Goeasan Travel: Sookyok Falls, a Must-See Destination in Goeasan

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The vibrant autumn season is coming to an end. The colorful foliage, which began its transformation in mid-October, has now passed its peak.

Even at Goeasan's Sookyok Falls, the red autumn leaves linger, creating a spectacular scene. We bring you the breathtaking autumn scenery that graces this magnificent waterfall.

Goeasan Sookyok Falls offers stunning views throughout the four seasons. In summer, it provides refreshing coolness, while in winter, it transforms into a mystical ice wall. And in autumn, it is adorned with vibrant foliage, creating a truly spectacular sight. Sookyok Falls allows you to experience its three-tiered beauty along three different paths: a 5-minute flat walk to Sookyok Falls, a path to the upper falls leading to the three-tiered waterfall, and Sookyokjeong Pavilion. The journey begins at the Sookyokjeong parking lot, where a traveler's rest area is located, and continues along the Sookyok Falls path.

Sookyok Falls is located in Wonpung-ri, Yeonpung-myeon, at the foot of Joryeong Mountain, which forms the boundary between Goeasan and Mungyeong. The falls are formed by the stream flowing down from Sojoryeong through Joryeong Mountain Pass, creating a 20-meter-high waterfall as it passes through the cliffs. It is even better to visit in conjunction with Joryeong Mountain Natural Recreation Forest and Yeonpung Saejae Path. The Sookyok Falls path leads you towards the waterfall, following the stream flowing down from it.

The path from the parking lot to the waterfall is a flat walk of about 400 meters. Two paths run parallel along a small stream, with the ridge of Joryeong Mountain facing you directly. In mid-November, the last of the autumn foliage is at its peak. The entire ridge is tinged with brown, interspersed with patches of brown, orange, and red leaves, creating a beautiful autumn path.

The waterfall appears in about 5 minutes. A ginkgo tree with vibrant yellow leaves at the tips of its branches has covered the ground with a carpet of yellow. Beyond it, Sookyok Falls, undiminished even by the autumn drought, presents a majestic sight. I visit Sookyok Falls four times a year, in each season, and it is amazing how consistent the water flow of the waterfall is. It only increases slightly on rainy summer days, but remains constant even in autumn and winter.

Sookyok Falls has a total of three tiers, but only the last tier is visible from the front of the waterfall. This is why you need to climb the mountain path on the right leading to Sookyokjeong. A deck staircase has been built next to the waterfall, allowing you to appreciate the upper two streams.

The massive rocks bathed in the autumn sunlight resemble a landscape painting, and the cool waterfall cascades down between them. A pool forms below the waterfall, adding to its mystique.

Legend has it that during the Goryeo Dynasty, King Gongmin built a thatched-roof house to serve as a temporary palace to escape the Hong Geon-jeok invaders, and built a pavilion below the waterfall to forget his sorrow. Also, at the entrance to the waterfall is Sookyokjeong Pavilion, built in 1711 by Jo Yu-su, then the magistrate of Yeonpung-hyeon, to honor his uncle, Donggang Jo Sang-woo, who was known for his integrity. The pavilion has also been used as a filming location for dramas such as 'Ladies of the Palace' and 'Damo'. Many people continue to visit and enjoy the autumn waterfall.

The final, third section of Sookyok Falls is the forest path to Sookyokjeong, which follows the stairs on the right. The steep uphill climb is made easier by the stairs, and the upper part of the waterfall can be seen across the branches to the left. The autumn foliage, which had briefly disappeared around the waterfall, reappears, with the waterfall flowing beneath the red leaves.

Sookyok Falls flows into the stream below Wonpung Reservoir, flowing through deep pools in the upper two sections and between the rocks. As you climb the deck stairs, you can see the pools formed by the water gathering in the hollowed-out rocks and the streams flowing between them. This spectacular view is not captured in the photos, so I recommend seeing it in person.

In mid-November, the forest path is mostly turning towards winter, with only the maple trees showing their autumn colors until late. Dry leaves and bare branches dominate.

At the end of the deck path is the last stream that forms the waterfall. Wonpung Reservoir can be seen looking up, and the sound of flowing water continues. It is almost miraculous that the weak stream forms a three-tiered waterfall, creating a refreshing cascade at the end. In November, Sookyok Falls was mystical with the water cascading in the autumn sunlight and was spectacular in harmony with the red autumn leaves. And as autumn deepens, it heralds another transformation, gradually forming an ice wall.

Sookyok Falls Address: 19, Sookyokjeong 1-gil, Yeonpung-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224087455881

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