[Yamagata Prefecture] Enjoy the feeling of traveling to Korea at “Roadside Station Tozawa Komaikan”!

  • naka
  • Last updated: 2022.09.26

Due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus infection, it is difficult to travel abroad as easily as before.
This time, during the coronavirus pandemic, we will introduce some special places where you can experience the feeling of being in South Korea, which is always at the top of the list of countries you want to visit when traveling.

“The Korea” suddenly appears in a landscape rich in nature!

"Roadside Station Tozawa Koraikan" is a roadside station located in Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture, with a Korean-style building as its landmark.
Tozawa Village is a small village located in the northern part of Yamagata Prefecture with a population of about 4,000 people, and is also famous for its Mogami River boat ride.

While driving along National Route 47 while enjoying the magnificent scenery of Tozawa Village, a large Korean-style building suddenly appears!

Inside the grounds, you can feel like you’ve traveled back in time

If it weren't for the roadside station sign, you would have no idea what the facility is at first glance.
I'm excited to go inside.

An exotic totem pole welcomes you from the entrance.
It is a type of Korean amulet called ``General Beacon''.

The vast grounds are lined with Korean-style buildings and objects as far as the eye can see.
Looking at the huge palace-like buildings that you often see in Korean historical dramas, it feels like you have traveled back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.

A statue of Dolharbang, the guardian deity of Jeju Island, placed in the garden

In the garden, plants such as rose of Sharon and magnolia, which are familiar in Korea, are planted in accordance with the ``Korean feng shui geography theory,'' which emphasizes the harmony between the energy of heaven and earth and humans.

Why Korean style?

Some people may wonder why a roadside station in a small village rich in nature has a Korean style.
The answer goes back more than 30 years. Since 1989, Tozawa Village has held an "International Exchange School" jointly with Jecheon City, South Korea, and mutual visits have been held for the purpose of exchanging agricultural techniques among young people engaged in agriculture.
Later, the village promoted international marriage as a measure to secure successors for farmers, and Tozawa Village has a history of many Korean women marrying.

Highlights of Tozawa Roadside Station Koraikan

Korean product center

First up is the main building, the Korean Products Hall.
Approximately 80% of the products in the store, where light K-POP music plays, are Korean items.
Food, cosmetics, and Korean idol goods are lined up in a row, giving you the feel of being in a Korean souvenir shop.
There are many foods that you don't see in everyday life, such as ginseng drinks, and it's a fun spot just to browse.

Spectacular view of the Mogami River “Chouga no Oka”

You can enjoy the panoramic view from Choga no Oka, a small hill located at the back of the roadside station grounds.
The main attraction is the Mogami River, which changes its flow at a 90-degree right angle.
You can enjoy the unique view of Tozawa Village, which has existed alongside the Mogami River since ancient times. There is also an arbor, so it's a great place to relax and enjoy the view while feeling the pleasant breeze.

Seoul Bulgogi

Seoul Bulgogi is a Korean restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Korean flavors.
Looking at the font on the signboard, I felt the same sense of relief that I felt when I saw Japanese in Korea.

The recommended ``Koryo Bijin Ice Cream'' is a Korean ice cream that is said to have great beauty and health benefits.

This ice cream is accented with the crunchy texture of Korean ginseng and is hard to find anywhere else. It is currently on hiatus, but expectations are high as it is scheduled to be revived with improved power next spring.

Commemorative photo taken at “Chimajeogori”

There is also a photo spot where you can take pictures wearing the Korean national costume Chimajeogori.
It's nice to be able to experience the royal atmosphere that you see in Korean dramas while staying in Yamagata.
It's a popular spot among a wide range of generations, including young women and women in their 50s and 60s who love Korean dramas, as the gorgeous and cute atmosphere makes it look great in photos.
They also have costumes for small children, so it's possible to take pictures of parents and children together!
If the weather is nice, you can also take photos in the studio or in the garden.

Ume-chan kimchi

This is a fast food restaurant operated by Umechan Kimchi Honpo, headquartered in Tsuruoka City.
You will feel like you are walking into a restaurant in the middle of a Korean city.
You can also take out the easy-to-eat panchijimi. It is also a recommended shop to stop by while driving.

in conclusion

Roadside Station Tozawa Koraikan is a rare spot in Tohoku where you can feel like you're on a short trip to Korea.
Why not come and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere that will make you feel like you have wandered into a foreign country, as well as the authentic cuisine and sweets.

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