Dutasan National Recreational Forest (국립 두타산자연휴양림) - Area information - Korea travel information

Dutasan National Recreational Forest  (국립 두타산자연휴양림)

Dutasan National Recreational Forest (국립 두타산자연휴양림)

14.2Km    2021-03-04

132, Achagol-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-334-8815

Dutasan National Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Dutasan Mountain, which rises 1,357 meters above the sea level and straddles the border between Jinbu-myeon of Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun. The recreational forest is in the center of many popular attractions, including Odaesan National Park, Woljeongsa Temple, and beautiful valleys. The robust and rich forest is filled with a wide variety of animals such as badgers, raccoons, boars, and hares, as well as abundant medicinal herbs, and trees such as huge birch, nut trees and lime trees.

Mojeongtap Trail in Nochusan Mountain (노추산 모정탑길)

Mojeongtap Trail in Nochusan Mountain (노추산 모정탑길)

16.5Km    2024-03-18

1679-8 Daegi-ri, Wangsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Nochusan Mountain, part of the Taebaek Mountain Range, derives its name from the ancient Chinese states of Lu (No) and Zou (Chu). This naming commemorates the area's historical significance as a place of study for two of Korea's great scholars: Seol Chong from the Silla period and Yi I from the Joseon era. The Mojeongtap Trail on Nochusan Mountain is noteworthy for its 3,000 stone towers, erected by an elderly mother in honor of her children. The term “Mojeong” signifies a mother's love for her children. 

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

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

16.7Km    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))

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

18.0Km    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))

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

18.0Km    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))

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

18.6Km    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.

Pyeongchang Eoreumchi Village (평창 어름치마을)

18.9Km    2024-02-16

42-5 Maha-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Pyeongchang Eoreumchi Village is dedicated to preserving the habitat of the Eoreumchi (Cyprinid Fish), a natural monument that thrives in pristine environments. The village offers immersive rural experiences and ecotourism activities. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in water sports like rafting and kayaking on the Donggang River, as well as mountain climbing on Baegunsan Mountain. Other activities include trekking through Chiljokryeong and exploring the Baengnyongdonggul Cave. Reservations for these experiences can be made through their website.

Baengnyongdonggul Cave-Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark (백룡동굴-강원고생대 국가지질공원)

19.2Km    2020-06-10

63, Munhui-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2379

Baengnyongdonggul Cave is a 1.8㎞-long, natural limestone cave located in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. The cave entrance is located 10-15㎞ above sea level, and is surrounded by rocks. In 1976, local residents expanded a small lane in the middle of the main cave corridor to allow for easier exploration. Since then, the cave has continued to be explored and researched with great value for geologists. The cave was designated Natural Monument No. 260 in 1979.