Ssanggok Valley (쌍곡구곡) – A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Address: 242, Ssanggok-ro, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
충청북도 괴산군 칠성면 쌍곡로 242
For more info: +82-43-542-5267
Webpages: www..knps.or.kr / http://tour.goesan.go.kr /
Entrance fees & Usage Costs: Free Entrance, though parking fees could apply. Parking fees are usually pretty cheap.

Introduction:

Ssanggok Valley is a hidden gem located in Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It is a beautiful natural attraction that boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and crystal clear streams. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and picnicking. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Ssanggok Valley such a special place to visit.

History:

Ssanggok Valley is steeped in history and cultural significance. According to historical records, the renowned Confucian scholars and literati of the Joseon dynasty, including Yi Hwang and Song-gang Jeong Cheol, held a deep appreciation for the breathtaking landscape of Ssang-gok-guok valley. The valley’s unspoiled natural beauty captivated their hearts, and they spent ample time basking in its glory.

Highlights:

The main attraction of Ssanggok Valley is its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the valley’s streams, as well as the lush greenery and mountain views. There are also hiking trails that wind through the valley, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural wonders at their own pace. The hiking trails vary in difficulty, so visitors can choose a route that suits their abilities. The valley has a few amazing and unique valleys to witness. These attractions are as follow:

1. Horongso: Located 1.1km from National Highway 34, Horongso is the first and easily accessible spot of the nine valleys in Ssang-gok. The valley water creates a 90-degree angle, forming a “so” (stream), which goes well with the rocks and old pine trees surrounding it. The valley features a beautiful landscape, and a nearby cliff has a big rock shaped like horong-bul (lantern), which is the origin of its name.
2. Sogeumgang: Considered the most beautiful spot among the nine valleys, Sogeumgang is located 2.3km from the entrance of Ssang-gok. Its name was given because the beautiful landscape was considered to have been taken out of the beautiful Geumgangsan mountain. The unique and beautiful landscape changes throughout the four seasons, and the clean valley water that flows under it deserves the title of Sogeumgang. Sogeumgang is located by Local Highway 517, a popular spot for visitors driving along the highway.
3. Byeong-am rock (Tteok-bawi): The rock was named tteok-bawi because it looked like a sliced sirutteok (rice cake). During a famine, a rumor spread that you do not have to worry about eating when you live near the tteok-bawi. The rock’s legend brought people to live around the place, and there are still 20 households living near the rock. Byeong-am rock is the third spot in the nine valleys of Ssang-gok.
4. Munsu-am rock: Munsu-am rock, located 200m east of Tteok-bawi, has a majestic landscape that goes well with the rough mountain landscape. The valley water flowing through the stream around the rocks creates a beautiful landscape with the pine trees. Under the rock, it is said that there was a small Buddhist hermitage that enshrined Munsubosal (bodhitsattva). It is the fourth spot in the nine valleys of Ssang-gok.
5. Sssang-byeok: Located 400m up from the Munsu-am Rock, Sssang-byeok has 10m tall cliff walls on both sides of the stream, with 5m width between them running parallel to create a beautiful landscape. It is the fifth spot in the nine valleys of Ssang-gok.
6. Yongso: The valley water flowing down a 100m tall rock cliff hits a 16m in diameter pond to create a whirlpool at the bottom, making it magnificent to look at. The pond has a legend that a dragon ascends to heaven from it, but now it is only 5~6m deep. In the past, the pond was so deep that a string of yarn would fully unravel but could not reach the bottom of the pond. Yongso is the sixth spot in the nine valleys of Ssang-gok.
7. Ssang-gok Pokpo Waterfall: Going 700m down along the apricot tree valley from Jeolmal to the northwest, you will see a waterfall cascading down the rocks. The waterfall is the seventh spot in the nine valleys of Ssang-gok. The entire Ssang-gok valley has a masculine appearance, but the waterfall is like a shy virgin with a feminine atmosphere. The fall shies away from revealing itself, and the water flowing down the 8m tall rock cliff creates a 200 pyeong wide pond that unfolds like a woman’s skirt, which will keep you chilled and refreshed.
8. Seon-nyeo-tang: Going up from Jeolmal in Gwanpyeong direction, visitors will find a 5m tall, 10m deep, and 2m wide waterfall. The name “Seon-nyeo” comes from a legend that angels come down at night to take a bath. The waterfall blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape, and visitors might even imagine the mythical creatures playing in the pond if they sit there long enough.
9. Jang-am (Madang-bawi): The last scenic site of Ssang-gok valley is located 700m from Jeolmal in the Jesurijae direction. The valley has water flowing along its entire length and consists of 40m of rocks, giving it its current name. The pine tree forest surrounding the valley keeps the sunlight from reaching the area, making it a great spot to escape the heat during the summer.

Tips and tricks:

When visiting Ssanggok Valley, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking and hiking involved. Visitors should also bring sunscreen and insect repellent (In the event that this is a concern of yours), as well as snacks and water for the hiking trails.

Conclusion:

Ssanggok Valley is a hidden gem in South Korea, and it’s a destination that should not be missed. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique attractions, it’s a place that will leave a lasting impression on visitors. So, pack your bags and head to Ssanggok Valley for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of South Korea’s natural beauty.