Samcheok Deokpung Valley: Yongso Waterfall ~ To the 2nd Yongso Waterfall

Located in Punggok-ri, Gagok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, Deokpung Valley begins at the entrance of the Deokpung Valley Recreation Area and stretches past the 2nd campsite to the Deokpung Village parking lot. This section is approximately 6 km and is accessible by car or on foot.

However, from the Deokpung Village parking lot, the gorge can only be explored on foot.

It is approximately 1.2 km from the Deokpung parking lot to the 1st Yongso Waterfall, and another 1.3 km from the 1st Yongso to the 2nd Yongso.

The section from the 2nd Yongso to the 3rd Yongso Waterfall is a restricted area, and trekking is currently prohibited.

Therefore, trekking is only allowed up to the 2nd Yongso from the Deokpung Village parking lot, and the path continues through a narrow gorge.

In some areas, the gorge narrows significantly, and the towering cliffs create a spectacular view. However, wild goats and other animals live on the cliffs, and rocks may fall as they move around, so hikers must wear a safety helmet when trekking to the 2nd Yongso.

The Mysterious Water Color

While trekking through Deokpung Valley, one might notice a curious thing—the color of the water.

The dark reddish hue of the stream comes from the accumulated fallen leaves that tint the water naturally.

This reddish-black tint is seen throughout the valley.

Total Trekking Distance

The trekking section for today includes 6 km by car and 2.5 km on foot (one-way).
The return trip adds up to 12 km by car and 5 km on foot, making a total of 17 km for the round trip.

Let’s now explore the trek-accessible section of Deokpung Valley together.

Deokpung Valley Trek Summary

• Total Trekking Distance:
    By car – 6 km (one-way)
    On foot – 2.5 km (one-way)
    Total (round trip): Car – 12 km, On foot – 5 km
    Total one-way distance: 8.5 km

2nd Yongso Waterfall of Deokpung Valley

• Located 6 km by car and 2.5 km on foot from the Deokpung Valley starting point.

• Water depth: 40 meters

• In the rainy summer season, access to the 3rd Yongso is restricted.

• Trekking beyond the 2nd Yongso to the 3rd requires climbing, as direct access through the valley is blocked.

Photos and Views

• From above and front views of the 2nd Yongso Waterfall

• Various distances and angles showing the scale and majesty

• The pool at the base of the waterfall

• Behind the waterfall views

• Surrounding cliffs and mist from the waterfall

• Metal deck path leading to the upper right side of the falls

• Deep cracks on the rock wall on the right side of the falls

• Looking down from the top of the waterfall

This site holds the deepest pool among all the waterfalls in Korea's valleys—Yongso Waterfall, comprised of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Yongso.

However, only the 2nd Yongso is accessible by trekking.

You can drive up to about 6 km from the entrance to the Deokpung Valley village, and from there, trekking begins at the Deokpung parking lot. Access beyond that point is restricted.

The valley is a narrow gorge, and while the total valley length is about 16 km, only about 8.5 km is accessible for trekking.

Today’s trek covered the distance from the valley entrance to the 2nd Yongso.

It was truly a rewarding time meeting the stunning gorge and Yongso Waterfalls.

Source: “Samcheok Eungbongsan Deokpung Valley 2nd Yongso Waterfall: Depth 40m” by 왔다왔어 wcamper