Chattering Laughter by a Crystal-Clear Valley | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Hwayang Gugok is a valley located in Hwayang-ri, Cheongcheon-myeon, where clear water flows over a wide expanse of bedrock, and the surrounding dense forest creates a magnificent view. In the mid-Joseon period, scholar Song Si-yeol of the Wooam school stayed here and named it after China's Wuyi Gugok. Hwayang Gugok refers to the 3.1 km distance from the first spot, Gyeongcheonbyeok, next to the parking lot, to the ninth spot, Pacheon. Passing the second spot, Unyeongdam, a jade-colored pond reflecting clear clouds, appear the third spot, Eupgungam, with circular holes engraved like patterns, and the fourth, Geumsadam; this area is the site related to Song Si-yeol. Across Geumsadam stands Amseojae, where Song Si-yeol mentored his disciples. Nearby restored Mandongmyo and Hwayang Seowon are also closely related to him. Continuing up the valley, the fifth spot, Cheomseongdae, shows large stacked rocks, and the sixth, Neungundae, is said to be sky-high like piercing clouds. It is enjoyable to find the names of the nine spots carved into the rock faces. From the seventh spot, Waryongam, said to resemble a dragon lying and writhing, the path enters the mountains. Passing the eighth spot, Haksodae, where a blue crane nested and laid eggs on a rock, leads to the final ninth spot, Pacheon (or Pagot). Pacheon is named for its widely spread white rocks and water flowing over them that looks like a dragon's scales threaded together. For centuries, names and official titles of visitors have been inscribed on rocks throughout Pacheon. Located south of Gunjasan, Hwayang Gugok can be enjoyed by car, but as it is a one-way route, visitors must go up from the first spot to the ninth. There are resting spots along the way offering chances to pause and admire the spectacular scenery.

Amseojae is the place where Wooam Song Si-yeol retired from politics in his later years to live quietly in Hwayangdong, studying and teaching his disciples. It is located on a cliff beside Geumsadam in the 4th valley of the Hwayangdong Valley, a national park. Around it, old pines grow densely between rocks, with clear water flowing below and layered cliffs creating a breathtaking scenery. It is a wooden tiled-roof house of about 20 pyeong, consisting of two rooms and one wooden floor (maru), where five nameplates are hung. In front, a one-pillar gate stands between rocks. Descendants repaired it at the end of the Japanese colonial period, and it was restored again in 1970. According to the Amseojaegi written by the literary figure Kwon Sang-ha, inscribed with ‘Wooam Seonsaeng eobyeong-onyeangan chukjeongsa eogyenam (尤庵先生於丙午年間築精舍於溪南),’ it is known that Amseojae was newly built in August 1666 and that he lived here.

Suok Waterfall is formed where a stream flowing toward Sojoryeong from the third gate of Joryeong falls below a cliff. The waterfall consists of three tiers, and the two upper tiers form deep pools. At the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, King Gongmin fled here from the Hong Geon-jeok, built a thatched house as a temporary palace, and erected a small temple to become a Buddhist. He built a small pavilion under the waterfall to forget his sorrow. There was a pavilion on the hill below the waterfall, and in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong's reign), Jo Yusu, the Yeonpung governor, built a pavilion called Suokjeong to honor his upright uncle, Donggang Jo Sang-u. Also, the deep pool where the water falls from the two upper tiers is said to have been dug by Jo Yusu using people to gather and drop the water. Over time, the pavilion deteriorated and disappeared, but in 1960, local residents with the support of Goesan County built an octagonal pavilion, which remains today. ◎ Travel information to enjoy the charm of the Korean Wave Suok Waterfall is a three-tiered waterfall with the upper part forming stair-like layers, and its scenic beauty blending waterfall and pavilion is often chosen as a filming location for movies and historical dramas.

Suokjeong Tourist Site is a tourist destination embracing the natural scenery of Suok Waterfall and Yeonpung Saejae, surrounded by famous mountains such as Joryeongsan, Mapaebong, and Sinseonbong. It is home to Yeonpung Holy Ground, Joryeongsan Recreational Forest, Ocheon Bicycle Path, and Saejae Bicycle Path, attracting many visitors year-round. Located near a reservoir, it features Yeonpung Saejae Waterside Ecological Park and an outdoor water playground. There are deck roads, observatories, and waterside walking trails, with nighttime scenic lighting installed for evening strolls. Suok Waterfall flows down from Joryeong's 3rd Gate towards Sojoryeong, beside which stands the pavilion called Suokjeong. From Suokjeong, it is possible to walk to Mungyeong Saejae 3rd Gate, with a gentle slope and scenic views all the way to Mungyeong 1st Gate. In summer, the outdoor water playground at Suokjeong operates using water from Joryeongsan.

This recreation forest is located at the foothills of Joryeongsan, which stands 1,025m above sea level on the border of Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The forest is densely populated with colonies of old pines and oaks, as well as various rare trees, preserved in their natural state. Spectacular rocky formations connect Sinseonbong Peak (967m) and Mayeokbong Peak (927m), and the Suok Waterfall cascades down a 15m cliff of dramatic rock faces. There are several hiking trails of varying lengths leading up to Joryeongsan. Facilities in the recreation forest include forest houses, a forest bath, gazebos, an outdoor stage, playgrounds, and forest playgrounds, with a water play area open in July and August. Additionally, there are rope play facilities, a sand play area, hammocks, and swings. The Baekdudaegan Ecological Education Center below the playground offers education and exhibitions on forests, and free woodcraft experiences. Nearby tourist attractions include Suanbo Hot Springs, Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, Joryeong Samgwanmun built to block Japanese invaders during the Imjin War, Mayeokbong, Suok Waterfall, Mireuk Temple Site, and Songgye Valley.