Escape the Crowds: A Relaxing Getaway to Unmunsa Valley in Cheongdo
This summer, instead of our usual trip to Miryang, my brother discovered a hidden gem: Unmunsa Valley in Cheongdo. I was a little worried since there wasn't much recent information online, but it turned out to be the perfect secluded summer retreat.
If you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature without the crowds, I highly recommend it! There are several spots along the valley, and we chose the one closest to our accommodation. It was a 10-minute walk, but we drove since there was a large public parking lot right in front.
The parking lot was spacious, and there were public restrooms a 5-minute walk away, so the basic amenities were satisfactory. There were also restaurants, convenience stores, and rental spaces for platforms nearby, which was very convenient.
We brought our own inflatable tube from home. We asked at a nearby rental place, "Can we pay to inflate our tube?" but they said we could only use their air pump if we rented a platform. (^^;)
In the end, we borrowed a manual pump from the convenience store owner. At first, my brother diligently pumped it by hand, but as he got more frustrated, he started blowing it up with his mouth. What a macho man! The owner was amused and laughed.
Finally, with the tube ready, we jumped into the valley! The water was so clear that we could clearly see the pebbles on the bottom and even small fish. The cool water against my feet sent shivers down my spine, instantly relieving the heat that had been building up all summer.
The water depth was mostly between knee and waist height, making it perfect for children or dogs to play. It might be a little shallow for adults, but it also made it safer to enjoy.
Of course, Shin Janggun's swimming time couldn't be missed! It was so adorable to see his little body cutting through the water, and people watching nearby even cheered him on. Thanks to him, we had even more fun.
The valley was surrounded by lush trees, providing some natural shade, but overall the sun was quite strong. The only sounds were cicadas, the wind, and the flowing water. Unlike the city, it was quiet and peaceful.
We also set up a tent, which made the space much better by blocking the hot sun. We took a short nap inside with Gun and cooled down a little.
The sun was so intense that the rocks without shade felt like hot plates. Even just sitting still, sweat was pouring down. So, here's a list of essential items to bring!
???? Essential Items List ????
☑️ Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Hat / Cooling Wipes
: Protect your skin from sunburns.
☑️ Parasol / Shade Shelter / Small Tent / Cooling Mat / Mat
: The rocks in unshaded areas get too hot to sit on. Shade is essential.
☑️ Ice Water / Cooler Bag / Cooling Mat
: Cool down with ice water, and use a cooler bag to store snacks and drinks.
☑️ Simple Snacks / Ice Packs
☑️ Aqua Shoes / Goggles / Waterproof Pouch / Waterproof Band-Aids
☑️ Wet Wipes / Tissues / Trash Bags
☑️ Dog Supplies
For lunch, we made ramen. The hot broth warmed us up after playing in the water, and the chewy noodles and rich broth, paired with a cold beer, were the perfect combination. It was a simple meal, but it felt much more special and delicious enjoyed in nature. Plus, it had my favorite onions, which made it even better.
Shin Janggun sunbathing. (Actually, the Kitty tube is Shin Janggun's.)
Sitting with my camping chair slightly submerged in the valley water was pure bliss. Dipping my feet in the cool water refreshed my whole body, and cleared my head. The gentle sound of the flowing water calmed my mind, and I could have stayed there for hours, lost in the peaceful moment surrounded by lush greenery.
On one side of the valley, there were stone towers carefully built by people. I added a stone and made a wish. Taking a break from everyday life was better than I thought.
Janggun was quite tired and wanted to go home now.
The dogs ran towards their owner without hesitation. They crossed to the other side in the blink of an eye and started playing happily.
This is from the barbecue at our accommodation in the evening.
The owner gave us corn, saying they had just steamed it. It was so delicious.
Oh, so cute. It hurts my heart.
After a filling meal, we took a walk and saw the stars in the night sky.
The sky was filled with shining stars and it was so beautiful.
Unlike noisy and crowded places, this valley offered a quiet and comfortable space to relax in nature. It was perfect for enjoying a refreshing swim, relaxing with my dog, and ending the day with simple ramen and a cold beer. I enjoyed it so much that I want to bring my parents next time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.
That's the end of my recommendation post for the relaxing natural beauty spot, 'Unmunsa Valley' in Cheongdo!
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