Yangyang: Salmon Returning Upstream and Dreams of Reunification | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Namdaecheon is a river considered one of the eight scenic views of Yangyang. Originating from Odaesan (1,563m) in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, the river flows through Yangyang into the East Sea. It can be divided into sections from the upper reaches: Buyon Valley, Beopsuchiri Valley, Eoseongjeoncheon, and Namdaecheon. Yangyang Namdaecheon is Korea's premier salmon return river. Over 70% of salmon returning to Korea migrate here, earning it the title of 'Mother River of Salmon.' Young salmon born in Namdaecheon grow for 3–5 years in the Bering Sea or Sea of Okhotsk in the North Pacific before returning upstream through the East Sea to spawn and end their life cycle. The salmon return peaks in the fall, especially from mid-October to November, during which the Yangyang Salmon Festival is held around mid-October. Additionally, yellow croakers can be observed in April and May, and schools of whitebait in July and August. Namdaecheon is known as the clearest and longest river in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon-do. While other East Coast rivers have watersheds around 20㎢, Namdaecheon's watershed extends to 54㎢ with relatively many tributaries. Tourist sites such as Beopsuchiri Valley upstream and Naksan Beach near the lower reaches exist, and the Namdaecheon ecological observation trail at the river mouth features beautiful silver-colored reed forests in the fall.

The mineral spring water of Galgcheon Mineral Spring springs from a rock in the Guryongnyeong Valley about 11 km west of Galcheon-ri, Yangyang-gun. The water contains iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and other components, with a notably high iron content, which is said to be good for stomach diseases, anemia, and prevention of dental cavities. It is similar to Osaek Mineral Spring and has been famous for a long time along with Jinbu's Bangadari Mineral Spring. Due to the iron content, the water can have a strong metallic taste. The place name Galcheon originates from the villagers eating kudzu roots instead of grains during the hungry season, and the spring was located in a deep valley where ginseng hunters (simmanni) drank the water on their way to collect wild ginseng. It became known to people after National Route 56 was established.

송이밸리자연휴양림은 숙박시설 이용이 가능한 산림문화휴양관 및 숲속의 집을 운영하고 있으며 목재문화체험장을 조성하여 국산 목재문화의 변천사를 알리고 있다. .

Naksansa Temple is a famous tourist attraction and a site of great historical value representing Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. It is an ancient temple founded by monk Uisang in the 11th year of King Munmu of Silla (671) and is counted among Korea's three major pilgrimage sites for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva along with Ganghwa Bomunsa Temple and Namhae Boriam Hermitage. The temple, with its breathtaking natural scenery overlooking the East Sea, is one of the eight scenic spots of Gwandong (eight scenic spots in Gangwon Province’s Yeongdong area). Its beauty has been celebrated in numerous classical texts and poems since ancient times. Naksansa has undergone several reconstructions and restorations and holds several cultural assets. These include the 16-meter-high Haesugwaneum statue, Uisangdae Pavilion built on a coastal cliff which is a famous East Sea sunrise spot, Hongryeonam Hermitage overlooking the sea, Naksansa Seven-story Stone Pagoda in Yangyang (a treasure) built in the Joseon Dynasty but following Goryeo era style, and the Haesugwaneum Floating Sarira Pagoda and stele with sarira relics and relic ornaments discovered at Naksansa (a treasure) including the Buddha’s true sarira relics. In 2005, a large forest fire destroyed over 20 temple buildings including the bronze bell which was designated a treasure. Temple stay applications can be made through the Naksansa website. ◎ Travel info to experience the charm of Korean Wave - It is recommended to walk on the 'Path where dreams come true,' where Reno walked, placing a small stone on many stone pagodas and making a wish.