A Journey to the Gemstone of Korea’s Interior Nature

In this edition, we are introducing trips for rest and relaxation. Pack light and set out on your journey to nature.

Yeongyang appears to be almost an island located in land. The area is home to both interesting stories and places where you can relax your body and soul. Along with Cheongsong and Bonghwa, it is considered one of the most beautiful places in north Gyeongsang province. Are you ready to begin your journey to Yeongyang, a place where you can enjoy the aesthetics of natural beauty and slowing the pace of hectic daily routines?

Seoseokji (Seoseok Pond)

While servants were digging a pond for the summer house of Seokmoon Jeong Yeongbang (1577–1650), the senior officer at “Seonggyungwan”, the first education institution in Korea, during the ruling days of Prince Gwanghaegun and King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty, found auspicious stones. That is why Seokmoon Jeong Yeongbang named the pond “Seoseokji”, meaning a pond built with auspicious stones.

Seoseokji is one of three traditional Korean gardens that showcase the beauty and grace of Korea.

Seoseokji is so simple that you may think it boring. However, if you look closely, you will find the genuine beauty of nature.

If you look down from “Kyungjung”, the pavilion located next to the pond, you will see “Saudan”, a garden featuring pine trees, bamboo trees, Japanese apricot flower trees, and chrysanthemum, “Juiljae”, the study, and “Yeondang”, a pond wall made of 90 stones, including 30 in the water.

Oessibeoseongil in “Daetigol”

on Mt. Ilwol

Red clay houses on the foot of Mt. Ilwol are beautifully harmonized with surrounding nature.

In “Daetigol” village, 12 rural families live peacefully with nature, growing crops and plants in the most eco-friendly ways.

The village is well-known as a healing village, helping visitors recover from mental and physical fatigue quickly thanks to the fresh air and food provided by Mother Nature.

Visitors should also not miss walking the trail. Oessibeoseongil, a trail in the woods, has been recognized by the Korea Forest Service for its untouched natural beauty.

The trail offers various courses, ranging from a 30-minute walking course to a 3.5km-long course.

National Recreational

Forest on Mt. Gumma

The forest on Mt. Gumma preserves its natural scenery and wildlife, boasting superb scenic beauty in Korea. It is equipped with a variety of amenities, including condominiums, campsites, botanic gardens, camping decks and trails through the woods. This place is popular among families and adolescents wishing to rest as well as train their bodies and minds. Reservation is required for these recreational facilities.

The maximum number of visitors allowed to enter the forest per day is 500. Admission fee is 1,000 won for adults and 300 won for children. The amenities are available at affordable prices since they are owned by the local government. The rental price of the condominiums varies from 40,000 won (19.834 m2) to 60,000 won (46.280 m2). Both a tent and a deck can be rented for 6,000 won. Parking fees as well as admission fees for visitors, who rent any amenities in the forest, are free.

Seonbawi and Namipo

The huge rock “Seonbawi” looks like a gigantic candlestick standing between rocky cliffs and a river. Namipo is the entrance of the river formed by two streams running along the stone walls and cliffs.

Namipo is a picturesque place in Ibam-myeon, Yeongyang. The “Beoncheon River”, which starts from Mt. Ilwol and runs through Yeongyang to Andong, meets the Cheonggyecheon (Cheonggye River) at Namipo.

Another name of the Cheonggyecheon is Dongcheon. It passes near Seoseokji and meets the “Banbeoncheon River” in the village “Yeondang-ri.”

There is a legend about Seonbawi and Namipo that states General Nami defeated traitors during the ruling days of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty.

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