Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산) - Area information - Korea travel information

Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산)

5.8 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).

Samtan Art Mine (삼탄아트마인)

Samtan Art Mine (삼탄아트마인)

6.5 Km    7800     2022-08-31

1445-44, Hambaeksan-ro, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
82-33-591-3001

Samtan Art Mine is an art complex transformed from an abandoned mine. After being used as a coal mine for 40 years, the mine turned into an art complex in 2001. With more than 100,000 art works on exhibit as well as the harmony between the art installations and the interior, which still maintains elements of the former coal mine, the art mine creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. With lots to see and the availability of many special programs, Samtan Art Mine offers an unique experience and serves as a great photo spot for tourists.

Bunjuryeong Wildflower Trekking (분주령야생화 트레킹)

10.4 Km    23647     2024-03-20

Hwajeon-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do

Bunjuryeong Wildflower Trekking is a trekking course that extends from Geumdaebong Peak in Taebaek's Daedeoksan Mountain to the source of the Hangang River, Geomnyongso Spring. The trekking section (6.9 km) from Dumundongjae Pass to Bunjuryeong Pass is renowned as a paradise for wildflowers and wildlife, including natural monuments like the flying squirrel and ichneumon wasp. Visitors can access this trekking course by making a reservation in advance.

Hambaeksan Mountain (함백산)

Hambaeksan Mountain (함백산)

10.8 Km    29090     2022-10-18

4246-55, Taebaeksan-ro, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-550-2828

With an elevation of 1,573 meters above sea level, Hambaeksan Mountain is the tallest mountain in the eastern part of Gangwon-do. The main ridge of the mountain stretches between the city of Taebaek to the east and Yeongwol and Jeongseon counties to the west. The mountain offers a fine vantage point from which to get a sweeping look at the entire region (including Taebaeksan and Baegunsan mountains) and commands a striking view of the sunrise over East Sea. Hambaeksan Mountain is particularly well known for its breathtaking snowscapes and extensive wildflower beds.

Jeongseon Morundae Cliff (몰운대 (정선))

11.8 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.

O2 Ski Resort (오투리조트 스키장)

12.4 Km    41687     2022-12-26

861, Seohak-ro, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-580-7000

The O2 Ski Resort is located in Taebaek, Gangwon-do, the center of leisure in Korea. In summer, there is no heat wave nor mosquitos and in winter, it receives the first snowfall in Korea as well as the longest snow season. This town-style resort is located only ten minutes from downtown Taebaek and is a world-class leisure town with various facilties and sightseeing attractions nearby. The O2 Ski Resort has been specially designed for families with ski slopes for adults and a sledding hill and kids' park.

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

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

13.0 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.

Hwaam Tourist Attractions (Hwaam Eight Scenic Sites) (화암관광지(화암8경))

Hwaam Tourist Attractions (Hwaam Eight Scenic Sites) (화암관광지(화암8경))

13.4 Km    10442     2019-11-13

1328, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2363

Hwaam Tourist Attractions comprises the eight scenic sights of Hwaam. The winding road leading to the attractions offers a perfect sencery of the mountains and cliffs, as well as magnificent fall foliage in autumn. Sign posts are installed along the way to each of the sceneries to prevent tourists from getting lost.

[Scenic Beauty 1] Hwaam Mineral Spring
At Hwaam Mineral Spring, water rises up through a rock crater located in Dong-myeon, Jeongseon. The water is said to be good for stomachaches, eye infections, and skin diseases; and, as it contains nine essential elements such as calcium and fluorine, it tastes crisp and clean.

[Scenic Beauty 2] Turtle Rock
Part of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring is buttressed by a cliff, on which there is a rock that resembles the shape of a turtle.

[Scenic Beauty 3] Yongmaso
With its clean water and wide sheets of rock, Yongmaso Lake is a popular attraction for vacationers.

[Scenic Beauty 4] Hwaamdonggul Cave
Hwaamdonggul Cave used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones.

[Scenic Beauty 5] Hwapyoju Cliff
Hwapyoju is a cliff facing the entrance of Hwapyo-dong, which can be seen on the way from Hwaam-dong to Molundae. The cliff may appear as if a giant sharpened a large sheet of rock and placed it upright, or less imaginatively, as if two pillars are standing side by side.

[Scenic Beauty 6] Sogeumgang River
The four-kilometer stretch from Hwapyoju to Molundae, surrounded with 100 to 150-meter high rock cliffs and thick forest, is called Sogeumgang River (small Geumgang River), meaning that its beautiful scenery is reminiscent of that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain.

[Scenic Beauty 7] Molundae Cliff
Molundae literally means ‘the cliff beyond which clouds disappear’. 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.

[Scenic Beauty 8] Gwangdaegok Valley
Gwangdaegok Valley is said to be the mysterious place where heaven, earth and clouds meet. The surrounding hills are very rough and bumpy, which makes the area a renowned mountain in Korea. There is a belief among wild-ginseng diggers that they can find great ginseng if they pray in Gwangdaegok, so it is a popular attraction for such prospectors.

Hwaam Mineral Spring [National Geopark] (화암약수 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

Hwaam Mineral Spring [National Geopark] (화암약수 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

13.4 Km    10401     2021-02-24

1330, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2379

Hwaam Mineral Spring is one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Hwaam, and provides carbonated water said to be good for stomach discomfort and skin diseases. Interestingly, the stream water flowing through the valley is just regular freshwater. The reason for this is that the water passes through different types of rock on its way from the underground.

Taebaeksan Hanok Pension [Korea Quality] / 태백산 한옥펜션 [한국관광 품질인증]

Taebaeksan Hanok Pension [Korea Quality] / 태백산 한옥펜션 [한국관광 품질인증]

14.7 Km    9518     2023-08-31

34 , Sorotgol-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-552-2367

Taebaek Mountain Hanok Pension is a 200 year old traditional Korean house built of red pinewood, and located in a highland area surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery of Taebaek and Hanbaek Mountains. In summer you can sit in the yard eating watermelon or enjoying a barbecue, while in winter you can eat sweet potatoes roasted in the fireplace - making many good memories. Traditional weddings can be hosted, and traditional games such as yunnori and hoops are available. Nearby tourist attractions include Cheoram Village, a coal mine, and Guwau Village, where an annual Sunflower Festival is held.