[Jo Yongjun's Travel Journey] Too Short to Just Dip Feet, Ice Valley Waterfall Shower

The Heatwave Subsides, Journey to the Valley

[Asia Economy Reporter Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist] The high humidity, sudden waves of heat, and intense blazing sun make it feel like a literal cauldron. Just sitting still makes your whole body sluggish and drenched in sweat. The disrupted body rhythm causes the discomfort index to soar endlessly. The heat continues into the night, refusing to allow peaceful sleep. And summer hasn't even properly begun yet. At this time, the first goal of travel is to escape the heat. How about taking a short trip to a forested valley to avoid the heat? After a round of monsoon rains, the valley has been transformed so lushly that it’s hard to believe there was ever a drought. Immersing yourself in the winding valley flowing through the dense forest instantly makes the heat disappear and your worries fade away. Traveling to a valley soothes both body and mind. This is why countless vacationers flock to deep mountain valleys every year. Here, we introduce valleys where clean water and dense forests harmonize. They are great to visit on the upcoming weekend or during the holiday season.

◇ Pyeongchang Hoedong Valley ? A Treasure-like Valley Hidden by Cheongoksan

Pyeongchang is home to famous valleys such as Heungjeong, Jangjeon, Makdong, and Geumdang. Among them, the lesser-known treasure-like valley is Hoedong Valley. The water originating from Cheongoksan gathers in Hoedong Valley (Yongsugol), a hidden valley known only to local residents and a few vacationers who come by word of mouth.

The entrance is at Dokkaebi Village on the mid-slope of Cheongoksan. At the village entrance stands a large oak tree over 350 years old, and you follow a narrow path to its left. The path is about 8 km long, with large and small pools and waterfalls creating a charming atmosphere. It features a dense natural forest tunnel so thick that sunlight barely penetrates even in midsummer. Moss and waterfalls flow throughout the valley, emphasizing the pristine nature. This clear, pure water flows into the Donggang River, embarking on a long journey all the way to Seoul. There is a wide, flat area downstream where families can rest safely and comfortably.

The upper part of Hoedong Valley is Yukbaekmaji. Yukbaekmaji, the summit of Cheongoksan, was cultivated by settlers who cleared the vast, rugged land. There is a road up to Yukbaekmaji, allowing vehicle access.

◇ Yeongyang Suha Valley ? A Valley as Clear and Cold as Ice Even in Midsummer

Jangsupocheon begins at Gaesilgok in Ogiri, Subi-myeon. The winding waterway joins the Wangpicheon River in Uljin and flows into the East Sea. Before Jangsupocheon reaches Uljin, there is Suhari. From Jipunae (or 深川), Suha 2-ri, meaning “deep water village,” to Omu Village in Suha 3-ri, where paulownia trees grow thickly, the approximately 20 km waterway is Suha Valley.

The icy water is as transparent as ice, allowing a clear view of the bottom. Large and small pools made of white granite and stones polished smooth by the current shimmer in the sunlight. In summer, schools of sweetfish swim upstream from the East Sea along Wangpicheon.

The valley is relatively wide. Its depth ranges from an adult’s calf to waist, making it safe and enjoyable to play in the water. Any spot along the long valley is an ideal place. People who know this place don’t say much about it; simple words like “good” or “very good” suffice. Pine forests grow thickly on the cliffs along the riverbank. The scent of the dense forest breaks through the fierce sunlight and spreads throughout the valley.

At night, otters reveal their sleek bodies, the Milky Way shines in the sky, and fireflies light up the ground. Suha Valley is the largest firefly habitat in Korea and also an International Dark Sky Park.

◇ Inje Jindong Valley ? A Valley Located in One of Gangwon-do’s Most Remote Areas

Jindong Valley, formed by the water originating from Jeombongsan, one of Korea’s 100 famous mountains, is a premium valley that retains beauty throughout all four seasons. It stretches about 20 km from Chudae in Jindong 1-ri, Girin-myeon, to Seolpibat on Jeombongsan.

Jindong Valley, a treasure trove of natural ecosystems where primeval forests and rare flora and fauna live, is home to first-class water fish such as the Korean minnow and the taimen. It is a perfect summer heat escape spot where the natural beauty and ancient mysteries blend. The numerous waterfalls and pools in the valley offer breathtaking views, and the sound of water flowing around the bizarre rocks helps forget all the worries caused by COVID-19.

Nearby are Bangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest, Achimgari Valley, and Misan Valley. Bangtaesan is known for its deep valleys and long ridges extending in all directions, making it one of the most remote areas in the country, including the famous Samdun Sagari.

In the heart of the scenic Bangtaesan Jeokgarigol lies a natural recreation forest. It is considered one of the most beautiful and ecologically well-preserved recreation forests, with minimal artificial damage.

Between the first and second campgrounds is Idan Waterfall, regarded as the best scenic spot. Two waterfalls about 10 m and 3 m high pour silky streams continuously. The area around the waterfalls is surrounded by dense deciduous trees, including maples.

◇ Jeongseon Gobyeong Valley ? Walking Through a Primeval Forest Valley

The name comes from the high mountains and sheer cliffs surrounding the valley like a folding screen. Gobyeong Valley is a hidden primeval forest valley on a mountain slope rarely visited by travelers. The cool valley covered with thick moss is usually almost deserted.

Gobyeong Valley is better suited for valley trekking than water play. Usually, valley trekking involves climbing upstream from downstream, but Gobyeong Valley offers a comfortable path following the direction of the water flow downstream. Sunlight filtered through the deep green leaves sparkles with a green hue in the valley where the forest covers the sky. Secret waterfalls hidden inside the valley flow over rocks with refreshing water sounds.

Crossing the water here and there, wetting ankles to knees, sometimes thighs, makes trekking along the valley fun.

The best scenic spots in Gobyeong Valley are Halmi Waterfall and Sadari Waterfall. These two waterfalls appear consecutively in the dense forest, both surrounded by dark deep green woods, giving a mysterious feeling.

The trekking course along the valley is about 3 km. If you hurry, you can finish in about an hour, but it’s better to walk slowly, resting your legs under the spooky forest shade, listening to the water sounds, or even getting wet under the waterfalls.

◇ Goesan Hwayang Nine Valleys ? Valleys Admired by Toegye Yi Hwang and Uam Song Si-yeol

Goesan is dotted with many nine-valley scenic spots. Among them, Hwayang Nine Valleys is the most famous, but there are also Seonyu Nine Valleys, Ssanggok Nine Valleys, Gareun Nine Valleys, and Yeonha Nine Valleys, totaling seven. Among these many valleys in Goesan, Hwayang Nine Valleys deserves to be placed first. Not only in Goesan but throughout the country, Hwayang Nine Valleys is the center of nine valleys and has long been known as a famous summer vacation destination.

It is said that during the Joseon Dynasty, Toegye Yi Hwang and Uam Song Si-yeol were captivated by its scenery, naming various spots in the valley and staying there. The fourth valley, Geumsadam, with its rock formations, is where the shrine called Amseojae was built and where they stayed. While the shrine harmonizing with the valley is elegant and beautiful, the surrounding cafes and vehicles are somewhat distracting.

While Hwayang Nine Valleys has a grand atmosphere, Seonyu Nine Valleys, where Toegye Yi Hwang stayed for nine months, has a charming and quaint appeal.

Inje, Pyeongchang = Written and photographed by Yongjun Cho, travel specialist jun21@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.