Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (소백산천문대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (소백산천문대)

9.6Km    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. 

Huibangsa Temple (Yeongju) (희방사(영주))

10.5Km    2024-03-08

278 Jungnyeong-ro 1720beon-gil, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Huibangsa Temple is a temple located at an altitude of 850 meters in a valley south of Yeonhwabong Peak within Sobaeksan National Park. Founded in 643, it preserves the first Korean Buddhist scripture, the "Worinseokbo," and traditional Korean architectural styles. Surrounding areas are adorned with Sobaeksan Mountain's forests, offering opportunities for forest bathing and hiking. Flowing through the valley is a stream, adjacent to which stands the Huibangpokpo Falls, towering at 28 meters high.

Janghoe Quay (장회나루)

10.9Km    2024-02-27

3811-19 Worak-ro, Danseong-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Janghoe Quay is a pavilion where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Gudambong Peak and Chungjuho Lake in Danyang. The towering mountains, cliffs, and the shimmering waves of Chungjuho Lake create a beautiful landscape. With the presence of the Chungjuho Excursion Boat Terminal, it is a popular destination for domestic and international travelers, offering the opportunity to take a cruise around Danyang.

Gudambong Peak & Oksunbong Peak (구담봉 & 옥순봉)

11.0Km    2020-06-11

Janghoe-ri, Danseong-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-1146

Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak (alt. 372m) are widely known as two of the “Eight Scenic Views of Danyang." Gudambong Peak (lit. Turtle Pond Peak) gets its name from the reflection of its rugged cliffs on the lake below, which is said to look like a turtle. Oksunbong Peak (lit. Bamboo Shoot Peak), well known for its magnificent scenery, was so named because its white and mossy rocks stand high like fresh bamboo shoots.

The historic book Yeojiseungnam (Geographical Survey of Korea) describes how Kim Il-son, a civil officer in the Joseon Dynasty, greatly extolled the beauty of its marvelous ravines. Both Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak offer spectacular views of Chungjuho Lake and Geumsusan Mountain.

Danyang Bobaljae Pass (단양 보발재)

11.7Km    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.

Jecheon Wild Herb Village (제천 산야초마을)

12.1Km    2024-02-26

3 Oksunbong-ro 6-gil, Susan-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Jecheon Wild Herb Village, nestled between Geumsusan Mountain and Cheongpungho Lake, benefits from a pristine mountain environment that has supported the production of medicinal herbs and forest products for oriental medicine since ancient times. This village continues its agricultural practices to this day, offering visitors the opportunity to experience natural medicines, forest products, and agricultural goods. For those interested, there are options to stay in the village for a week or a month, allowing for an extended exploration of its natural bounty and traditions.

Guinsa Temple (Danyang) (구인사(단양))

12.2Km    2024-03-15

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

Jecheon Oksunbong Suspension Bridge (제천 옥순봉 출렁다리)

12.2Km    2022-04-08

342, Oksunbong-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-641-6738

Near one of Korea's Scenic Spot, Oksunbong Peak, Oksunbong Suspension Bridge provides visitors with a thrill stretching 222 meters long, 1.5 meters wide. The Deck Road and trekking trail made of palm tree mat completes the total length of 944 meters. Visitors can also easily get to Cheongpungho Lake and Oksunbong Peak.

Yeongju Birosa Temple (비로사 (영주))

12.8Km    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)

Seonam Garden (선암가든)

13.1Km    2024-03-18

38, Sangseonam-gil, Danseong-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
043-422-1447

Seonam Garden serves folk dishes at the foot of Doraksan Mountain, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Korea. Its signature menus are tojongdak baeksuk (whole chicken soup) and maeuntang (spicy fish stew). Visitors can also enjoy sanchae jeongsik (wild vegetable dish set menu), deodeok gui (grilled deodeok), healthy dotorimuk (acorn jelly salad), and handmade dongdongju (rice wine, similar to makgeolli), along with buchimgae (pancakes) and sondubu (handmade bean curd). These are accompanied by about ten elegant and delicious side dishes.