Breathing in the Crisp and Sweet Mountain Air | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Yongdam Valley is located on the right side when taking National Route 56 from Sachang-ri, Hwacheon-gun toward Jichon, Chuncheon. It boasts stunning scenery, with water forcefully flowing along the winding valley creating a refreshing atmosphere. Within the valley are Yongso, also called Gamesora, Baegundam (Gokunyeongdang), and Gaettongsoi. Among them, Yongso is considered the symbol of Yongdam Valley. It is a 10-meter-deep pool at the valley entrance, with swirling water that resembles a dragon’s movement. It is said that a dragon who once lived here ascended to heaven, forming the current shape.

Gongjaksan Mountain, with an elevation of 887m, offers a panoramic view of Hongcheon-gun from its summit and is named because its shape resembles a peacock spreading its wings. Also, when viewed from Hongcheon-eup, the mountain looks like a giant lying down facing the sky. In spring, azaleas bloom beautifully, and in autumn, the foliage is stunning; the rugged cliffs and bonsai-shaped old pine groves, as well as the snow-covered winter mountain, are exceptional. The Sutasa Valley stretches about 12km from Sutasa Temple to Nocheon-ri in Dong-myeon, featuring wide rock beds and large pools [沼] creating picturesque scenery, with sheer cliffs and dense forests protecting both sides of the valley, making it easy to become absorbed in its enchanting beauty during rest. Additionally, Sutasa Temple, an ancient temple located at the edge of Gongjaksan, one of Korea's 100 famous mountains, is said to have been founded in 708 AD (the 7th year of King Seongdeok of Silla, the 33rd monarch) by Monk Wonhyo. It preserves the Daejeokgwangjeon Hall with a hipped-and-gabled roof, a bronze bell made in 1364, and a three-story stone pagoda, while housing numerous cultural assets including the Wolinseokbo, Daejeokgwangjeon Hall, bronze bell, Hofultanghwa paintings, and Hongudang Buddha paintings, making it the finest temple in the Yeongseo inland region.

Hongcheon Mugunghwa Park was established to commemorate Hanseo Namgung Eok, who widely promoted the Mugunghwa during the Japanese colonial period. The Mugunghwa Park is a themed park featuring about 1,500 varieties of Mugunghwa with different blooming seasons. Inside the park, there are Namgung Eok’s poetry monuments, the Gunmin Charter Monument, the Memorial Tower for the Loyal Dead, the March 1st Independence Movement Tower, the 6·25 Korean War Hongcheon District Battle Memorial, and the Anti-Communist Martyrs Memorial Tower. Admission is free, and it serves as an educational site teaching patriotism and love for the country primarily to Hongcheon residents and youth. The Hongcheon Museum, showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Hongcheon, is located within the park. Nearby cultural assets include the Hongcheon Jin-ri Stone Buddha, presumed to be from the Goryeo period, the Hongcheon Gwaeseok-ri Four Lions Three-Storied Stone Pagoda, and the Hongcheon Huimang-ri Danggan Jiju believed to be from the Unified Silla period, providing a comprehensive view of Hongcheon's history and culture.

서울에서 1시간 30분 거리에 위치한 대명비발디파크는 여름 물놀이 테마파크인 오션월드와 겨울 스포츠 레저시설인 스키월드, 골프장 및 다양한 부대시설을 갖춘 종합 엔터테인먼트 리조트다. 골프, 스키, 아쿠아, 다양한 레포츠 시설과 쇼핑몰 등을 갖춘 사계절 레저복합시설인 대명비발디파크에는 715실의 오크동, 375실의 파인동, 453실의 메이폴동, 160실의 유스호스텔을 포함해 총 1,801실의 국내 최대 규모의 숙박시설을 보유하고 있다.

Bamb Beol Recreational Area, widely known as a Hongcheon River resort, is a popular summer vacation spot. Also called Mogok Myeongsasipri, the sand is notably fine and clean in color. The long journey of the Hongcheon River finally forms a large river shape at this Mogok recreational area, where clear river water, a wide white sand beach, and forests of chestnut and poplar trees provide enough cooling for visitors. Known for its auto camping site and great riverside swimming spots, Mogok Bamb Beol Recreational Area has about 1 km of riverbank covered with chestnut-sized pebbles and silver sand, surrounded by large chestnut and poplar forests that help visitors cool off. The water is shallow, about the depth of an adult’s calf, allowing children to sit and play without tubes. The water is not cold, making it popular for summer water play, but many people also enjoy fishing here. Because the water is shallow, fly fishing is commonly seen. Fish species include piraemi, swiri, and catfish, and simple fishing gear can be purchased at the convenience store. Rich fish resources allow enjoyment of fishing with simple tools like cast nets or bamboo poles. Famous as a Hongcheon car camping site, Mogok Bamb Beol Recreational Area has gained popularity among campers as a free Hongcheon open camping site.

Mugunghwa Village, boasting beautiful natural scenery where the winding Hongcheon River and splendid mountain ranges harmonize, is a historic place where independence activist Namgung Eok promoted the national spirit and patriotism by distributing the mugunghwa (hibiscus, national flower) nationwide during the Japanese colonial period. Every October, Hongcheon holds the National Flower Mugunghwa Festival. At Hongcheon Mugunghwa Village, visitors can enjoy traditional cultural experiences such as herbal tea ceremony using mugunghwa, making herb pressed flowers, straw crafts, and barley bread making, and tour the village by tractor observation cart. Also, through the independence activist Namgung Eok Memorial Hall, mugunghwa garden sightseeing, straw craft experience, mugunghwa tea making, and mugunghwa pressed flower making, one can engage in traditional culture and history experiences. Located in a pristine natural area upstream of the Hongcheon River, Mugunghwa Village offers water play, freshwater fish catching, and rafting experiences at Bambbeol Amusement Park, and visitors can walk the Yuribong trail and Baebawi trail with children for learning about wildflowers and various trees. Hongcheon Mugunghwa Village is also equipped with lodging facilities and restaurants, making it a great place for family or group travel.