Healing trip course in Taebaek, Gangwon | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Miin Waterfall is located in the southern mountain valley of Simpori in Dogye-eup, between Tongni and Sinri in Taebaek-si. The water originating from the Ubosan valley in Simpori flows down and strikes the cliff; small droplets resemble a fountain, and the large waterfall resembles a snowy mountain. The northeast plateau area and the valley above the waterfall have long been known as the birthplace of Miin. Nearby is the Miin Tomb, said to be of a beautiful woman who became a nun after her husband died early, remarried, and after her second husband died, she threw herself down the waterfall. Another story says she searched for a new husband after her first husband's death but, unable to find one to match him, took her own life here, giving the waterfall its name. The gorge around Miin Waterfall, often called the Korean Grand Canyon, consists of conglomerate layers deposited in the Cretaceous of the Mesozoic, eroded by river action 270m deep during intense faulting in the early Cenozoic. The gorge’s overall reddish tone results from sedimentary rocks exposed to oxidation in dry climate conditions rather than being deposited in water. It mainly consists of conglomerates with large gravel, sandstone of sand, and mudstone hardened by clay. Situated at about 700m above sea level, the area is often covered with mist or clouds, making the scenery more beautiful and mysterious. According to legend, a warm breeze before sunset or sunrise from the waterfall predicted a good harvest, while a cold wind foretold a poor one. The waterfall is located 300m from Yeoraesa parking lot and can be reached by a 15-minute trek.

Tongri Market, held on a rotating basis, opens on the 5th, 15th, and 25th days. It is formed along a village main road about 10 meters wide that crosses the natural village near Tongri Station, creating a market about 500 meters long. The market is uniquely arranged in a one-way oval shape, which is recognized as its greatest charm and advantage. Currently, about 300 merchants participate, making it a new local attraction. The phrase 'connecting all directions, everything going well' and the expansive downtown can be considered other nicknames for Tongri Market. (Source: Taebaek Tourism Website)

Geomryongso is named for being a pond where a dragon god lives. The Han River originates here and flows into the West Sea. Water rising from Geomryongso erodes limestone, creating potholes, and flows over the rock like a dragon crawling. The valleys around Geomryongso are made of limestone, which dissolves well in rainwater, forming caves underground. Valley water flowing from Geomryongso seeps into small caves beneath the surface, becoming groundwater. When an underground passage is blocked, the water rises again to the surface, flowing as valley water. Cracks in Geomryongso’s rocks are called bedding planes. Strong flowing water breaks the rock along these weak bedding planes, forming stepped pathways with round-shaped hollows. Such round holes frequently appear in rivers or valleys of limestone areas. Small gaps in the limestone floor allow sand and gravel to swirl with rapidly flowing water, carving out these potholes (portholes).

The name Yongyeon Cave means that a dragon from the dragon’s pond ascended to the sky following the valley. Yongyeon Cave is located at an elevation of 920m on the lower ridge of Geumdaebong, the central area of Baekdudaegan, and is believed to have been formed approximately 150 to 300 million years ago. The cave extends about 843m and consists of four plazas and a circular horizontal gallery. Inside, 38 rare species such as the long-legged blind cave beetle inhabit the cave. Nearby, the Daedeoksan Geumdaebong Ecological Landscape Conservation Area is famous for wildflowers that create a spectacular view, known as the heavenly garden.