Wander the symphonies of Seonyudonggyegok Valley!
Address:
179, Seonyudong-gil, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
충청북도 괴산군 청천면 선유동길 179
Contact Info:
– For more info +82-43-832-4347
– Travel Hotline +82-2-1330
Website: http://www.goesan.go.kr/tour/index.do
Entrance Fees & Usage Costs: N/A
– Parking for small vehicles at 4,000 Won, and 6,000 Won for large vehicles.
Operating Hours: N/A
Transport: Car or Bus
To make the most of your visit to Seonyudonggyegok Valley, it is recommended to have your own vehicle.
However, if you plan on using public transportation, be sure to check the bus schedules ahead of time as it is a rural area and buses may not be as frequent. While public buses can take you to and from the area, it is advisable to confirm schedules before making it a day trip. Once too often I have been stuck in a tiny rural town, because I missed the last bus, or the bus just didn’t come that particular day. Usually it wouldn’t come if it is undergoing maintenance, or if some form of protest is ongoing.
Introduction:
The Seonyudonggyegok Valley has an intriguing story associated with it. Legend has it that this was the favorite spot of the mountain gods who frequented the area to quench their thirst with the fresh mountain spring water. Additionally, the nearby Seonyudongmun served as the playground for these divine beings. For generations, people have been absolutely captivated by the sheer beauty of this place. In fact, a renowned account by Taekriji from 1751 described it as one of the most breathtaking landscapes he had ever seen. Going even further back, a Confucian scholar from the Joseon dynasty spent several months here and was so taken with the area that he gave names to many of his favorite spots – names that are still in use to this day! Maybe you could be lucky enough to meet one of these deities.
Historical & Cultural Insights:
Toegye Yi Hwang and Wooam Song Si-yeol are believed to have spent their final years in this area. One of the most striking features of the place is the nine exceptional views, each one represented by a unique rock with engravings on it. Each rock’s engravings correspond to a different song, and interestingly, most of the original letters that made up the nine songs have been lost over time. Nonetheless, a few still survive, and each song describes a different location. Among these nine views is the Seonyudongmun Gate, the place where the gods were said to have descended to play. Another highlight is the Yeondan-ro, a large, flat rock where the gods supposedly created and enjoyed Geumdan, a type of food that granted them a long and healthy life.
Highlights:
The Goesan valley is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in the region, if not the most beautiful of them all. This idyllic valley is characterized by its clear, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families looking to spend quality time together. During the spring and summer months, the valley transforms into a veritable oasis of natural beauty, waiting to be discovered.
As you stroll along the valley, you’ll come across numerous small waterfalls that offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate the stunning surroundings. For those who love hiking, there’s a 1.8 km trail that takes around 50 minutes to complete, offering ample opportunities to take in the Nine Songs located all along the way. So if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this little corner of Goesan is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
One of the many waterfalls, is named Waryong Falls. It got its name due to the sound of the water falling between the rocks. It is said to sound like a thunderbolt from Waryong.
The 5th song, Waryongpok
*No Picture
Practical Info, Tips & Tricks:
To fully enjoy Seonyudong Valley, it’s important to prepare according to the season you plan to visit. During the warmer months of summer and spring, it’s recommended to bring a swimsuit and take a refreshing dip in the waters where the mountain gods were said to have played. If you prefer to keep dry but still want to explore the valley, packing an extra pair of socks is a smart idea, just in case.
Bringing along some snacks and drinks is also a great idea, and for those who love to cook outdoors, a camping stove will allow you to prepare a delicious meal in the heart of nature. Wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes is also recommended to navigate the terrain with ease, but hey, if you prefer to wear crocs, go for it! You’re the master of your own destiny, after all.
Regardless of what you bring or how you choose to experience the valley, the most important thing is to soak in all the natural beauty, peace, and tranquility that Seonyudong Valley has to offer.
Challenge:
The challenge for this destination is to find all nine Songs.
Accommodation & Dining:
With regards to accommodation, there are ample options. Most of the accommodation available in the area are referred to as Pensions (펜션). Simply look for the signs saying Pension, and you will have found it.
If you tried, but just can’t seem to find one, don’t worry. I got your back with some options:
1 – 우리들 펜션 캠핑장 (Urideul Pension Camping Jang)
Address: 18, Seonyudong 2-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (Zip Code)28065
Website: http://www.우리들펜션캠핑장.com
2 – 속리산화양이펜션
Address: 1475-1, Hwayang-ro, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (Zip Code)28065
Operating Hours: 24/7
Website: http://hwayange.com
Contact Info: 010-3437-7366
With regards to Dining, again, you have plenty of options to choose from in the area. Nevertheless, the following two are recommended to try.
1 – 선유동휴게소 (Seonyudonghyugeso)
Address: 139, Seonyudong-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Contact Info: 043-833-8008
This is not a 5-star establishment, but it does serve as a restaurant/cafe, and it is conveniently located on the Valley trail. I recommend stopping here while looking for the 9 songs.
2 – 계곡매점민박 (Valley Convenience Store Homestay)
Address:
– 34 Seonyudong-gil Cheongcheon-myeon Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do
– 767-2 Samsong-ri Cheongcheon-myeon Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do
Conclusion:
Seonyudonggyegok Valley and its surroundings offer a truly magnificent and enchanting experience for visitors. With a rich history dating back centuries and a variety of attractions to explore, it’s no wonder that people have been raving about this area’s beauty for ages. From the playground of the mountain gods at Seonyudongmun to the nine exceptional views recognized by engravings on rocks, there’s so much to discover. Whether you choose to explore the valley’s hiking trails or lounge in the waters where the gods used to play, preparation is key to fully enjoy your visit. Regardless of what you choose to do, be sure to take in all the beauty, peace, and nature that Seonyudonggyegok Valley has to offer.
Images from Pennpenn blog, and Goesan’s official website.
Wandering Wentzel 