Gwangyang City, Beat the Heat at Baegunsan's Four Major Valleys

Published 13 Jul.2022 15:05(KST)

This Summer Vacation at Scenic Seongbul, Donggok, Eochi, and Geumcheon Valleys

Healing Contents Filled with Seongbulsa Temple Soundscapes and Eochi Valley Ecological Trails

Gwangyang City, Beat the Heat at Baegunsan's Four Major Valleys

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Baegunsan Mountain (1,222m) in Gwangyang, Jeonnam, which majestically rises by branching off from Baekdudaegan and completing the Honam Jeongmaek, boasts four major valleys with clear water and beautiful scenery.

The four major valleys of Baegunsan?Seongbul, Donggok, Eochi, and Geumcheon?stretch out like four fingers and are the best wellness resorts in Korea, perfect for cooling off and healing the body and mind tired from daily life.

Seongbul Valley, originating between Dosolbong and Hyeongjebong of Baegunsan, presents a spectacular view with its deep and clear water, beautiful forests, and bizarre rock formations that evoke awe from viewers.

Arriving at Seongbul Valley facing Baegunsan with its open sky and white sheep-like clouds, the sound of water pouring through the cracks of rocks and the dense greenery create a refreshing atmosphere.

When you dip your feet into the ice-cold valley water and gently close your eyes, you can clearly hear the sounds of various birds, the passing wind, and the rustling leaves.

At Seongbulsa Temple located below Dosolbong, the serene sounds of nature resonate, and the temple buildings such as Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, and Geungnakjeon stand with a dignified presence.

Nearby, places like the book caf? Hajonara and Sandalbaengi Village are also crowded with visitors seeking diverse experiences and enjoying the leisure and romance of midsummer.

Eochi Valley in Jinsang-myeon is famous for Orodae, which is so cool that dew forms even in the midday summer, and Gusi Waterfall, which is said never to dry up even during severe droughts.

The Eochi Ecological Trail, connected along the waterside from Naehoe Bridge to Gusi Waterfall, is a healing road where you can enjoy outstanding natural scenery up close.

Immersed in contemplation while enjoying the natural ecology of the trail equipped with 108 steps, a wooden bridge, and resting spots, travelers are greeted by the majestic water flow of Gusi Waterfall.

Going a little further up the forest road from there, a wide rock engraved with the words "Orodae (午露臺)" unfolds, named for its coolness that causes dew to form even in the midday summer.

"Eochi" is a Sino-Korean transcription of Neurinjae or Nejae, meaning a gently winding mountain pass that wraps around the mountainside, and the impressive view of Okbulbong reflected in Suwo Dam surrounding the valley is also striking.

Around Eochi Valley, there are many notable spots worth visiting together, such as Neuraengi-gol Natural Recreation Forest, Gwangyang Christian 100th Anniversary Memorial Hall, and Ungdong Church.

Among the four major valleys, Okryong Donggok Valley, which originates between Baegunsan’s summit and Daribong and flows through Hanjae to Dongcheon and then into Gwangyang Bay, is the longest and holds scenic spots at every section, including Haksadae, Yongso, Seonyudae, and Byeongam Waterfall.

Geumcheon Valley in Daap-myeon, originating from Oknyubong where a fairy is said to have descended and woven cloth, preserves pristine nature and harmonizes with the Seomjin River that has traveled 550 ri, offering the aesthetics of slowness to busy modern people.

Kim Seong-su, Director of Tourism, said, “The four major valleys of Baegunsan are wellness tourism destinations that provide rest and healing to tired modern people with their beautiful forests and natural landscapes.”

He added, “Along the four major valleys, there are many restaurants where visitors can enjoy health-boosting dishes such as Gwangyang chicken charcoal grill, Gwangyang eel grill, freshwater clam sashimi, and freshwater clam soup, making it a popular healthy summer resort.”