Discovering the Beauty of Huayang Valley in Summer
Huayang Valley, Goesan
A Summer Water Recreation Spot!
As summer arrives, many people seek cool valleys to escape the heat of the season. A day spent in a lush forest with clear valley waters is truly refreshing. Located in Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, within Sobaeksan National Park, Huayang Valley is a popular summer destination known for its beautiful natural scenery and opportunities for water activities.
To reach Huayang Valley, visitors can use the paid parking lot at the entrance of Sobaeksan National Park. Since general vehicles are restricted from entering the park, most visitors park at the entrance and walk to the valley. However, there are some access points for vehicles if you plan to visit restaurants within the valley, so it's advisable to check in advance if you have a lot of gear. There are also accommodations nearby, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy nature for a one or two-night stay.
The path leading to Huayang Valley is a healing experience in itself. The trail is flanked by dense forests, providing shade that keeps it relatively cool even in the height of summer. The scenic route along the valley is loved not only by summer visitors but also by trekkers year-round. There are resting spots along the way, allowing for leisurely enjoyment of the surroundings.
As you walk along the trail, the sound of the clear waters of the valley grows closer, revealing stunning rock formations and lush forests shaped by nature. The harmonious blend of valley, mountains, and forest delights the eyes, offering picturesque views in every direction.
After passing Huayang Bridge, the valley truly comes into view. Huayang Valley stretches approximately 4 kilometers from the northern valleys of Domyungsan and Garyeongsan to Dalcheon, showcasing breathtaking scenery with its surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waters.
This area has been renowned for its beauty for a long time. During the Joseon Dynasty, the scholar Wooam Song Si-yeol named nine scenic spots throughout the valley, which are now collectively known as 'Huayang Nine Scenic Spots.' To explore all of them, one must walk about 4.5 kilometers one way, taking over three hours round trip, making it an ideal course for appreciating the scenery at a leisurely pace.
The water play area begins at Unyeongdam, the first of the Huayang scenic spots. This spot features clear waters forming deep pools, and it is said that Song Si-yeol named it 'Unyeongdam' because on clear days, shadows of clouds could be seen reflected on the water. The name is still inscribed on the rocks today, confirming its origin.
Unyeongdam is one of the designated areas for water activities in the national park. To protect the natural environment and prevent accidents, swimming areas and restricted zones are clearly marked, with access limits based on water depth. During my visit, due to recent rainfall, the water level was higher than usual, so only certain sections were safe for use.
With guidance from a national park staff member, I ventured further upstream. After a five-minute walk, I discovered a relatively quiet swimming area, allowing for a more relaxed experience without large crowds. Just dipping my feet in the cold valley water was enough to forget the heat, making it an ideal summer getaway.
Continuing along the valley, I came across Eungungam, one of the Huayang scenic spots. This area features impressive wide white rocks, where it is said that Wooam Song Si-yeol expressed his sorrow on the anniversaries of his disciple Hyogjong's passing. The name 'Eungungam' is derived from this story, adding historical significance to its beautiful landscape.
However, swimming is prohibited around Eungungam due to strong currents and varying depths. The flow and depth of the water in Huayang Valley can change significantly depending on the location, so it is crucial to enjoy swimming only within the safe zones marked by the national park. Adhering to safety guidelines is essential for a pleasant trip.
Dipping my feet into the clear valley waters while gazing at the blue forests and rock formations made me forget the heat. Huayang Valley, where one can enjoy the refreshing coolness of nature and breathtaking views, is definitely a must-visit for anyone planning a summer getaway.
Address: 202 Huayang-dong-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224366814161
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