Gyeonggi Tourism Organization recommends valleys of Jungwon, Eobi, Sammaksa, Baegun, and Angol

The stream of water emerges from a dense forest that hides the sky and flows gently between small and big rocks, harmonizing with their exotic shapes. The water then cascades over little falls, and tickles children splashing around, bringing smiles to their faces. Staying at well-maintained campsites and in comfortable pensions between cool valleys is a delight. How about spending one more vacation day there?

◇ Jungweon Valley, running along the eastern foot of Mt. Jungwon, boasts  clear, deep water and provides a cool place for a refreshing rest during the summer. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Jungwon Valley: A valley with little falls

Jungwon Valley, running along the eastern foot of Mt. Jungwon, boasts clear, deep water and provides a cool place for a refreshing rest during the summer. Naturally occurring small family pools can be found upstream from the valley entrance, making the valley an ideal destination for a family picnic with children.

Trees grow densely, eliminating concern about shade. The valley is well laid out and pristine without the disorderly restaurants and low wooden benches for rent that we usually associate with such valleys.

Cooking with fire inside the valley is prohibited. However, cooking with a burner is possible at the tables installed in the parking lot, so fathers can be seen busily roasting meat for their families.

The highlight of Jungwon Valley is definitely Jungweon Falls. After ascending about 400 m from the entrance of the valley, visitors can see this little valley, which is surrounded by cliffs comprised of fantastic rock formations like folding screens. Since the water is cold and deep, caution is required. However, the irresistible appeal of the cool scenery encourages people to dive in right away.

Address: Jungwon Valley, 706 Jungweon-ri Yongmun-myeon Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province

Inquiries: 031-770-3312

Nearby Attractions: Yongmunsa Temple, Yongmunsan Mountain Tourist Complex, and Yongmun 5-day Interval Market 

◇ Eobi (meaning ‘fish flying’) is the name given to the valley where fish can regularly be seen jumping out of the water. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Eobi Valley: A nice valley in which to stay

High mountains with deep valleys can be found in Seorak-myeon of Gapyeong County. The clear valley that goes down around Mt. Eobi and connects with Mt. Jungmi and Mt. Yumyeong is Eobi Valley. There are a lot of fish in this valley, and the image of fish jumping out of the water as if in flight gave the valley the name Eobi (meaning ‘fish flying’). Even today, if lucky, visitors can see trout with shining silver scales flying out of the water.

Campsites and pensions are located along the valley from the Eobi Valley Cultural Village and upstream, providing visitors with a unique opportunity for a relaxing family vacation. Small water pools with valley stones can be found at each facility, so children can enjoy playing on tubes, riding boats, and diving. It is so enjoyable that you may choose to stay one day more than you originally plan.

The upstream area of Eobi Valley is filled with the gentle sound of water flowing between small and big stones, and icy-cold water makes visitors want to take their feet out after a 5-minute dip. It is connected to Galhyeon Village of Yangpyeong County. Downstream, the water runs shallow and slow, enabling safe water play. The stream meets the waters of Yumyeong Valley near the First Eobi Bridge below the Byeoggye River and flows into the Bukhan River.

Address: 164 Gail-ri Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province

Nearby Attractions: Yumyeongsan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, Jungmisan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, and Cheongpyeong Lake

◇ The greatest advantage of Sammaksa Valley is that visitors can enjoy dense forests and valleys in a place near the downtown area. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Sammaksa Valley: A gift from Mt. Samseong

The greatest advantage of Sammaksa Valley is that visitors can enjoy dense forests and valleys in a place near the downtown area. It only takes about 10 minutes by bus to reach the valley from Gwanak Subway Station; it can be visited as easily as going out to the front yard of a house with a book and a mat.

Running on both sides of the road from the front of the Gyeongin National University of Education to Sammaksa Temple, Sammaksa Valley has relatively low water levels, so plunging into the water is not possible. However, the relaxing respite of escaping from a bustling city for a while is sweet for families seeking to avoid the heat and have lunch together as well as for mountain climbers in small groups of twos and threes seeking cool shade after climbing Mt. Samseong.

The road to the valley runs uphill, so one may become short of breath while getting there. However, walking on a forest trail through dense, tunnel-like stands of zelkovas and pine trees is refreshing. This road is a well-known  as a good uphill training course among members of the mountain bike community.

Address: San 15-1, Seoksu-dong Manan-gu Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province

Inquiries: 031-8045-5591 (Cultural Tourism Team of Anyang City)

Parking: Public parking lot at the valley entrance – KRW 600 per hour

Nearby Attractions: Sammaksa Temple, Manghaeam Temple, and Anyang Art Park

◇ The Baegun Valley stream flows in harmony with fantastic rock formations, creating a beautiful scene like that of an Oriental painting. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Baegun Valley: Where a Taoist hermit strolled

Pocheon is widely-known for its clear waters. The pure valley water flowing down each ravine also contributes to this reputation. When it comes to clean water, Baegun Valley is second to none.

It has achieved nationwide fame as one of the most popular valleys for summer vacationers. The 10 km-long ravine starts from the top of Mt. Baegun, and the Baegun Valley stream flows in harmony with fantastic rock formations, creating a beautiful scene like that of an Oriental painting. The beauty of the clear water flowing along the clean valley reaches a peak at Seonyudam, a place where a Taoist hermit came to stroll.

If you are not quite content with a short rest here, you’d better stay overnight. The newly opened campsite across from the parking lot will satisfy you; it is fully equipped with such amenities as tents, burners, portable pots and pans, and fire pots.

All you need is food. You can comfortably enjoy leisure time here without cumbersome preparations. It is an ideal place to create fond memories with loved ones.

Address: Baegun Valley, 32 Dopyeong-ri, Idong-myeon, Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province

Inquiries: 031-538-2069 (Cultural Tourism Division of Pocheon City)

Sanmasil luxurious camping & auto camping: http://sanmasil.co.kr

Camping Charge: KRW 110,000 for a 10-pyeong tent (4 persons), KRW 90,000 for an 8-pyeong tent (4 persons),

KRW 50,000 for auto camping

Nearby Attractions: Sanjeongho Lake and Pyeonggang Botanical Garden

◇ Sudong Valley is not far from the metropolitan area, and so can be easily visited. Designated as a national tourist attraction in 1983, it is also referred to as Mulgoran (meaning ‘inside of a water trough’).  ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Sudong Valley: A valley with various charms

Everyone always worries during the vacation season because it is difficult to decide where to go, what to do, and how much to spend. You might want to take off for another destination even after taking time off from work. In that case, put aside your worries and come to Sudong-myeon in Namyangju City.

Sudong Valley is not far from the metropolitan area, and so can be easily visited. It was designated as a national tourist attraction in 1983, it is also referred to as Mulgoran (meaning ‘inside of a water trough’).

Recreation areas are available along the waterway passing the Sudong-myeon Office and running from the Sudong Bridge to Bigeum Valley, making this a popular destination for enjoying water in the summer.  Especially, surrounded by Mt. Cheonma, Mt. Chukryeong, Mt. Cheolma, and Mt. Jugeum, the area looks like a scene from a folding screen and is a site of superb beauty.

If you want to enjoy a meaningful vacation without spending a lot of money, use the Family Rest Area. If you go toward Bigeum-ri, located upstream in the valley, you will find the rest area just before the Horse Riding Course in the Mongolian Culture Village. There is space for 23 decks and tents, and rest rooms as well as water fountains are available in the dense forest and along the valley.

It is not easy to find space during the peak season or on weekends, so be sure to arrive there early in the morning. Charcoal fires and camp fires are not permitted, but cooking burners are allowed.

Address: 250, Naebang-ri, Sudong-myeon, Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province

Family Rest Area Charge: KRW 10,000 for a deck and KRW 5,000 for a non-deck (tent space)

Parking: Parking lot at the Mongolian Cultural Village / KRW 4,000 per day

Nearby Attractions: Mongolian Cultural Village, Moran Art Museum and Hongyureung

◇ Angol Valley, where one can enjoy the crystal clear sound of water, is connected to section 15 of the Mt. Bukhan Dulle-gil. You can also enjoy the scenery of Mt. Bukhan. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Angol Valley: Where pure echos greet you

Angol Valley, where one can enjoy the crystal clear sound of water, is located at the foot of Mt. Sapae. It connects with section 15 of the Mt. Bukhansan Dulle-gil, providing you with the added opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Bukhan. Passing the restaurant-filled food alley at the entrance of the valley, you can reach the Angol section of Dulle-gil.

This is where the valley really starts. If you want to sit on a low wooden bench, leisurely enjoy traditional chicken soup, and dip your feet, you may want to use the restaurant located in the downstream area of the valley.

However, if you want to really enjoy the clear water sound, venture further into the valley. The valley is located within a range of 100 to 300 meters from the Angol entrance, which meets the Angol-gil section; this is an ideal location. You will naturally stop when you hear the splashing sound along the valley.

If you travel approximately 30 minutes from the Angol Bridge, where Dulle-gil Sanneomi-gil starts, towards Mt. Sape, you will reach Seongbulsa Temple. This small mountain temple, located in a dense forest, imparts a feeling of contentment and tranquility. The Angol Falls, flowing along the rock wall down to Seongbulsa Temple, are also nice for summering.

The valley around Seongbulsa Temple has scenery better than that found downstream. However, the forest is so dense that it almost hides the sky. Rocks can be found around the waterholes and beyond. It is a nice place for sitting on a rock and meditating quietly.

Address: San 81-2, Ganeung-dong, Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province

Nearby Attractions: Mt. Sapaesan, Mt. Bukhansan Dulle-gil, and Seogyae Park Se-dang’s Sarangche

Tip: The site has been designated as a national park, so camping, cooking, and smoking are not allowed.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Cheon Gyeong-nam ckn0403@kg21.net 

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