Yeonhagyegok Valley

In Yeonha-ri, Yeongwol-eup, Yeonhagyegok Valley is a small, naturally formed valley on the slopes of Eungbongsan. Cold water running down from dense forest and plenty of shade have made it a known summer retreat, and despite its modest size it holds two waterfalls, Yeonha Falls and Yongso Falls. In autumn, when white water slides between moss-covered rocks under red leaves, photographers come looking for it too.

Two waterfalls

The highlight is the water dropping over rock ledges in the forest. At Yongso Falls the stream glides down into a round pool, surrounded by rocks thick with green moss. Walking on towards Yeonha Falls, you pass a string of small pools and riffles. Neither fall is large or dramatic; the appeal is how untouched the valley still feels.

Through the seasons

• Summer: the canopy keeps the valley cool even at midday, and the shallows are good for dipping your feet.
• Autumn: in late October, leaves settle on the mossy rocks and the falling water, giving strong colour contrasts. It is also a good spot for slow-shutter waterfall photos.

Fitting it into a Yeongwol trip

The valley sits in the hills east of Yeongwol, handy for a stop between the sights in town and those along the Donggang River. Here is what lies close by:

• Manggyeongdaesan Natural Recreation Forest: about 2.3 km, with forest cabins if you want to stay the night.
• Donggang River: about 5.4 km, for rafting and drives along its meanders.
• Eorayeon: about 6 km, the best-known scenery on the Donggang and a geosite of the Gangwon Paleozoic National Geopark.
• Byeolmaro Observatory: about 7.3 km, a public observatory on top of Bongnaesan, ideal for the evening.

Walk the valley in the morning, see Cheongnyeongpo or Jangneung in town in the afternoon and head up to the observatory at night, and you will have covered Yeongwol's forests, history and night sky in one day.

Tripto tips

• Opening and fees: open at all times, every day, with no entry fee. Parking is available.
• Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours to see both falls.
• Getting there: the valley lies about 8 km east of central Yeongwol as the crow flies, so a car or taxi is easiest.
• Combine with: Manggyeongdaesan Natural Recreation Forest is about 2 km away, and the valley fits into a day with Yeongwol's Gossigul Cave, Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung Royal Tomb.
• Watch out for: the moss makes the rocks around the falls very slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and keep away from the water after heavy rain.
• Food and lodging: a restaurant serving mushroom dishes is about 400 m from the valley, and a caravan campsite about 1.2 km away.
• Photography: bring a small tripod if you want silky waterfall shots. The forest is dense enough that even on sunny days the shade suits slow shutter speeds.
• Best time: July and August to cool off, late October for autumn leaves with the falls. A day after rain the falls are fuller while still safe to visit.
• Information: Yeongwol tourist information, +82 1577-0545