Meeting dramatic cliffs of the Hantan River | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Sambuyeon Waterfall is one of the nine scenic spots of Cheorwon, a three-tiered waterfall about 20 meters high located in the granite area on the mid-slope of Myeongseongsan (870m). It was formed by long-term erosion from flowing water after granite, intruded during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era, was exposed on the surface. This place belongs to the Hantan River Geopark and is certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The waterfall is called Sambuyeon (三釜淵) because the water stream bends three times and there are three kettle-like deep pools at the bottom. The name Sambuyeon is said to have been given by Kim Chang-heup, a Confucian scholar and poet of the Joseon Dynasty, who visited here and used the characters for stone (三), kettle (釜), and pool (淵). The master of true-view landscape painting of the Joseon era, Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, captured the splendid scenery of Sambuyeon Waterfall in his painting 'Sambuyeondo,' which remains to this day. To view Sambuyeon Waterfall, visitors must walk from the parking lot through a tunnel to the observatory, where the spectacular waterfall can be seen up close.

Jiktang Waterfall (直湯瀑布) is a waterfall located on the main stream of the Hantan River, formed on a flat basalt surface. Unlike other waterfalls in Korea, it spreads widely along the river surface. The waterfall formed as water has flowed over layered basalt lava flows for a long time, causing weathering and erosion along the basalt columnar joints to create a stepped waterfall shape. Although its height is only about 3 meters, its width is approximately 80 meters. The rocks comprising Jiktang Waterfall are basalt formed in the Quaternary period of the Cenozoic era, estimated to have formed between 540,000 and 120,000 years ago. This rock is part of the Cheorwon lava plateau basalt, created when lava rose along a weak point in the Chugaryeong structural trough between Seoul and Wonsan and then solidified. (Source: Hantan River Geopark website)

Sundam Valley, located on a tributary of the Hantan River in Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, is known as the most beautiful valley featuring cliffs and columnar joints formed by volcanic activity along the Hantan River's flow. The name Sundam originates from the Joseon Dynasty period under King Jeongjo when Kim Gwanju dug a pond here and cultivated medicinal herbs for use. It is a U-shaped gorge formed by the erosion of the Hantan River, boasting uniquely shaped rocks, steep cliffs, and vertical waterfalls. A white sandy beach, rare along riverbanks, naturally formed due to the abundant water supply. The columnar joints are the valley's main attraction, consisting of horizontal faults formed by the Hantan River's erosion over hundreds of millions of years. The Hantan River Columnar Joint Trail, opened in 2021, is a 3.6 km course along the cliffs within the UNESCO-recognized Hantan River Geopark. Walking along the trail winding through the gorge provides views of the unique volcanic landforms around the Hantan River. Various bridges and observation decks enrich the scenic experience. Notably, from the Cheorwon Hantan River Sky Observatory, visitors can walk the glass trail while overlooking the spectacular Hantan River scenery. Dwitgang, ideal for rafting, is popular among rafting enthusiasts. Recently, its beautiful surroundings and gentle currents attract many beginners learning rafting on weekends. Many shops operated by professional instructors are available nearby for convenience.

강원도 철원군 동송읍 고석정 국민관광단지에 있는 화산온천은 일본, 뉴질랜드 등 일부 국가에만 있는 것으로 알려진 화산온천이라고 한다. 이 곳 온천수는 지하 850m 현무암 암반에서 발견된 것으로, 인체에 유익한 게르마늄의 비율이 일반 온천보다 6, 7배나 많으며 피부 노화방지, 고혈압, 심장병 예방에 효과가 있다고 한다.