[Yonhap Imagine] Enjoying Contemplation on the Threshold of Autumn and Winter: Cheolwon

연합뉴스 / 2024-03-05 11:05:46

The real journey to Cheolwon begins at the threshold of winter, in late autumn. During this time, Cheolwon unfolds like a panorama with crisp and cool winter weather and a clear, high sky. What adds uniqueness to tourism in Cheolwon is the water trail along the upper reaches of the Hantan River, where you can experience the scenic beauty firsthand.

The water trail, which is only available in autumn, winter, and spring, is a trekking course where you can enjoy the views of the Hantan River's cliffs. It is certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark. It operates from October to March each year. This year, a new 500m section from Taebong Bridge to Jiktang Waterfall has been added. In mid-October last year, a new section was opened, including Taebong Bridge, Eunha Bridge, and Sundam Valley, totaling 8.5 km.

Since 2017, the county has expanded the operation of the suspension bridges installed in some sections such as Goseokjeong and Sundam Valley to cover the entire route from Taebong Bridge to Sundam Valley. To cope with unpredictable weather conditions, the bridges were installed, allowing free access to the Hantan River water trail for around 160 days out of 365 days a year.

After completing the water trail from Jiktang Waterfall to Sundam, you can immediately encounter the charm of the Jusangjeolli Trail. The Jusangjeolli Trail is 3.6 km long and 1.5 meters wide, filled with the representative columnar joint valleys and various rocks of the Hantan River. It is famous for being a "sensational path" where you can experience both thrilling thrills and beautiful scenery walking along the cliffside from Sundam Valley to Deureuni Village.

In Cheolwon, you can walk the water trail from Jiktang Waterfall to Sundam in the upper reaches of the Hantan River, then immediately continue to the Jusangjeolli Trail. The trekking course, which is over 12 km long until Deureuni Village, named after a stopover when Goryeo's Taebong Nation founder was chased away by Wang Geon's rebellion, can also keep you healthy while enjoying the fun of walking. On weekends or holidays, you can easily move around using a free shuttle bus. The shuttle bus operates flexibly from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Course 1 starts from Taebong Bridge and arrives at Deureuni via Eunha Bridge, Goseokjeong, Sundam, and Deureuni. Course 2, on the other hand, starts from Deureuni and arrives at Taebong Bridge.

Cheolwon County Mayor Lee Hyun-jong said, "Late autumn on the threshold of winter is the best time to feel the charm of Cheolwon," adding, "I hope you enjoy a special experience in the beautiful tourist city of Cheolwon."

Major tourist attractions in Cheolwon are closed every Tuesday.