The Best Summer Retreat in Jeonbuk: Sunchang Gangcheonsan Valley
During the scorching summer when temperatures soar above 30 degrees Celsius, if you're pondering where to escape the heat, exploring the valleys of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is a great option. Sitting under the shade of dense forests, dipping your feet in the cool valley water, and letting your body relax in the refreshing stream can help you momentarily forget the sweltering heat.
Jeonbuk is home to renowned valley retreats, from the deep valleys of Deokyu Mountain to the pristine valleys at the foot of Jirisan and the unique rock formations of Jinan Unilam and Banilam. However, during dry spells like the current season with little rainfall, the situation changes. Many valleys face reduced water levels, making swimming difficult.
Yet, amidst this drought, there is a valley where you can still find refreshing streams: Sunchang Gangcheonsan Valley.
Gangcheonsan National Park Admission Information
▶ Opening Hours: 7 AM - 6 PM
▶ Admission Fee: Adults 5,000 KRW / Students (Elementary, Middle, High School), Military Police, and Soldiers 4,000 KRW (2,000 KRW in local currency for paid visitors)
▶ Free Admission: Children under 6 years, Seniors over 70, Sunchang residents, Disabled persons, National merit holders, etc.
Visiting Gangcheonsan with my grandson who just turned one, this summer has been particularly hot with little rain, making it more challenging than usual to choose a retreat. Instead of crowded beaches or rivers under the blazing sun, I thought of the cool valleys with clear waters.
The first place that came to mind was Sunchang Gangcheonsan. Despite the dry season, water flows continuously in the Gangcheonsan Valley. The water stored in Lakes 1 and 2 flows down to the valley, maintaining a consistent water level even during droughts, allowing for a worry-free summer retreat. With a storage capacity of about 356,000 tons, I was confident it was the perfect spot for family fun in the summer.
Safety and comfort are paramount when enjoying water activities with children. The Gangcheonsan Valley features pools of varying depths, allowing both children and adults to enjoy swimming at their own levels.
Another advantage of Gangcheonsan Valley is the variety of water play areas. The pools scattered throughout the valley vary in depth, making some suitable for children to wade in while others are deep enough for adults to swim. Families can enjoy the valley in their own ways, whether it's dipping toes in shallow waters or taking a refreshing plunge in deeper areas.
However, since the valley is a natural environment, water depth and flow can change based on location and weather conditions, so it's crucial for guardians to supervise young children closely.
The water play areas are not concentrated in one spot. The valley stretches about 1.2 km from the park entrance to Cheonwoo Falls, with numerous opportunities for water activities along the way. You can take a break by dipping your feet in the cool streams or immerse yourself in the valley waters when you find a spot you like. The area around Cheonwoo Falls, lined with metasequoias, is also perfect for summer photography.
Gangcheonsan is not just about water play. The park features various attractions like Gangcheonsa Temple, Byeongpung Falls, and Gujanggun Falls, providing opportunities for walks and exploration alongside water activities. The waterfalls encountered while walking along the valley add another layer of enjoyment to summer trips.
As you take a moment to relax while watching the cascading waters or walk the forest paths listening to the soothing sounds of the stream, you can rejuvenate your body and mind, tired from the summer heat.
The earthen paths leading from Byeongpung Falls to Gujanggun Falls offer another unique experience. Walking barefoot on the earthy trails and then dipping your feet in the cool valley waters can relieve fatigue and allow you to enjoy a leisurely time in nature.
While Gangcheonsan has long been known as a destination for autumn foliage, experiencing the summer charm of Gangcheonsan will change your perspective. The lush forests, clear abundant waters, and varied depths of the pools and streams are significant advantages that set Gangcheonsan apart from other valley retreats.
For me, seeking a retreat with my grandson, Gangcheonsan felt like a much more reassuring choice than a beach or riverside under the scorching sun. Even without rain, the flowing waters, the cool shade provided by the trees, and the diverse water play areas throughout the valley make it an ideal summer escape.
In this summer of drought, if you're looking for a place to enjoy a refreshing retreat without worrying about water levels, Sunchang Gangcheonsan Valley is sure to satisfy. This summer, set off to Gangcheonsan to meet the cool streams and lush forests. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224378296399
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