Maguryeong Pass / Gochiryeong Pass (마구령/고치령) - Area information - Korea travel information

Maguryeong Pass / Gochiryeong Pass (마구령/고치령)

16.1 Km    33668     2024-02-23

[Maguryeong Pass] Imgok-ri, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Maguryeong Pass and Gochiryeong Pass stand as iconic hills of Sobaeksan Mountain. They are known for their historical significance as rugged pathways where people and goods traversed during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Situated on the easternmost edge of Sobaeksan Mountain, Maguryeong Pass derives its name from its function: "Magu" meaning "harness" and "Ryeong" meaning "pass" in Korean, highlighting its past as a route where merchants commonly traveled on horseback. Meanwhile, Gochiryeong Pass served as a vital transport link to the Gwandong and Hoseo regions. In the Silla dynasty, this pass was earmarked for palace construction at the base of the hill, which led to its name "Gochiryeong" – "Go" indicating "old", "Chi" representing "hill", and "Ryeong" meaning "pass" in Korean – effectively translating to "old hill pass".

Danyang Ondaldonggul Cave (단양 온달동굴)

16.4 Km    42133     2020-01-02

23, Ondal-ro, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-423-8820

Ondaldonggul Cave is located underground at the foot of Seongsan Mountain, where Ondalsanseong Fortress is situated. It is a natural limestone cave that is estimated to have begun forming around 450 million years ago. The total 760 meter-long cave covers an area of 349,485 square meters. The cave mouth is two meters high, while the cave itself is 5 to 10 meters high and about 5 meters wide. The cave features stairway structure and contains an abundance of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The average temperature of the cave maintains 14 degrees Celsius in summer and 16 degrees Celsius in winter, making it a perfect all-year-round attraction. The cave is rich in underground water resources and there is a 0.8 to 1 meter-deep cave river flowing at the bottom of the cave floor. The cave also has over 40 small ponds that are inhabited by a variety of living organisms like fish and insects.

Situated on top of the mountain peak to the left of the cave is Ondalsanseong Fortress. The fortress has been preserved in its original form throughout some 1,400 years and shows the advanced building skills of Goguryeo Era (37 BC-668 AD). The annual Ondal Culture Festival is held every October around Ondaldonggul Cave and Ondalsanseong Fortress in memory of the legendary love story between General Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang. Other attractions in the area include a theme park and Jangseung (Korean traditional totem poles) Park.

Sansogui Chingu (농가맛집 산속의 친구)

16.4 Km    2334     2024-01-09

132-54 Deokjeon-gil, Buk-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Sansogui Chingu, which means "a friend in the mountains," is a recognized restaurant in Yeongwol that has earned the title "Nongga Matjip," which means Delicious Farmhouse Restaurant. It has the cozy ambience of a typical countryside tile-roofed farmhouse. The restaurant makes their own soybean and red pepper paste, which are stored in the numerous crocks seen by the restaurant building. The restaurant's signature menu is Gangwon Namul Bap (wild vegetable rice set menu). The appetizing wild vegetables such as fisher’s ragwort, cow parsnip, and thistle are seasoned with housemade soy sauce, pastes, and enzymes, giving a deep and rich taste that cannot be achieved with additives or store bought seasonings. Visitors can also purchase soybean paste, soy sauce, red chili paste, and rich soybean paste made in the traditional way.

Namcheongyegok Valley (남천계곡)

17.1 Km    47543     2024-02-26

375, Namcheongyegok-ro, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Namcheongyegok Valley is located on the northern side of Sobaeksan National Park. The forest is preserved quite well because the valley is located deep within the mountain. Freshwater fishes can be found within the clear water of the valley. The lush plants and clear water in summer and the fall foliage in autumn present a beautiful view. Follow the small trails to find the Namcheon Campground, where one can enjoy camping deep in the forest. 

Guinsa Temple (Danyang) (구인사(단양))

19.0 Km    47661     2024-03-15

73 Guinsa-gil, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-423-7100

Danyang Bobaljae Pass (단양 보발재)

19.1 Km    0     2024-02-26

San 26-7, Baekja-ri, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Bobaljae Pass is located 540 m above sea level on the northern side of Sobaeksan Mountain. It is also known as Godeuneomijae Pass. The S-shaped curve is known for wildflowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn, so one can either take a leisurely drive along the road or park one’s car at the observatory and get some pictures. Guinsa Temple and Ondal Tourist Area nearby are also good to visit.

Korean Peninsula Terrain [National Geopark] (한반도지형 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

19.7 Km    12760     2024-04-08

555 Hanbando-ro, Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Korean Peninsula Terrain was formed by soil transported from upstream to the curvature of the confluence of two rivers. It is often referred to as Mini Korean Peninsula because it resembles the shape of the Korean Peninsula. It is said to have this appearance due to the erosion of the incised stream flowing around the terrain. It takes a 15-minute walk along the pine forest trail for about 800 meters from the parking lot to reach there. The well-maintained trail with many wildflowers and plants creates a welcoming atmosphere. Upon arriving at the observation point, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful curved river and the topography taking the same shape as the Korean Peninsula. Designated as the Gangwon Paleozoic National Geopar, this area has excellent geographical value because it shows the characteristics of the incised mender river as well.

Hanbando Raft Village (한반도 뗏목마을)

19.8 Km    33770     2024-01-09

70 Seonam-gil, Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

The Hanbando Raft Village is a raft experience center in Seonam Village, Ongjeong-ri, famous for its topography in the shape of the Korean Peninsula. It takes about 30 minutes to go back and forth on a raft from the east coast of the Mini Korean Peninsula to the west coast. While riding the raft, the boatman tells the story of the topography of the Mini Korean Peninsula and the fish living here. It is available from spring to autumn. In addition, various raft experiences are under operation, such as the Seogang Underwater Surveyor, a remodeled rafting boat that allows you to clearly view the underwater scenery.