Bidulginang Waterfall and Hantan River Basalt Gorge, Pocheon

A gorge opens suddenly beneath flat farmland, and at its far end a waterfall drops in front of a basalt cave into a blue-green pool. Bidulginang Waterfall was formed as the river cut into the lava plateau of the Hantan River, and because columnar joints, platy joints and a river-carved cave can all be seen in one place, it was designated a Natural Monument in 2012 under the name "Pocheon Hantan River Basalt Gorge and Bidulginang Waterfall". It is a flagship site of the Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark and a popular filming location for TV dramas and films.

The name and the landscape

There are two explanations for the name Bidulginang, "dove's pocket". One says the hollow landscape looks like a pouch-shaped dove's nest; the other says rock doves have long nested in the caves around the fall. In winter, hundreds of wild doves are said to have roosted here.

The waterfall sits just before a stream from Bulmusan joins the Hantan River. It originally stood at the river's edge, but over hundreds of thousands of years the water wore the rock back upstream, carving the deep valley and the cave-like alcove you see today. The gorge walls show the individual lava flows that once spread along the Hantan, layer by layer, which makes it scientifically important as well as photogenic.

During the Korean War the gorge was hidden by dense vegetation, so villagers used it as a shelter; soldiers later used it as a rest area.

What to see

• The fall and its pool: steps lead down to the plunge pool in front of the cave and the curved basalt walls around it.
• Columnar and platy joints: vertical columns and thin horizontal plates appear on the same rock face. Look up at the cave ceiling and you can see columns that seem to hang downwards.
• Hantan River Byeoru-gil and Meonguri Gorge: a 6.2 km trail (one way) runs from Bidulginang to Meonguri Gorge, where basalt cliffs 30–40 m high line the river for about 4 km, earning it the nickname "Korea's Grand Canyon".
• Hantangang Geopark Center: right next to the fall, it explains how the lava plateau formed, which is worth seeing before you head down.

Tripto tips

• Admission: the fall and the trails are free, as is parking. The trail is open in daytime only and the access path is closed after heavy rain. The geopark centre is closed on Tuesdays.
• Time needed: 30–60 minutes for the waterfall; about 3 hours for a round trip on foot to Meonguri Gorge.
• Getting there: the nearest village is Uncheon in Yeongbuk-myeon. Bus 53 runs all the way to Bidulginang; alternatively take bus 138-6, 53, 89-1 or 10-2 to Uncheon and a taxi for about 17 minutes. For satnav use 410-3 Daehoesan-ri, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon.
• Best time: a few days after rain, when the fall is fullest, and in spring greenery or autumn colours. The steps are steep, so wear shoes with good grip.
• Combine with: the Hantan River Sky Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge over the river, and Sanjeong Lake are nearby, making a full day in northern Pocheon.