Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (소백산천문대)

0m 0 2024-02-28

639, Sobaeksan-gil, Danyang-eup, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Located within the Sobaeksan National Park, the Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (SOAO) was the first astronomy observatory in Korea to install a modern telescope. SOAO is in a great location to observe the stars because it is located on the highest point of southern Korea and far away from the light pollution of cities. To enter the observatory as a private visitor, one must climb the mountain from Jungnyeong Pass or Huibangsa Temple.

Huibangsa Temple (Yeongju) (희방사(영주))

1.7 Km 18686 2024-03-08

278 Jungnyeong-ro 1720beon-gil, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Huibangsa Temple is a temple located at an altitude of 850 meters in a valley south of Yeonhwabong Peak within Sobaeksan National Park. Founded in 643, it preserves the first Korean Buddhist scripture, the "Worinseokbo," and traditional Korean architectural styles. Surrounding areas are adorned with Sobaeksan Mountain's forests, offering opportunities for forest bathing and hiking. Flowing through the valley is a stream, adjacent to which stands the Huibangpokpo Falls, towering at 28 meters high.

Yeongju Birosa Temple (비로사 (영주))

3.7 Km 17872 2021-06-11

661-29, Samga-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-638-5033

Birosa Temple is located at the southern foot of Birobong, the highest peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. It was founded by revered Buddhist monk Uisang Daesa in the 20th year of King Munmu’s reign (AD 680) during the Silla Kingdom. The temple’s Buddha statues and the flagpole supports reveal the long history of this ancient temple.

To the left of the entrance to Birosa Temple stand a pair of flagpole supports. The 4.8-meter-high flagpole supports facing each other have a meticulous structure. Inside the temple precincts is Jingongdaesa Bobeoptapbi, a stele with a stone turtle base erected in honor of the great monk Jingong Daesa.

The temple enshrines the Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha statues, which were created during the Silla Kingdom in the late 9th century. Both of these Buddha statues realistically depict the human form, and show similar characteristics, which reveal that they were crafted by the same artisan. Preserving such valuable cultural heritages, Birosa Temple also has a serene view of Birobong Peak on Sobaeksan Mountain.

* Major cultural properties: Stone Seated Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha Statues (Treasure No. 996), Samgadong Stone Flagpole Supports (Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 7)

Dariangyegok Valley (다리안계곡)

4.6 Km 36590 2021-07-27

528-10, Darian-ro, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-1146

Dariangyegok Valley is located in the Darian Local Tourist Site near Danyang. The water in the valley curves around smooth rocks in between the lush forest. People visit in the summer to escape the heat.

Dariangyegok Valley has cold water flowing from Sobaeksan Mountain. The area around the valley is equipped with convenience facilities such as huts, campsites, a parking lot, convenience store and more, making it the best family destination. Near the middle of the valley, legend says a dragon ascended to the sky leaving a mark on the big rock. Nearby attractions include caves, Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak, Oksunbong Peak and many more. These abundant attractions make Dangyang a favorite tourist destination among visitors.

Cheondongdonggul Cave (단양 천동동굴)

5.4 Km 19853 2020-01-02

Cheondong 2-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-2972

Situated on the outskirts of a mountain behind Cheondong-ri in Danyang, Cheondongdonggul Cave is a limestone cave of 470 meters in length. Created 450 million years ago, the cave is known to have beautiful limestone rocks often called “flower trays.” The cave is decorated with a breathtaking array of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and soda straws as if they were part of a lush forest. Abundant animal deposits render the cave a huge specimen gallery.

Although it is a relatively small, separate cave, Cheondongdonggul boasts plethora of splendid natural features. Along with Gosu Cave (designated as Natural Monument No. 256) in Gosu-ri, Danyang, Cheondongdonggul Cave is considered one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Korea.

Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort (소백산풍기온천리조트)

5.5 Km 6426 2023-10-26

1400 Jungnyeong-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-604-1700

Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort, which sits at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain, has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, as well as a great view. The resort has an outdoor spa, a 25-square-meter outdoor swimming pool, Aqua Pool ride, a wading pool, a bade pool, and Yeonhwajeong, a great restaurant to enjoy delicious Korean food.
There is also a great spot to have an outdoor barbeque party with family and friends while enjoying the great taste of hanu (Korean beef). Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort aims to be the best spa resort for locals as well as tourists.

Cheondong Tourist Area Water Park (천동관광지 물놀이장)

5.5 Km 7969 2024-02-26

534, Darian-ro, Danyang-eup, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Cheondong Tourist Area’s Water Park is an outdoor water park that opens temporarily in July and August. It has separate pools for adults and children, a lazy river, and a high slide pool. The campground within the Cheondong Tourist Area allows visitors to stay overnight. Nearby tourist sites include Dodamsambong Peaks, Ondal Tourist Area, and Mancheonha Skywalk.

Choamsa Temple - Yeongju (초암사(영주))

6.2 Km 9012 2020-03-27

330, Jukgye-ro 315beon-gil, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-633-2322

In search of a great place to build a Buddhist Temple invoking national security, Great Monk Uisang travelled around the country and reached this place. He built a small thatched hut here for a temporary stay and continued his search. Finally, he found a perfect place and built Buseoksa Temple. He also set up another temple in the site where his small thatched hut was and called it Choamsa Temple. Choamsa Temple is located below the valley in the south of Gungmangbong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. After the Korean War, the temple building had to be rebuilt, but it managed to preserve some of Provincial Tangible Cultural Asset including Samcheung Seoktap (a three-storied stone pagoda; Tangible Cultural Property 126), Dongbudo (East Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 128) and Seobudo (West Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 129).

* Jukgyegugok Valley
The valley stretching from Baejeom-ni to Choamsa Temple is called Jukgyegugok which Sobaeksan Mountain surrounds like a folding screen. Near the valley, one can find famous tourist attractions such as the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy and Buseoksa Temple. Toegye Yi Hwang came up with the name Jukgyegugok inspired by the fantastic scenery of the valley and the beautiful sound of the flowing water.

Jukgyegugok Valley (죽계구곡)

7.3 Km 33246 2017-12-22

Jukgye-ro 315beon-gil, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Jukgyegugok Valley is the valley stretching from Baejeom-ri to Choamsa Temple. Joseon-era Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang (1501-1570) was inspired by the scenery of the valley and the enchanting sound of the flowing water, so he came up with names for each of the nine sections of the valley and collectively called them Jukgyegugok (nine bamboo valleys). The valley presents a splendid sight indeed with crystal clear waters, lush forest, and white rocks. In summer, vacationers from around the country flock to Jukgyegugok Valley to cool off from the sweltering heat by dipping their feet in the refreshing waters of the valley. Famous tourist attractions near the valley include Sosuseowon Confucian Academy, Buseoksa Temple, and Eupnaeri Mural Tomb.

* Choamsa Temple
On the path that ascends from Jukgyegugok Valley, there is a small temple located at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain. The great monk Uisang Daesa of the Silla Kingdom reached this place during his search for an ideal site to build a Buddhist temple invoking national security. He set up a small thatched hut for a temporary stay until he found the most propitious spot, on which he built Buseoksa Temple. In the site where his thatched hut once stood, he built another temple and named it Choamsa Temple. The original structure was destroyed by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). The temple has been restored to its present state by the Buddhist monk Lee Bo-won after years of arduous efforts.

Yangbangsan Paragliding Site (양방산활공장)

7.7 Km 2255 2021-06-16

350, Yangbangsan-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-420-3035

Yangbangsan Paragliding Site is situated 664 meters above sea level at the top of Yangbangsan Mountain. Upon arrival at the site, one can get a panoramic view of Danyang, including the meandering Namhangang River. While serving as the main venue for major gliding sports competitions, the site is also frequented by tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts who want to experience hang gliding and paragliding.

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (소백산천문대) - Area information - Korea travel information