Sugamgyegok Valley (숙암계곡) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sugamgyegok Valley (숙암계곡)

Sugamgyegok Valley (숙암계곡)

14.3 Km    36650     2024-02-28

Danim-gil, Bukpyeong-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Sugamgyegok Valley, stretching 10 kilometers long, meanders around Sangwonsan and Gariwangsan Mountains. The roads flanking the valley are favored destinations for scenic drives. One of the valley's key features is the Sugamsaem Spring, known for its clear and cold water. Upstream, a 20-meter-tall waterfall stands as a prime attraction, complemented by the historical Sugamseowon Confucian Academy. The valley is lush and verdant in spring, transforming into a vibrant display of red fall colors in autumn. Visitors can follow the hiking trails to fully immerse themselves in the stunning scenery of the valley.

Sogeumgang River [National Geopark] (소금강 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

Sogeumgang River [National Geopark] (소금강 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

14.5 Km    15670     2021-05-24

San 109-1. Morun-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Sogeumgang River is lined with high rock cliffs topped with lush forests. This section of river is so beautiful, it is called "Little Geumgangsan River," with Geumgangsan Mountain being known as the most breathtaking location in all of Korea. Visitors can find a number of famous rocks along the river.

Jeongseon Arirang Training Hall (정선아리랑 전수관)

14.8 Km    25598     2021-07-21

69, Auraji-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2897

Jeongseon Arirang is an important intangible heritage of Korea, being designated Gangwon-do Intangible Cultural Asset No. 1, as well as recorded as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heriatge. The song was created in the late Goryeo dynasty by seven worshippers of the dynasty who settled in Jeongseon. The song was made to help the local scholars understand Chinese poetry, and to express the stories and emotions to the locals. The Jeongseon Arirang Training Hall was established to preserve and promote this history, as well as develop the local folk culture. The hall is located by the Auraji riverside at the point where Songcheon and Goljicheon Streams meet. The facilities are comprised of three buildings, divided into an exhibition area, and a experience area. In the experience area, visitors can learn how to perform Jeongseon Arirang by official holders of the intangible heritage. Programs are free but require advance reservation.

Auraji Lake (아우라지)

Auraji Lake (아우라지)

14.8 Km    23090     2022-12-26

69, Auraji-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Auraji is the name of a lake located in Yeoryang-myeon in Jeongseon-gun. It is here that Jeongseon Arirang, the Intangible Cultural Asset of Gangwon-do, originated. The area has long been famous for its beautiful, clean mountains and rivers. Its name is derived from the Korean word eoureojida, meaning "to meet" as the waters of Pyeongchang and Samcheok unite in this area.

Part of the upper stream of Namhangang River, Auraji was a famous starting point of log rafts transporting timber to Hanyang, the original name of Seoul. In the old days, one could always hear the singing of boatmen who came from all over the nation. The lyrics of Jeongseon Arirang reveal the sadness and longing of a woman awaiting her husband who left for business to a far-away place or left to transport timber.

Jeongseon Morundae Cliff (몰운대 (정선))

16.4 Km    11167     2021-05-31

1330, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Morundae Cliff is one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Hwaam. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people.

Eorayeon Valley -Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark (어라연-강원고생대 국가지질공원)

Eorayeon Valley -Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark (어라연-강원고생대 국가지질공원)

16.7 Km    8440     2022-12-29

259 , Eorayeon-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-372-1705

A beautiful and mysterious valley located 12 km up the Donggang River, Eorayeon Valley is renowned for its clean waters and for the many fish that inhabit it. The valley has beautiful rock formations and a dense pine forest that were designated as the National Scenic Spot in December 2004. It is one of Korea's most popular sites for rafting, followed by Naerincheon Creek and Cheorwon's Hantangang River. The trail to Eorayeon through Jatbong Peak is also quite popular (approx. 3 hours).

Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산)

17.6 Km    49838     2022-12-26

12, Mindungsan-ro, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Situated in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8 meters) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As hinted by its name's meaning "bare mountain," there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.

The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.

Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.

On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng).

Yundaechun Rafting (연대천래프팅)

Yundaechun Rafting (연대천래프팅)

18.1 Km    7980     2022-10-17

78-4, Seopsae-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-372-3398

Yundaechun Rafting offers group rafting, survival games, and ATV on Korea's most beautiful and challenging waters of the Donggang River.

Jeongseon Railbike (정선레일바이크)

Jeongseon Railbike (정선레일바이크)

19.1 Km    18972     2022-12-23

745, Nochusan-ro, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-563-8787

Jeongseon Railbike was the first railbike location to open in Korea. Offering both two- and four-person bikes, riders depart from Gujeol Station and travel 7.2 kilometers along an abandoned railway track to Auraji Station. The tracks pass along the clean river, through a forest, and through old train tunnels decorated with vibrant lights.

The track of Jeongseon Railbike is relatively flat, making it easy for all riders to enjoy the passing scenery in comfort. The full track takes about 30~40 minutes to complete. After arriving, visitors can hop aboard the train that takes riders back to Gujeol Station. There are cafes at Gujeol and Auraji Stations designed to look like a grasshopper and a fish, respectively. These train cafes make for great photos! The Ant Pension also is fun, designed just like an ant.

Jangamsan Paragliding Field (장암산 활공장)

Jangamsan Paragliding Field (장암산 활공장)

19.4 Km    18588     2022-06-27

129, Jangamdong-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-332-2625

Paragliding is controlled by the power of body weight. Hang gliding and paragliding are both included in manpowered gliders, which refers to gliders weighing less than 50 kilograms in dead weight. Paragliding has the shortest history among air sports, but is the most popular manpower glider.

Anyone can enjoy paragliding and after a 3 to 4-hour training course, participants can take off from a 50 meter steep hill. The total weight of the glide is just 10 kilograms, light enough to carry on one’s back, and carries very little danger if riders follow proper precautions.

Jangamsan Paragliding Field is located near Pyeongchang and the mountain is mainly comprised of stones, making it possible for people to enjoy a real thermal flight experience. The field is suitable for families who wish to enjoy camping with paragliding. The landing field is situated along the Pyeongchanggang River, which is also available for swimming after the flight. The river has a spacious pool on both upstream and downstream, making it a perfect venue for safety clinic education as well.