A Place with the Memories of All Four Seasons: YongPyong

The month of May marks the beginning of a new season of renewal, growth, and beginnings. As spring approaches after a long winter, May is the month when a whole new world of life and vitality begins to unfold: the blossoming of flowers, the flourishing of nature, and the return of various animals. However, it is also an important month for human relationships as much as nature itself, as it is the month for family, love, and gratefulness.

It is the beginning of May that brings to my mind a sense of family and my relationship with them that have made my core childhood memories meaningful, stimulating, and exciting. Every individual has that one moment or a particular location in which they reflect on their past memories, reliving those times and reflecting on the concept of “family” once again. For myself, there has been this one place that has held a special place deep in my heart since I was a child — YongPyong.

YongPyong is full of memories of my family from all four seasons, each offering different experiences as the weather changes. During spring and autumn, the most memorable place for me as a kid was the Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch. As Asia’s largest sheep farm, it has a vast plain of green grass where families can enjoy looking at the scenery of animals freely roaming alongside large wind turbines that generate natural energy sources. The fascinating scenery was not the only reason why I would love to visit here as a child; it was the activities that young children could do with their family. The best part of this location was that we could feed the sheep and wander around, running joyfully through the open fields of nature. Spring and autumn were the perfect seasons to visit, as the weather and scenery would look so nice because of the beautiful flowers and vibrant autumn leaves.

Samyang Ranch

After playing joyfully with the sheep, I would start daydreaming about my next stop with my family in the summer season. In YongPyong, there was this waterpark that I would never miss out on when I went on a vacation with my family — Peak Island. Even though it is not as big as I see it now, it was such a fascinating wonderland for me when I was in kindergarten. There would be small slides that would feel like rollercoasters, waves like ones in the actual ocean, and even scrumptious snacks that would fill up my whole tummy. I would say that it was paradise, when every family could make a memorable day by simply going out and swimming in the waterpark.

Peak Island

The last season of the year, winter, also excites me as I reminisce about my childhood memories. YongPyong Ski Resort, now changed to Mona YongPyong, was indeed the place that I would visit the most with my whole family. Compared to other locations where I would enjoy spending time with my mom and dad, here, I would spend time with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and my cousins. Even though I couldn’t ski when I was young, it was enough to make a core memory in my childhood by riding a sled, eating winter food, and joking around with the people beside me.

YongPyong Ski Resort

As I recall the amusing activities and memories that I had at the age of five, I am reminded once again of the warmth and happiness of what a true family provides to all of us every day. Having written this article about some of the core locations I remember, I would like to encourage you to reflect on your own childhood as well, recalling the significance of your family's presence in your life. And also don’t forget: memories of your families and your dear ones are still waiting to arrive!

Works Cited

Company, Media4th . “모나 용평:모나 용평 스키장.” Yongpyong.co.kr, 2024, www.yongpyong.co.kr/kor/skiNboard/introduce.do. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

OKTOMATO. “삼양목장.” 삼양목장, 2018, www.samyangfarm.co.kr/farm/intro. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

“트립어드바이저.” 트립어드바이저, 2020, www.tripadvisor.co.kr/Attraction_Review-g612377-d4087334-Reviews-Mona_Yongpyong_Ski_Resort-Pyeongchang_gun_Gangwon_do.html.