Hwaamdonggul Cave [Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark] (화암동굴 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

13.9 Km 33343 2020-12-05

12, Hwaamdonggul-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2379

Hwaamdonggul Cave was originally a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945 as the nation’s fifth largest gold mine. However, the cave was found to have natural stalactites, and was later developed into the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The ticket booth and the cave's entrance is located apart from each other, and visitors can either hike or ride on monorail to the entrance point. Hwaamdonggul Cave is not only a tourist attraction but also an educational venue where visitors can learn about the subterranean ecology of a stalactite cave and the process of gold mining and refining.

Hwaam Tourist Attractions (Hwaam Eight Scenic Sites) (화암관광지(화암8경))

14.2 Km 10442 2019-11-13

1328, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2363

Hwaam Tourist Attractions comprises the eight scenic sights of Hwaam. The winding road leading to the attractions offers a perfect sencery of the mountains and cliffs, as well as magnificent fall foliage in autumn. Sign posts are installed along the way to each of the sceneries to prevent tourists from getting lost.

[Scenic Beauty 1] Hwaam Mineral Spring
At Hwaam Mineral Spring, water rises up through a rock crater located in Dong-myeon, Jeongseon. The water is said to be good for stomachaches, eye infections, and skin diseases; and, as it contains nine essential elements such as calcium and fluorine, it tastes crisp and clean.

[Scenic Beauty 2] Turtle Rock
Part of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring is buttressed by a cliff, on which there is a rock that resembles the shape of a turtle.

[Scenic Beauty 3] Yongmaso
With its clean water and wide sheets of rock, Yongmaso Lake is a popular attraction for vacationers.

[Scenic Beauty 4] Hwaamdonggul Cave
Hwaamdonggul Cave used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones.

[Scenic Beauty 5] Hwapyoju Cliff
Hwapyoju is a cliff facing the entrance of Hwapyo-dong, which can be seen on the way from Hwaam-dong to Molundae. The cliff may appear as if a giant sharpened a large sheet of rock and placed it upright, or less imaginatively, as if two pillars are standing side by side.

[Scenic Beauty 6] Sogeumgang River
The four-kilometer stretch from Hwapyoju to Molundae, surrounded with 100 to 150-meter high rock cliffs and thick forest, is called Sogeumgang River (small Geumgang River), meaning that its beautiful scenery is reminiscent of that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain.

[Scenic Beauty 7] Molundae Cliff
Molundae literally means ‘the cliff beyond which clouds disappear’. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people.

[Scenic Beauty 8] Gwangdaegok Valley
Gwangdaegok Valley is said to be the mysterious place where heaven, earth and clouds meet. The surrounding hills are very rough and bumpy, which makes the area a renowned mountain in Korea. There is a belief among wild-ginseng diggers that they can find great ginseng if they pray in Gwangdaegok, so it is a popular attraction for such prospectors.

Hwaam Mineral Spring [National Geopark] (화암약수 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

14.2 Km 10401 2021-02-24

1330, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2379

Hwaam Mineral Spring is one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Hwaam, and provides carbonated water said to be good for stomach discomfort and skin diseases. Interestingly, the stream water flowing through the valley is just regular freshwater. The reason for this is that the water passes through different types of rock on its way from the underground.

Sogeumgang River [National Geopark] (소금강 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

14.9 Km 15670 2021-05-24

San 109-1. Morun-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Sogeumgang River is lined with high rock cliffs topped with lush forests. This section of river is so beautiful, it is called "Little Geumgangsan River," with Geumgangsan Mountain being known as the most breathtaking location in all of Korea. Visitors can find a number of famous rocks along the river.

Jeongseon Morundae Cliff (몰운대 (정선))

16.8 Km 11167 2021-05-31

1330, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Morundae Cliff is one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Hwaam. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people.

Jeongseon Railbike (정선레일바이크)

17.6 Km 18972 2022-12-23

745, Nochusan-ro, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-563-8787

Jeongseon Railbike was the first railbike location to open in Korea. Offering both two- and four-person bikes, riders depart from Gujeol Station and travel 7.2 kilometers along an abandoned railway track to Auraji Station. The tracks pass along the clean river, through a forest, and through old train tunnels decorated with vibrant lights.

The track of Jeongseon Railbike is relatively flat, making it easy for all riders to enjoy the passing scenery in comfort. The full track takes about 30~40 minutes to complete. After arriving, visitors can hop aboard the train that takes riders back to Gujeol Station. There are cafes at Gujeol and Auraji Stations designed to look like a grasshopper and a fish, respectively. These train cafes make for great photos! The Ant Pension also is fun, designed just like an ant.

Eorayeon Valley -Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark (어라연-강원고생대 국가지질공원)

18.3 Km 8440 2022-12-29

259 , Eorayeon-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-372-1705

A beautiful and mysterious valley located 12 km up the Donggang River, Eorayeon Valley is renowned for its clean waters and for the many fish that inhabit it. The valley has beautiful rock formations and a dense pine forest that were designated as the National Scenic Spot in December 2004. It is one of Korea's most popular sites for rafting, followed by Naerincheon Creek and Cheorwon's Hantangang River. The trail to Eorayeon through Jatbong Peak is also quite popular (approx. 3 hours).

Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산)

18.6 Km 49838 2022-12-26

12, Mindungsan-ro, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Situated in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8 meters) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As hinted by its name's meaning "bare mountain," there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.

The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.

Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.

On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng).

Jangamsan Paragliding Field (장암산 활공장)

19.4 Km 18588 2022-06-27

129, Jangamdong-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-332-2625

Paragliding is controlled by the power of body weight. Hang gliding and paragliding are both included in manpowered gliders, which refers to gliders weighing less than 50 kilograms in dead weight. Paragliding has the shortest history among air sports, but is the most popular manpower glider.

Anyone can enjoy paragliding and after a 3 to 4-hour training course, participants can take off from a 50 meter steep hill. The total weight of the glide is just 10 kilograms, light enough to carry on one’s back, and carries very little danger if riders follow proper precautions.

Jangamsan Paragliding Field is located near Pyeongchang and the mountain is mainly comprised of stones, making it possible for people to enjoy a real thermal flight experience. The field is suitable for families who wish to enjoy camping with paragliding. The landing field is situated along the Pyeongchanggang River, which is also available for swimming after the flight. The river has a spacious pool on both upstream and downstream, making it a perfect venue for safety clinic education as well.

Yundaechun Rafting (연대천래프팅)

19.6 Km 7980 2022-10-17

78-4, Seopsae-gil, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-372-3398

Yundaechun Rafting offers group rafting, survival games, and ATV on Korea's most beautiful and challenging waters of the Donggang River.

Hwaamdonggul Cave [Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark] (화암동굴 (강원고생대 국가지질공원)) - Area information - Korea travel information