Exploring Paraeso Falls: A Nature Retreat in Ulsan
The monsoon has passed, and even a brief outing makes beads of sweat dance across my body.
Ulsan is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, making the thought of rain feel nostalgic.
This city, embracing the sea, mountains, and valleys, offers a perfect escape from the heat!
While the sea and mountains are delightful, I suddenly felt drawn to the lush forests and the sound of water, leading me to Paraeso Falls!
Walking slowly from the National Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest to Paraeso Falls.
Following the winding road past Seongnamsa Temple towards Baenaegol, we arrive at the entrance of the Sinbulsan Self-Sustaining Recreation Forest.
The journey to Paraeso Falls takes about 40 minutes, leaving the city of Ulsan and traveling along the winding mountain roads of Baenaegol.
Bus number 353 operates from Ulsan Station to Taebong Village in Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun. If you can't use a car, taking the bus is a great option.
After turning left at the bus stop and heading along the valley for about five minutes, you'll encounter a sign for the National Natural Recreation Forest, indicating it's 1.2 km away.
To reach Paraeso Falls, you must pass through the Sinbulsan Self-Sustaining Recreation Forest.
Entrance fees are 1,000 won for adults, and parking is 3,000 won, but residents of Ulju-gun can enter for free.
After paying the entrance fee and receiving parking instructions, we move a bit further. Although parking is allowed after paying the fee, it's recommended to park a little higher for the convenience of other visitors.
This visit was a slow trek to Paraeso Falls, but encountering the Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest deep in the Yeongnam Alps has sparked a desire to experience it more fully someday.
Just five minutes further by car from the recreation forest, you'll find a spacious parking lot with well-maintained restrooms.
There is also a small parking area near the entrance to Paraeso Falls, and you can clean off dust before heading in.
The distance from the parking lot to Paraeso Falls is about 0.8 km. Shall we walk slowly along the forest path that follows the valley?
The clear waters flowing beneath the waterfall and the unique rock formations provide a stunning backdrop.
The valley around the National Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest is restricted, preserving its pristine nature.
Walking through the Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest is an eco-healing experience!
Divided into upper and lower areas, the lower area leads to the upper area, located about 2.3 km away at an elevation of approximately 550 meters.
After exploring the lower area of Paraeso Falls, if you wish to experience the breathtaking views of the Yeongnam Alps, consider trekking to the upper area as well.
As you walk pleasantly, you will encounter signs indicating the distance to Paraeso Falls and a fork in the path.
At this fork, you can hike towards Sinbulsan, Sinbuljae, or Yeongchuksan, with an additional 4.7 km to reach the summit of Sinbulsan. I hope to carry a backpack and reach the summit next time.
Though it was a bit humid, the moment I entered the forest, the air felt different. Walking slowly along the dense green shade, even the beads of sweat seemed to cleanse my spirit.
Benches are available along the forest path. Take a moment to stop and rest!
Embrace the air that the vast forest provides, becoming one with the sounds of nature.
After reaching the summit of the seven peaks of the Yeongnam Alps last March, it's been a long time since I walked a mountain path again.
As I sweat, I can't help but exclaim, 'Ah, this feels great!' It's been ages since I felt such joy.
As I walk slowly and take breaks, I arrive at the last wooden bridge before reaching the waterfall.
By taking the last stairs and heading right, you can get close to the waterfall. Many hikers were continuing their journey to the upper area of the recreation forest.
The last wooden steps lead to the waterfall. As I descend along the green stairs, the sound of the waterfall becomes increasingly clear.
Watching the waterfall cascade down from a height of 15 meters is breathtaking.
The magnificent Paraeso Falls welcomes travelers with its powerful flow, feeling like a grand welcoming ceremony.
If you want to take a break from your busy life, I highly recommend the slow trekking course leading to Paraeso Falls.
I'm glad I came!
Paraeso Falls showcases its beauty in all four seasons, but visiting in the summer, filled with the scent of greenery, feels especially special.
Don't forget to become a forest fairy at the photo zone and capture your own memories!
On the deck, there's a sign for 'Sinbulsan Recreation Forest Nature Navigation.' Scanning the QR code allows you to hear the soothing sounds of the waterfall through a video.
Paraeso Falls, with a height of 15 meters, a circumference of 100 meters, and a depth of 5-7 meters, is a magnificent sight.
During my previous visit, I remembered getting close to the waterfall for photos, but this time, I was satisfied just hearing its distant roar.
Located upstream of a water source protection area, entry to the valley is prohibited year-round.
The National Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest prohibits entry to the valley for the protection of the recreation forest and residents' drinking water, as well as swimming, eating, dipping feet, and playing in the water.
Though it was a short trekking course, taking a moment to escape the heat and listen to nature made me feel, 'I'm really glad I made this journey.' Next time, I plan to spend a day at the Sinbulsan Natural Recreation Forest nestled in the embrace of the Yeongnam Alps.
Nature is always there.
This weekend, turn off the noise of the city for a while and head out to meet the sounds of the wind, birds, and the valley's waters!
If you're contemplating where to go between the sea and the mountains, I highly recommend Paraeso Falls, a great spot for everyone to enjoy walking.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224352937862
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