandegi.

• A428 Anbandegi-gil, Wangsang-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Near the summit of Cheongoksan Mountain at 1,256 meters above sea level, spanning Jeongseon and Pyeongchang counties in Gangwon-do, lies a wide plain called “Yukbaekmajigi.” With its area equivalent to six soccer fields combined, the open view makes it an ideal spot for night sky observation. If you visit during the blooming season of Shasta daisies (June–September), the white flowers reflect starlight, shimmering like a Milky Way on the ground. However, being a prime Milky Way spot doesn’t guarantee that you can always capture the spectacular view. Stars are obscured by bright moonlight. The darker the night, the clearer the stars are, so visiting on the last day of the lunar month with a waning moon is recommended.

• A 1-14 Hoedong-ri, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

As the sun is about to disappear beyond the horizon, Unyeo Beach in Taean is dyed entirely red. After watching the sunset vanish absent-mindedly for a while, you will witness another kind of romance unfold. Stars gradually appear in the vast night sky, eventually filling it to create a uniquely beautiful spectacle. To reach the Milky Way viewing point at Unyeo Beach, walk a bit past the entrance to the campground to the beach. Here, a dense pine grove lines the embankment. At high tide, seawater waves reach into the grove, creating lake-like reflections. The pine grove appears like an island, mirrored by the radiant Milky Way above like a decalcomania to transform the entire area into a star-filled paradise.

As the sun is about to disappear beyond the horizon, Unyeo Beach in Taean is dyed entirely red. After watching the sunset vanish absent-mindedly for a while, you will witness another kind of romance unfold. Stars gradually appear in the vast night sky, eventually filling it to create a uniquely beautiful spectacle. To reach the Milky Way viewing point at Unyeo Beach, walk a bit past the entrance to the campground to the beach. Here, a dense pine grove lines the embankment. At high tide, seawater waves reach into the grove, creating lake-like reflections. The pine grove appears like an island, mirrored by the radiant Milky Way above like a decalcomania to transform the entire area into a star-filled paradise.

• A535-57 Jangsampo-ro, Gonam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Deokjusanseong Fortress is famous as a photography hotspot. Photographers’ lenses focus on the night sky above the fortress cloaked in darkness. The Milky Way flows over the ancient walls that have stood since the Unified Silla period, creating a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. Its charm is often more vividly captured through a camera than seen with the naked eye. Especially with long-exposure settings, the star trails swirling around the fortress create mystical images like scenes from a work of art.

Deokjusanseong Fortress is famous as a photography hotspot. Photographers’ lenses focus on the night sky above the fortress cloaked in darkness. The Milky Way flows over the ancient walls that have stood since the Unified Silla period, creating a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. Its charm is often more vividly captured through a camera than seen with the naked eye. Especially with long-exposure settings, the star trails swirling around the fortress create mystical images like scenes from a work of art.

• A San 1-1, Songgye-ri, Hansu-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do