Oxygen Cafe Summer Vacation in Cheongsong-gun... A Healing Journey in Harmony with Nature

This summer, due to the El Ni?o phenomenon, early heatwaves and tropical nights have been rampant, and despite difficult economic conditions such as rising prices, tourism demand is gradually increasing to quench the thirst for travel in the endemic era.

Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong-gun Summer Vacation - Sinseong Valley (Banghojeong).

Among the biggest changes brought by COVID-19 is the influence of contactless lifestyle culture, which is expected to alter various aspects of traditional tourism. The most notable change is the preference for less crowded travel destinations over famous tourist spots that were previously popular.

Meanwhile, Cheongsong-gun, gaining attention as the best summer vacation spot with its pristine nature, offers numerous tourist attractions where visitors can rest for their health during the hot summer, themed around ‘things to see,’ ‘things to eat,’ and ‘things to enjoy,’ echoing the saying, “To travel happily, travel lightly.”

▲ Dalki and Sinchon Mineral Springs

Dalki Mineral Spring is located in Bugok-ri, Cheongsong-eup. Its origin dates back about 130 years to the late Joseon Dynasty when Kwon Seong-ha, who served as a Geumbu-dosa (a government official), retired and settled in Bugok-ri. While working on irrigation with villagers, he discovered mineral water gushing from between rocks.

It is said that after drinking the water, he experienced burping and felt relieved in his stomach, leading him to drink it regularly. This Dalki Mineral Spring is characterized by a constant flow regardless of drought, not freezing even in severe cold, and having no color or odor.

Also, near the Dongcheongsong IC on the Sangju-Yeongdeok Expressway, Sinchon Mineral Spring is known from a late Joseon Dynasty government inspection of mineral springs nationwide, where this spring was reported to have the heaviest and uniquely flavored water. Rumors of its effectiveness for stomach ailments have made it a popular spot.

The mineral water from these two springs contains a high amount of iron, causing the surrounding area to appear reddish due to oxidation. The carbonated water has a tingling sensation and pairs well with sweet yeot (Korean taffy) pieces sold nearby. Cooking rice with this mineral water gives the rice a bluish sheen and stickiness, perfect for stimulating appetite during the tiring summer season.

▲ Mineral Spring Chicken Baeksuk

After taking a refreshing sip of Dalki mineral water at the spring, exploring local food is an essential part of the summer trip. Near Dalki and Sinchon Mineral Springs, chicken baeksuk (boiled chicken) made using this mineral water is considered a top summer health food.

The mineral water, rich in iron, removes fat from the chicken, resulting in a mild taste and easy digestion, reducing stomach burden. The chicken is boiled thoroughly with mineral water, ginseng, astragalus, licorice, jujube, and mung beans. Once the chicken is cooked, it is served separately, and rice is cooked into porridge with the broth to be eaten together. This chicken porridge is known to be good for stomach ailments and revitalizing the body’s energy, attracting many visitors.

▲ Sinseong Valley Green Trail

The Sinseong Valley Green Trail is a walking path selected as a summer tourist destination by the Korea Tourism Organization.

The 12 km green trail, which includes the Gaetbeodeul Stream Path, Reed Botdorang Path, Banghojeong Path, Jaam Path, Stream Orchard Path, and Baekseoktan Path, offers clear water and lush forests. Walking while listening to birdsong and insect sounds provides a feeling of escape from daily life.

Sinseong Valley, encompassing the green trail, boasts spectacular scenery, clear water, and dense pine forests. The entire valley from Banghojeong to Gowari Baekseoktan is designated as the first of Cheongsong’s eight scenic spots.

Additionally, this area is an environmental learning site featuring four geological attractions of the Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark: Sinseong-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site, Banghojeong Incised Meandering Stream, and Baekseoktan Potholes.

The Sinseong-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site was discovered after a landslide caused by Typhoon Maemi in 2003, revealing about 400 dinosaur footprints. A small park with dinosaur models serves as a learning center and photo zone.

Banghojeong Incised Meandering Stream is a scenic spot combining a beautiful stream, sedimentary rock cliffs, and the provincial folk cultural asset ‘Banghojeong.’ Banghojeong is a pavilion built by Joseon scholar Bangho Jo Jun-do out of deep longing for his deceased mother, located where he could see his biological mother’s tomb, Lady Andong Kwon’s grave. It is a must-visit spot when exploring Sinseong Valley.

Lastly, Baekseoktan Potholes in Gowari Valley, Andeok-myeon, resemble mini alpine rock peaks. The white rocks and flowing jade-colored water create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Over time, the stream’s flow has eroded deep jar-shaped holes in the bedrock. During the Joseon Injo era, Songtan Kim Han-ryong from Gyeongju named this clear and beautiful stream ‘Gogye (Gold).’

▲ Cheongsong Ice Valley

Another unmissable summer spot in Cheongsong is the Cheongsong Ice Valley. The valley area is famous for ice forming even when outside temperatures exceed 32°C in midsummer. The Ice Valley is deep and densely forested, relatively less frequented, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air along the valley amid birdsong.

▲ Camping Sites

Thanks to its beautiful mountain ranges and dense forests, Cheongsong has been recognized as one of the places with the cleanest air nationwide, offering many spots for camping and forest bathing. These include Cheongsong Natural Recreation Forest, Cheongsong Auto Camping Site in Bunam-myeon, Sangui Car Camping Site, and Sudal Camping Site. These places attract family campers year-round and are increasingly known as healing travel destinations.

County Governor Yoon Kyung-hee said, “Escaping from the hard and tiring daily life to welcome the approaching summer vacation, it would be a great memory to draw a mental pause at ‘Oxygen Cafe Cheongsong-gun,’ where you can heal with fresh nature, clean water, and the abundant energy summer offers, away from the city.”

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