Recommended Summer Travel Destinations in Chungbuk: From Jangnyeongsan Forest Cave to Geumcheon Valley
In summer, we naturally seek cool places to escape the heat.
In Okcheon, Chungbuk, there is Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest, where you can enjoy both the forest and the valley.
I recently visited the Jangnyeongsan Forest Cave and the Geumcheon Valley water play area. On one side, you can feel the cool air inside the cave, and on the other, you can dip your feet into the clear valley water, making it an ideal summer getaway.
Parking fees at Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest are 1,000 won for compact cars, 3,000 won for small and medium cars, and 10,000 won for large vehicles. Parking fees may be waived for guests using accommodation and camping facilities, disabled vehicles, and veterans.
◆ Refreshing Coolness in the Heart of Summer: Jangnyeongsan Forest Cave
After parking in the recreation forest's lot, you can easily find the cave entrance nestled between large rocks.
Originally developed in the late 1960s for iron ore mining, the cave was transformed into its current forest cave form over about three years starting in 2022.
Upon entering the cave, the first thing you notice is the temperature difference. While it is hot outside, the cave feels pleasantly cool, providing a perfect escape from the summer heat.
Though not very large, the cave offers a variety of attractions, including softly lit areas with plants, photo spots, and a wishing rock zone. Exhibits depicting miners and mining carts allow you to feel the history of this place as an iron ore mining site.
With a refreshing waterfall inside the cave, exploring it becomes an enjoyable experience.
The cave operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) on regular days, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) during peak season (July-August).
◆ Clear Valley Waters at Geumcheon Valley Water Play Area
After exploring the forest cave, I headed to the Geumcheon Valley water play area.
This area features a natural swimming pool fed by the flowing valley waters. The water is clear and clean, providing a refreshing sight.
The water play area is designed with varying depths suitable for toddlers, children, and adults, ensuring everyone can enjoy safely. Lifeguards are stationed throughout, allowing families to relax while having fun.
There are also resting spots with benches and umbrellas around the valley. Reservations are available, and on-site payments can be made for convenience.
◆ A Bridge to the Recreation Forest
Another advantage of the Geumcheon Valley water play area is its direct connection to Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest.
Crossing the suspension bridge over the valley leads you to the recreation forest, where you can find convenience facilities like a convenience store and a children's playground.
Restrooms and drinking water stations are well-maintained in the area, ensuring a clean environment for visitors.
The view of the valley and Jangnyeongsan from the bridge is stunning, with lush green mountains and clear waters creating a serene atmosphere.
I dipped my feet into the refreshing valley water, and it was instantly invigorating.
The cool sensation from the water quickly made me forget the summer heat, leaving me feeling lighter both physically and mentally.
The water play area at Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest is open from July to August, operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
◆ Experience Forest, Cave, and Valley All in One
The charm of Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest lies in experiencing different summer landscapes in one location.
The walking trails are well-maintained, allowing you to stroll through the forest, cool off in the cave, and then enjoy water play in the clear valley.
If you want to enjoy the refreshing forest, cave, and valley during the hot summer, consider taking a break at Jangnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest.
In the heart of the sweltering season, Jangnyeongsan serves as a refreshing pause created by nature.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224381875376
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