Beat the Heat!

Seokryongsan Mountain and Bokhodong Falls Await You
(2011.06.23)

Gapyeong County, which has an area of 843 million square meters, is the second largest of all districts in Gyeonggi Province. It is still covered with ancient forests that have yet to be fully explored.

The towering mountains and deep valleys are a source of abundant resources. The entire province is covered with greenery, but Seokryongsan Mountain and Bokhodong Falls are said to be so beautiful that they make the birds dance and sing.

-Seokryongsan Mountain and the sound of birds and waterLocated in Buk-myeon of Gapyeong is Seokryongsan Mountain and Jomurak Valley, where a cool stream of water cascades down from the rocks. A cool breeze blows through the valley even when summer is at its hottest, maintaining an ideal climate.

Seokryongsan Mountain (1,153m) always teems with mountain climbers exploring its year-round charms. But summer is the best time to visit the mountain with Hwaaksan Mountain (1,468 meters) rising on its right and Gukmangbong Summit (1,168 meters) on its left.

Jomurak Valley branches out of Seokryongsan Mountain and is the source of Gapyeongcheon Stream, which runs over 6 kilometers. It is said that the mountain is so beautiful that it makes the birds sing and dance, hence its nickname Jomurak.

Birds and waterfalls will be your companions when you???re hiking on Seokryong Mountain.

-Bokhodong Falls resemble an open fan
Past the stone pagoda made of pebbles placed by people making wishes, there is a path that winds upwards through dense green forest to Bokhodong Falls.

The falls were named Bokhodong because in the past it was said that their shape resembled a crouching tiger. They are 30 meters high and 5 meters wide, and fall in three tiers as the water spreads like an open fan on the magnificent rocks.

There are plenty of steep rock overhangs that provide shelter on your way to the waterfall, which is also well hidden from the sun because of the dense forest surroundings. The boulders under the waterfall are also a great place to take a breather.

The cool breeze carries spray from the falls to climbers, providing relief from the hot weather by washing away the sweat induced by the steep climb.

There are plenty of other worthwhile places to visit along the stream. At Golbaengiso Pondand Jungbangso Pond, the current becomes very rapid and tumultuous near the neck of the stream, adding to the attraction of Seokryongsan Mountain.

Seokryeongsan Mountain’s trail is very rocky so it is advisable to plan the trip in advance. For family outings, Bokhodong Falls is probably the best point from which to head back down.

 Seokryeongsan Mountain Course
-Course 1: 3.8 Bridge – Jomurak Valley – Bokhodong Falls – Bangrim Pass – Seokryeongsan Summit (5.9km, 3.5 hours)
-Course 2: 3.8 Bridge – General Guide Pannel – Jeonmangji – Seokryeongsan Summit (4.9km, 3 hours)
-Course 3: 3.8 Bridge – Jomurakgol Mountain Cabin – Jeonmangji – Seokryeongsan Summit (5km, 3 hours)

How to get there
-By car: Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway – Hwado IC -Mokdong Samgeori – Jomurak Valley
-By subway: Gapyeong Station – At Gapyeong Terminal transfer to a bus bound for Yongsu-dong (33-4)
-By express bus: Board the 1330-3 bus at Cheongryangri and get off at Gapyeong Terminal.

Information from the Culture & Tourism Division, Kim Yeong-Dae (+82-2-580-2076)

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