Goseokjeong National Tourist Site | Attraction Guide

Goseokjeong is one of the nine scenic spots of Cheorwon and the most famous attraction in the area. Towering about 10 meters high in the middle of the Hantan River, a crystal-clear stream flows swirling between the two imposing rock formations. It is said that during the reign of King Jinpyeong of Silla, a two-story pavilion about 10 pyeong in size was built on the middle course of the Hantan River and named Goseokjeong. The pavilion and the valley around Goseok Rock together are called Goseokjeong. Designated as a local monument, it is said that King Jinpyeong of Silla and King Chungsuk of Goryeo visited and enjoyed this place. Goseokjeong became more famous as it was known as the base of Im Geokjeong during the Joseon Dynasty in the era of King Myeongjong. Cheorwon, formed by basalt lava flows in the Quaternary of the Cenozoic era, has the Hantan River flowing from north-northeast to south-southwest, creating columnar joints and vertical cliffs of granite through erosion. Located at the center of the Chugaryeong structural belt and later the passage of the Gyeongwon Line, Cheorwon was a suitable place for Im Geokjeong to hide, as he built a high stone wall opposite Goseokjeong as a mountain fortress base. He resisted the corrupt social class by intercepting tributes passing through this area to the royal court from Hamgyeong-do and aiding the poor. The pavilion was destroyed during the Korean War but was rebuilt in 1971 with local support as a 10-pyeong two-story structure; it was washed away by floods in 1996 and reconstructed again in 1997. Currently, a natural stone chamber where Im Geokjeong hid can be found in the massive 20-meter-high rock in the middle of the river, and a stone fortress remains on the opposite side. This scenic spot remains a national tourist site of Cheorwon’s nine views, attracting visitors year-round. About 2 km upstream are Jiktang Waterfall and about 2 km downstream is Sundam, with wide lawns and multipurpose sports grounds available, making it a favored destination throughout the seasons.