Refreshing Valley Water Play Spot: Unilam Banilam in Jinan
Summer is in full swing with the heat becoming relentless. During this season, thoughts of playing in a cool valley come to mind. It’s the perfect time to dip your feet in clear water and splash around. Do you have a valley in mind for such fun? Unilam Banilam in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do, is one such place.
Unilam Banilam (雲日巖半日巖) is a valley located in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do. It stretches about 5 km between Myungdeokbong (845.5m) and Myungdobong (863m) on the northeastern side of Unjangsan Mountain (1,125.7m). In the past, the steep cliffs made the area so inaccessible that it was said only clouds could travel here, hence the name Unilam (Cloudy Rock). The name Banilam (Half-day Rock) comes from the fact that sunlight can only be seen here for half a day.
This beautiful valley features unique rock formations and displays geological characteristics like volcanic activity, making it part of the Jinan-Muju National Geopark. The clear waters flowing down from the majestic Unjangsan create a long valley, making it a popular summer water play destination. With the addition of forest trails and a cloud bridge, visitors can now enjoy the beauty of Unilam Banilam even more.
Before heading to the water play area, I took a stroll on the cloud bridge to get a full view of Unilam Banilam. After parking at the management office parking lot, I followed the path along the roadside and soon saw a sign directing me to the cloud bridge.
Before long, I reached the Rainbow Bridge. The cloud bridge operates as a one-way path, leading visitors from the Rainbow Bridge to the cloud bridge.
Standing on the colorful Rainbow Bridge, I could see the cloud bridge connecting Myungdeokbong and Myungdobong. Just seeing the cloud bridge against the blue sky was refreshing.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge leads to a forest path. I walked along a deck path and natural trails, observing the trees and listening to the sounds of birds and insects. After climbing a steep staircase, I finally saw the cloud bridge stretching elegantly between the two peaks.
Standing on the cloud bridge, the valley breeze envelops you, combining the thrill of feeling like you’re floating in the sky with the refreshing coolness of the wind. There are spaces along the bridge to view the valley scenery above and below, with the valley flowing gently through lush forests. A pavilion can also be seen in the distance, adding to the beautiful scenery.
The valley flowing down from upstream passes beneath the cloud bridge leisurely. The harmonious landscape of the forest and valley stretches on, and just before descending from the cloud bridge, there’s a photo zone set up. I captured a memory with the cloud bridge in the background.
The water play area at Unilam Banilam is freely accessible from the management office to the Daebul Intersection (Samgye Plaza parking lot) and down to the National Leisure Camping Area. However, areas with deep water are designated as no swimming zones.
Parking is available at the management office up to the Rainbow Bridge, where there are shaded spots along the valley, making it a great place for water activities. Just beyond the Rainbow Bridge, you’ll find the Dodukjeong Pavilion, where swimming is prohibited due to the depth of the valley. Instead, it’s a perfect spot to rest while enjoying the cool valley breeze.
Continuing past Dodukjeong, you’ll reach Chireun Bridge, where there is roadside parking. Named after the birthplace of Jinan ginseng, the area above the bridge appears safe for water play.
Below the bridge, swimming is also allowed, but be cautious of the no-swimming signs near Dodukjeong. Just a bit further past Chireun Bridge is the Daebul Intersection, which includes the National Leisure Camping Area and children’s water play facilities, offering various fun activities.
The water playground operates daily except on Mondays and is free to use, making it an excellent option for families with kids who may find valley water play daunting. The bridge connecting Samgye Plaza and the water playground allows for more water play opportunities nearby, with convenient facilities including restaurants.
For those who enjoy walking in the woods, following the trails is also a great option, with the sounds of the valley and birds enhancing the experience. You might even be lucky enough to encounter blooming flowers along the way.
Nearby attractions worth visiting include Yongdam Dam, Gubongsan Mountain, and Maisan Mountain. Yongdam Dam is perfect for a scenic drive, while Gubongsan is great for hiking enthusiasts. Maisan is ideal for a light stroll.
Unilam Banilam offers a clear and wide valley, perfect for water play. It promises to provide a refreshing summer experience. If you want to escape the heat of daily life, be sure to visit Unilam Banilam.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224374861439
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