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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to travel abroad as freely as before. This time, I'd like to introduce a special place where you can get the feeling of being in South Korea, a country that consistently ranks high in travel destination rankings, even during this pandemic.
"The Korea" suddenly appears in the midst of a landscape rich in nature!
"Michi-no-Eki Tozawa Koryokan" is a roadside station located in Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture, easily recognizable by its Korean-style building. Tozawa Village is a small village in the northern part of Yamagata Prefecture with a population of about 4,000, and is also famous for its boat trips down the Mogami River.
As you drive along National Route 47, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Tozawa Village, a large Korean-style building suddenly appears in front of you!
The grounds give you the feeling of going back in time
Without the roadside station sign, it would be impossible to tell what kind of facility it is at first glance. I entered with excitement.
An exotic totem pole greeted me at the entrance. It's a type of Korean amulet called a "general's marker."
The vast grounds are filled with Korean-style buildings and sculptures as far as the eye can see. Looking at the huge palace-like buildings often seen in Korean historical dramas, you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.
A statue of Dolharubang, the guardian deity of Jeju Island, placed in the garden
The garden is planted with plants familiar in Korea, such as the Rose of Sharon and Magnolia, in accordance with the Korean theory of Feng Shui, which focuses on the harmony between the energy of heaven and earth and humans
Why Korean style?
Some people might wonder why the roadside station in this small, nature-rich village has a Korean theme. The answer goes back about 30 years. Since 1989, Tozawa Village has been holding an "International Exchange Program" in collaboration with Jecheon City in South Korea, facilitating mutual visits for young people engaged in agriculture to exchange agricultural techniques. Later, as a measure to secure successors for farmers, the village promoted international marriages, and Tozawa Village has a history of many women from South Korea marrying into the family.
First up is the main building, the Korean Products Hall. Upbeat K-POP music plays in the background, and about 80% of the products sold inside are Korean. Food, cosmetics, and merchandise of Korean idols are lined up, giving you the feeling of being in a Korean souvenir shop. There are also many food products that you don't usually see in everyday life, such as ginseng drinks, making it a fun place to just browse.
"Choga no Oka" - A spectacular view of the Mogami River
From "Nagakawa no Oka," a small hill at the back of the roadside station grounds, you can enjoy the panoramic view. The main attraction is the Mogami River, which makes a 90-degree right-angle turn. You can savor a view unique to Tozawa Village, which has been intertwined with the Mogami River since ancient times. There is also a gazebo, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery while feeling the pleasant breeze.
Seoul Bulgogi
Seoul Bulgogi is a Korean restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic taste of Korea. Looking at the font on the sign, I felt the same sense of relief I get when I see Japanese in Korea.
Our recommended "Koryo Bijin Ice Cream" contains Korean ginseng, which is said to have many beauty and health benefits
The crispy texture of ginseng adds a unique touch to this ice cream, which is hard to find anywhere else. It is currently on hiatus, but is expected to be back in spring next year with even more flavor
A photo spot is available where you can take pictures wearing the traditional Korean dress, the hanbok (chimajogori). It's wonderful to be able to experience that royal atmosphere you see in Korean dramas, right here in Yamagata! The vibrant and cute atmosphere makes for great photos, making it a popular spot for a wide range of generations, from young women to women in their 50s and 60s who love Korean dramas. They also have costumes for small children, so it's possible to take photos with your whole family! If the weather is nice, you can take photos not only in the studio but also inside the building and in the garden.
This is a fast-food restaurant operated by Ume-chan Kimchi Honpo, headquartered in Tsuruoka City. You can enjoy the feeling of being in a diner in the middle of a Korean town. The easy-to-eat jeon (Korean pancake) is also available for takeout. It's a recommended place to stop by casually while out for a drive.
Conclusion
Michi-no-Eki Tozawa Koryokan is a rare spot in Tohoku where you can experience a mini-trip to Korea. Why not visit and enjoy the unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you've wandered into a foreign country, along with authentic Korean cuisine and sweets?
Thank you for reading this article.
I'm Naka, a writer born and raised in Tohoku.
My hobby is visiting temples and shrines, and I'm currently on my third goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) book.
I'll be sharing timely information and in-depth topics about Tohoku from a local's perspective!
![Mogami safflower](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== ""Mogami Safflower" certified as a Japanese Heritage and Japanese Agricultural Heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
![Mogami safflower](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/30121446_m-1-150x150.jpg.webp ""Mogami Safflower" certified as a Japanese Heritage and Japanese Agricultural Heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
