Perfect Places to Escape the Heat in Summer | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Dadeok Mineral Spring is one of Bonghwa’s pristine carbonated mineral springs. It is said that many people benefited from drinking the water from the spring beneath the twenty trees long ago, which is why it is called Dadeok Mineral Spring. The water contains carbon dioxide and iron, giving it a tingling taste. Since ancient times, many people have found it effective for skin diseases and stomach ailments, and even today, many visitors come from all over the country. Located by the national road towards Uljin and Taebaek, it is a convenient spot to stop by while passing through. Around the spring, there are restaurants designated as Bonghwa’s traditional food complex in 2001, where one can enjoy local dishes such as chicken soup boiled with the spring water, herbal duck soup, Bonghwa pine mushroom stone pot rice, and Bonghwa medicinal beef barbecue, as well as a direct sales market for Bonghwa agricultural specialties. The spring is managed by Bonghwa-gun and undergoes regular water quality inspections by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Health and Environment Research Institute.

The Southern Regional Forest Service created the 'Eco Tour-led Geumgang Pine Ecological Management Forest' at three locations: Uljin Sogwang-ri, Yeongyang Bonsin-ri, and Bonghwa Goseon-Daehyeon-ri, to restore the declining Geumgang pine forests—affected by artificial logging and environmental changes—to their late Joseon Dynasty state. A 606-hectare successor forest and a 3.5-hectare natural ecological plant area for food chain restoration have been established, releasing over 30,000 native fish species such as pirami, nuchi, and beodeulchi into the valley, restoring it as a living space. The site offers ecological trails with 1-, 2-, and 4-hour courses where visitors can breathe phytoncide from Geumgang pine trees, observe birds, roe deer, fish playing in streams, and wildflower colonies, all while listening to explanations from forest interpreters. Reservations are made through Supnadeul-e to enjoy a mentally and physically healthy experience.

Goseon Valley is the longest primeval forest valley with a watercourse originating from Taebaeksan (1,567m) flowing for 20 km. According to geomantic theory, there is said to be a blessed site called Guma Ilju, where nine horses are tied to one pillar, but no one has yet found this site. It is also called Guma Valley or Gumadong Valley, and the name originates from this. Place names related to horses, such as Mabang, Juktonggol, and Gulle-gol, remain throughout the area. The surroundings are preserved in their natural state with strange rocks, cliffs, and forests, and the valley water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the beautiful mountain scenery, preserving the primeval mystery. With abundant water volume and many freshwater fish inhabiting the valley, it is popular for families to enjoy water activities, attracting many summer visitors. Safety personnel are assigned to protect visitors and maintain water quality.