Cheondongdonggul Cave (단양 천동동굴)

11.3 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.

Cheondong Tourist Area Water Park (천동관광지 물놀이장)

11.3 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.

Sobaeksan National Park (Northern Section) (소백산국립공원(북부))

11.4 Km 28195 2021-06-15

494, Namhangang-ro, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-423-0708

Sobaeksan Mountain is renowned for its natural splendor and mystery, standing tall in the middle of the Korean peninsula, and offering several magnificent peaks, such as Hyeongjebong, Sinseonbong, Gungmangbong, Birobong, and Yeonhwabong. Its captivating seasonal beauty attracts visitors year round. The moutain's recreational forest was designated as the third national park in Chungcheongbuk-do in 1987, following Songnisan Mountain and Woraksan Mountain in 1970 and 1984 respectively. The open grass field on Birobong Peak (1,439 meters) resembles the Swiss Alps. On Yeonhwabong Peak (1,349 meters) is Sobaeksan Optical Astromony Observatory (SOAO), which laid the foundation for Korea's astronomy.

Jukgyegugok Valley (죽계구곡)

11.5 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.

Yeongju Birosa Temple (비로사 (영주))

11.6 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)

11.9 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.

Sobaeksan National Park (Gyeongsangbuk-do Region) (소백산국립공원(경북))

12.8 Km 35865 2023-02-17

Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-638-6196

Sobaeksan National Park was designated as the 18th national park in December 1987. The features of Sobaeksan National Park include wildflowers and royal azaleas in spring and snowy scenery in winter. The mountain borders three provinces and four cities. Attractions include various peaks, temples, and waterfalls. The mountain is especially popular in May when royal azaleas are in full bloom and a natural forest tunnel is formed. Birobong Peak of the mountain is covered with snow six months of the year and is called the Alps of Korea.

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (소백산천문대)

12.9 Km 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.

Gosudonggul Cave (단양 고수동굴)

13.0 Km 45586 2024-03-15

8 Gosudonggul-gil, Danyang-eup, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-3072

Gosudonggul Cave, a natural limestone marvel, is recognized as a Natural Monument of Korea. Spanning 1,395 meters in length, this ancient cave has been shaped over 500 million years. Inside, visitors can marvel at an array of spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes, and cave pearls. The cave also houses unique rock formations such as Sajabawi Rock, Dodamsambongbawi Rock, a statue resembling the Virgin Mary, and the romantically named Thousand-year Love Rock. The cave is conveniently located just one kilometer from the Danyang Intercity Bus Terminal.

Danyang Special Tourist Zone (단양 관광특구)

13.0 Km 5556 2020-03-27

3-11, Gosudonggul-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-420-3035

Danyang is known for its Danyang Palgyeong (eight wonders of Danyang). The scenery around Chungjuho Lake, including Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak, can all be enjoyed from a ferry cruise. The meandering stream and the majestic view of Sainam Rock and Sangseonam Rock create a soothing, tranquil ambience.

Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula is Sobaeksan National Park, from which one can admire the beauty of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. The mountain’s many trails that lead to Birobong Peak and to other peaks are popular among hikers.

Darian, Cheondong and Ondal are great choices for family trips. These places are known for outdoor camping sites and drama filming locations.

The Danyang Special Tourist Zone holds special events that promote the county’s nature and history. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May, while the Ondal Culture Festival takes place in October.

Plenty of accommodation options and facilities are available in the area of Dojeon-ri, Byeolgok-ri, Sangjin-ri and Gosu-ri of Danyang-eup.

[Danyang Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Areas around Danyang and Maepo-eup in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Area size: 4,448,737㎡
Tourist attractions: Sobaeksan National Park, Dodamsambong Peak, Sainam Rock, Gosu Cave, Buddhist Museum of the Cheontae Order, Daeseongsan Natural Recreation Forest, etc.

Cheondongdonggul Cave (단양 천동동굴) - Area information - Korea travel information