Plenty of Time to Embrace the Forest: Nature Observation at Mansugyegok Valley

When you enter the forest, it becomes entirely your own. Facing a mountain valley stream nestled in the woods, you cannot help but pause your steps. Take an hour and a half to fully indulge in everything the forest and valley have to offer. A stroll along the 2km Mansugyegok Valley Nature Observation Trail in Woraksan National Park leaves both mind and body refreshed and revitalized. [Source: Chungju Travel Top 30]

Along the way

1. 1

   Chungju Mireukdaewon Temple Site

   충주 미륵대원지

   Designated as Historic Site No. 317, the Mireuksa Temple Site lies facing south-north in a basin nestled within Haneuljae Pass, which connects Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. According to legend, Prince Maui, the last prince of Silla, received a revelation in a dream from Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to erect a stone Buddha while on his way to Mt. Geumgangsan. Upon crossing Haneuljae Pass and surveying the topography, he built a stone Buddha and founded a temple at what is now Mireuk-ri. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Haneuljae Pass

   하늘재

   Just past the Three-story Stone Pagoda in Mireuk-ri, Woraksan Mountain, a small trail opens to the left. Overlooking a scenic backdrop of red pine, daimyo oak, and black pine trees, this trail, where a refreshing breeze flows beneath clear skies, is known as 'Haneuljae Pass.' While the ditch below on the left occasionally dries up due to drought, travelers are warmly greeted by towering cliffs, rocky peaks, and wild flowers along the path, including vivid pink touch-me-nots, deep purple synurus, and yellow agrimony. MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Mansugyegok Valley

   만수계곡

   Located in Mansu-ri, Naesongni-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, this 4km-long valley stretches from Samgacheon Stream, which originates from Cheonhwangbong Peak of Songnisan Mountain, to Samga Reservoir. Renowned as a summer getaway, it boasts dense forests, sheer rock cliffs, and crystal-clear waters where the bottom is plainly visible. Nearby attractions include Samga Reservoir, the second largest reservoir in Chungcheongbuk-do, and the Jeongbuin Pine Tree (Natural Monument No. 352), estimated to be 600 to 700 years old. MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Suanbo Hot Springs Area

   수안보온천지구

   As Korea's first naturally erupting hot spring, its natural thermal waters have been welling up for approximately 30,000 years. The phrase 'There is a hot spring (有溫泉)' was recorded in 1018 (the 9th year of King Hyeonjong's reign), and it is a historic hot spring documented in over 30 historical records, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea), Yeojido, Cheonggudo, and Daedongyeojido. MoreLess

   

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