Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Cooling off in the Summer Breeze of a Valley
Writer Kim Ji-suk
Photos Goesan Country Office
Goesan, a remote mountain village on northern Sokrisan Mountain, is full of refreshing winds, fresh water, and forests.
76% of the village is forest land, where foods such as Goesan red pepper are cultivated.
Let's set out on a family picnic to Goesan to meet its generous people and receive the gifts of nature.
"Old Mountain Path" is a 4-km path that runs from Saorang village, Oesa-ri, Chilseong-myeon to Sanmagi village, a remote mountain village. The remnants of the original path have been restored to the path that exists today. The biggest tourist attractions of Goesan are its mountain, its valley, and the forest along the path, all making for beautiful scenery. It is famous for its picturesque views of the mountain, ts river winds, and its fresh natural landscape.
New "Chungcheong-do Yangban Path" begins at the end of Old Mountain Path. It has nine courses covering 85 kilometers, connecting the Old Mountain Path with the bluish green river, Gareun Valley, Hwayang Valley, Seonyu Valley, and Ssanggok Valley. Combined, the first Old Mountain Path, the second Gareun Valley course, and the third course run 25km. This old dirt path is known to help walkers let go of their stress. Its mysteriousness is immemorial, with natural pine forests, trees,
and wild flowers drawing large numbers of tourists in all seasons.
TIP Address
Old Mountain Path : (parking lot) 546-1, Sa-eun-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
Chungcheong-do Yangban Path
1st course: Old Mountain Path / 2nd course: 101-5, Sa-eun-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea / 2-1
course: 206-3, Sa-eun-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
Cultural Tourism Department (parking lot )
☎ 043-832-3927
Hwayang Valley unfolds to the right and left for 3km, and runs 9km to Songmyeon-ri, upper side of Hwayang Stream. Fresh water flows over the wide rocks, and the dense forest around it make for a breathtaking view. There, you can even find the study where Song Si-yeol from the middle of the Joseon Dynasty used to read. Living in the quiet of the valley, he was responsible for the naming of the nine valleys in Hwayang-dong after Mui Valley from China.
Ssangok Valley runs 10.5km and is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Goesan. It runs from Ssangok village in Chilseong-myeon 12km to Goesan, Yeonpung, and Jesurijae Hill. The natural attractions that can be seen here include Horong Rock, Sogeumgang Valley, Byeongam Rock (Tteokbawi Rock), Munsuam Rock, Ssangbyeok Wall, Yongso, Ssangok Waterfall, Seonnyeotang, and Jangam Rock (Madangbawi Rock). It is surrounded by Bobaesan Mountain, Chilbosan Mountain, Gunjasan Mountain, and Bihaksan Mountain, and has a well-preserved natural landscape. Fresh water over the valley with a rugged precipice, old pine trees, and dense forest create an outstanding natural scene.
Hwayang Valley
280-2 area, Hwayang-ri, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun
☎ 043-832-4347
Ssangok Valley
85-7, Ssangok-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun
☎ 043-832-5550
During harvest, Goesan-gun hosts an annual Red pepper Festival.
The Festival this year will run from August 28-31 at Dongjin Stream, Goesan-eup. This Festival, in its 11th year, has been recognized as an Excellent Festival in Chungbuk province for five years in a row, and this year, as a Promising Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The festival includes 11 events such as the International Red pepper Exhibition, the Hot Red pepper Eating Contest, Lift and Run with Cheonggyeol Red pepper Bag, Cheonggyeol Red pepper Show, and Red Dragonfly Camp. They are sure to attract many people.
Goesan-gun, an old growing area of red pepper from the Joseon Dynasty, has been appointed as Korea’s first Red pepper Industry Special Area. Its natural environment creates red pepper with clear color and a unique flavor and taste. Goesan Cheonggyeol Red pepper can be purchased at the agricultural shopping mall operated by Goesan-gun, along with specialties such as Daehak glutinous corns, tomatoes, and broccolis.
Cultural Tourism Department in Goesan Country Office
☎ 043-830-3461~3
Agricultural Products Shopping Mall by Goesan-gun
www.gsjangter.com
