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

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

Explanation

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.


Inquiry

+82-33-560-2363


Homepage

www.ariaritour.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
www.jsimc.or.kr (Korean only)


Information Use

Contact and Information : • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-33-560-2363


Location

1328, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Shrine for Prince Wolsan (월산대군사당)

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1243-39 Hoguk-ro, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Prince Wolsan, born Yi Jeong, was the elder brother of King Seongjong, the 9th ruler of the Joseon dynasty. He was regarded as an accomplished writer, with his reputation said to have extended even to China. King Seongjong is known to have frequently visited Prince Wolsan’s residence, where he named a pavilion Pungwoljeong after the prince’s pen name. The prince is also remembered for his loyalty and close fraternal bond with the king. Adjacent to the shrine lies Prince Wolsan’s tomb. The shrine itself was established before 1693, with the current structures reconstructed in 1786. Preserved within the shrine is a small palanquin known as a yoeo, which was used to carry the prince’s spirit tablet.

Goyang Special Tourist Zone (고양관광특구)

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1271-1 Jungang-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

“Special tourist zones” are areas designated by law for the concentrated development of tourism infrastructure and services, including visitor guidance and promotional activities, with the aim of attracting international travelers. Among them is the Goyang Special Tourist Zone, which was established to draw both domestic and overseas visitors while positioning the city as an international tourism hub. The zone brings together key attractions such as KINTEX, a major venue for the MICE industry, along with Ilsan Lake Park, La Festa, Western Dome, One Mount, and Aqua Planet Ilsan. The area hosts a variety of cultural programming, including live performances, music contests, and seasonal festivals, reflecting its ongoing role as a hub for entertainment and tourism.

Jagyuru Pavilion and Gwanpungheon Hall (자규루 및 관풍헌)

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Gwanpungheon Hall was used as a magistrate’s office to handle local affairs during the Joseon Dynasty. The site consists of an annex and a 3x3 kan building (a traditional Korean structural unit). Currently, it serves as a mission center for the Bodeoksa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. About 50 meters away from the hall is Jagyuru Pavilion, where King Danjong (r. 1452–1455) stayed during his exile after losing the throne to King Sejo (r. 1455–1468). It is said that Danjong frequently visited this pavilion to write poetry known as jagyu poetry. In these works, he compared his own grief to the blood-spitting cries of the jagyu (oriental scops owl), a bird characterized by its painful and mournful call. The pavilion was originally built by County Magistrate Shin Kwon-geun in 1428 (the 10th year of King Sejong's reign) and was initially called Maejungnu. It was renamed after Danjong wrote his famous poems there. The buildings were eventually lost and forgotten until they were rediscovered and restored by Gangwon Provincial Governor Yun Sa-guk in 1791 (the 15th year of King Jeongjo's reign). (Source: National Heritage Administration)

Chungju Ecology Experience Museum (충주자연생태체험관)

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Chungju Ecology Experience Museum is an interactive space designed to foster appreciation for nature through hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and its surrounding natural environment. While geared toward children, it offers a relaxing and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The complex includes a basement, three above-ground floors, Yonggyo Bridge Ecology Park, and an annex building. The basement features a safe indoor play area with slides and activity equipment. The first and second floors include a screening room for nature documentaries, exhibition halls introducing rare native species and their characteristics, and a collection of ecology-related books.

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271-56 Jikdong-gil, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Seokjongsa Temple, affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located on the slopes of Geumbongsan Mountain on the outskirts of Chungju. The temple complex includes Daeungjeon Hall, Ohwagak Hall, a bell pavilion, meditation quarters, and several auxiliary buildings. Rather than serving only ordained monks, the temple also provides space for lay Buddhists to stay and practice. Through its Templestay programs, visitors can experience meditation and learn about Buddhism in a quiet setting. The temple also operates a Buddhist college that offers systematic education on the Buddha’s teachings for both practitioners and the general public. In addition, Seokjongsa Templ houses several cultural heritage items, including the Bulseol Sasimijang-gyeong and Incheon Anmok Gweonsang.

Chungjuho Jongdaengi Trail Suspension Bridge (충주호 종댕이길 출렁다리)

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Chungjuho Suspension Bridge can be reached while walking along Jongdaengi Trail, a scenic lakeside trail around Chungjuho Lake. After passing the second observatory, visitors must climb a steep staircase, often referred to as a “Kkaldakgogae Hill,” leading up to the bridge. From the suspension bridge, one can take in panoramic views of Chungjuho Lake, and many visitors stop here to take photos against the scenic backdrop. Continuing past the bridge and up another set of steep steps leads to a fork in the path toward the forest center and an ecological pond.

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3827 Worak-ro, Danseong-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

The best way to enjoy Chungjuho Lake is by taking the Danyangho Cruise. The cruise allows passengers to take in the eight scenic views of Danyang and the surrounding landscapes, often described as resembling a traditional landscape painting, while sailing across the vast Cheongpungho Lake, known as the “inland sea.” Chungjuho Lake, which spans Chungju, Jecheon, and Danyang, has five cruise terminals, with Janghoe Quay being the most popular. Cruises departing from Janghoe Quay offer stunning views of Danyang’s landmarks, including Oksoonbong and Gudambong peaks, Geumsusan Mountain’s Jebibong Peak, and Oksoondaegyo Bridge. The round trip takes approximately one to one and a half hours.

Gunsan Seonyudo Cruise (군산선유도유람선)

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