Gudambong Peak

When the rocky peak rising from Chungju Lake is reflected in the water, it is said to look like a turtle's shell, hence the name Gudam (龜潭), "the turtle in the water". Gudambong is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Danyang, and you can admire it from a cruise boat below or climb up for the view over the lake.

The Eight Views of Danyang

The Eight Scenic Views of Danyang are a set of landmarks along the South Han River and its valleys: Dodamsambong, Seokmun, Gudambong, Oksunbong, Sainam, and the Lower, Middle and Upper Seonam rocks. Gudambong and Oksunbong stand so close together that they are almost always visited as a pair.

A peak shaped like a turtle

Gudambong is a 330 m rock peak on the lakeshore at Janghoe-ri, Danseong-myeon, in Danyang County, right on the border with Jecheon. Its cliffs, carved from Cretaceous biotite granite, drop straight into the water. Many visitors assume the "gu" means nine and look for nine peaks, but it is the character for turtle. There is even a turtle-shaped rock near the summit. The area belongs to Woraksan National Park.

The waterway Yi Hwang loved

The great Confucian scholar Yi Hwang, better known as Toegye, served as magistrate of Danyang, and he is said to have declared that even China's famous Eight Views of Xiaoxiang were no finer than this. Neighbouring Oksunbong has a Toegye story too. It originally belonged to Cheongpung County, so Yi Hwang asked the Cheongpung magistrate to hand it over to Danyang. When no reply came, he had the words Dangu Dongmun (丹丘洞門), "gateway to Danyang", carved into the cliff and claimed it as Danyang's entrance anyway.

A landscape made by a dam

The cliffs-rising-from-the-lake scenery you see today is fairly recent. When the Chungju Dam was completed in 1985, the rapids of the South Han River below Gudambong were flooded and a wide lake formed, and Yi Hwang's carving disappeared under the water. On the Jecheon side the lake is also called Cheongpung Lake.

Two ways to see it

• By boat: Chungju Lake cruises from Janghoe Pier follow a route of about 25 km past Jebibong, Gangseondae, Gudambong and Oksunbong, then on by Geumsusan and the Oksun Bridge to Cheongpung Pier. The boat is the best way to take in the whole cliff face.
• On foot: the usual trail starts at Gyeranjae on National Route 36 and takes in both Gudambong and Oksunbong. The loop over both peaks is a little over 5 km; allow 2.5 to 3 hours with breaks. The path is mostly gentle, but the final stretch to Gudambong's summit is steep, with rock scrambles and stairs.

Route 36 from Danyang town to Gudambong is listed among Korea's 100 most beautiful roads, so the drive is part of the pleasure.

Tripto tips

• When to go: lovely year-round, but autumn colour is the big draw. Cruise tickets sell out fast in autumn, so book ahead.
• Fees and access: the trail is free and open at all times, and there is a car park. Trails can be closed during wildfire-prevention periods or for nature protection, so check closures on the Korea National Park Service website before you go.
• Getting there: public transport is impractical; a car is far easier. From Danyang town, follow Route 36 towards Janghoe Pier.
• What to bring: proper hiking shoes, as the rocks near the summit can be slippery, and water.
• Nearby: Janghoe Pier, Oksunbong and the Oksunbong Suspension Bridge on the Jecheon side are all close, so they combine well into a day trip.