Hanatangang Daegyocheon Hyeonmuam Hyeopgok, located in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, is a UNESCO World Geopark.Although it has spectacular scenery, it is difficult to access due to the lack of an approach, so the Sundam section, which opened on November 19th this year after a three-year construction period in Cheorwon-gun, allows visitors to enjoy columnar joints along the cliff right in front.

[Hanatangang columnar joint Hyeopgok Entrance]

...I left Seoul with excitement that I would experience the magnificent view of the columnar joints, and arrived at the Sundam Ticket Office at the beginning of columnar joints on the Hantan River. A notice in front of the ticket office stated that it was free of charge today, so I asked why, it was stated that the construction was not completed, so only some sections were temporarily open for free from November 19th to 26th.

[순담 매표소]

[Instructions for columnar joints on the Hantan River]

Soon, it was 9am, the opening time. The information staff explained the quarantine rules before entering to follow the covid 19 regulations. Hand disinfection, fever check, and safe-call log check preparations must be completed before entering the entrance, according to the instructions.

[방역 부스]

After the employee let you in, a pine forest path appears, and if you walk a little further, you will see the Sundam Valley View Rest Area. Looking down from the shelter, a suspension bridge was built so that you could walk on the water of the antangang River, but the entrance was closed because it was not yet finished.It will be finished around December, so it will be nice to walk on the water of the Hantangang River in the cool river breeze on a summer day.

[순담계곡 전망쉼터 내리막길 계단]

[한탄강 출렁다리]

With the promise of returning to the Hantangang River next summer, let's begin the Zando-gil experience in earnest after passing the Sundam Valley View Rest Area. You can see a large rock and a stream of water between the floor structures and the deep valley as you walk along the lawn along the columnar joints of the Hantangang River.

I was dizzy to the point where I was afraid to take a step forward and felt as if I were floating in the sky.

[잔도길 바닥구조물]

By the time I had gotten used to my fear, an oval-shaped Sundam Sky Observatory had appeared. There was a lot of fear in the sense of openness seen in all directions, and the strong wind blowing from the canyon made it even chillier, but I could also feel the scenery of the columnar joint canyon with my entire body and enjoy a unique experience that I couldn't have in my daily life.

[전망대 주변 풍경]

[순담스카이 전망대]

A suspension bridge appeared when the lawn was finished. The suspension bridge was on the road from the Sundam Valley ticket office to the Druni Village ticket office countless times, and while it was less terrifying than the observatory, the fear did not go away as the bridge fluctuated every time I walked. The scenery of the Hantangang River Gorge forms a magnificent view wherever I go in front of the suspension bridge, and the dark blue water, blue sky blue, and deepening fallen leaves contrasted, stopping my steps to capture the more beautiful appearance.

[출렁다리]

Before reaching the rest area, wooden stairs appeared in the middle of the road. It was the most difficult course in the columnar joint section, but going up and down was effortless.

[주상절리길 나무계단]

If you go up and down the stairs indefinitely, you will arrive at the Samso Janmang Rest Area, which has the bathroom in the middle. Because there is only one toilet here, it is currently quiet, but it is expected that many people will flock once it opens.

I moved my body to get enough rest in the shelter before moving on to the next location. As you walk, you will come across a circular tunnel suspension bridge called Hall Bridge No. 2, which attracts attention due to its unique circular structure. The structure is unique because there is a golf course above the canyon, so it was built with wire mesh to prevent accidents in which golf balls fly.

[View from the Dongon-dong Shelter]

Construction site appeared 30 minutes after starting the construction site. Workers were busy erecting the lawn on a scaffold (temporary construction facility) densely installed on the cliff. The construction on the cliff appeared difficult, but no safety incidents have occurred thus far. A thick pine tree popped out between the deck (the wood road) or a tree crossing the railing caught my attention.Efforts to preserve the beautiful natural scenery while minimizing environmental impact stood out. The columnar joint road returns to a bridge and connects to the remaining road tech road, and just when you think you've walked for a long time, the largest columnar joint bridge and wide shelter continue, and you'll arrive at your destination, Dongon-dong Observatory Rest Area. When you climb to the Dongon-dong Observatory Rest Area, you can see the road at a glance, and you can't help but be surprised by the seemingly endless installation of the iron road in a space where people can't travel.

 

[Druni Exit]

[taxi station]

I had to walk 3km for 40 minutes in the river breeze on a cold winter day, but it was an unforgettable experience because I could feel the unique and beautiful columnar joints of the Hantangang River in Cheorwon with my skin. Currently, I strongly advise you to experience the scenery of the Hantangang River, which changes from season to season when all sections are open due to temporary opening.

Sundam course on Hantangang River Columnar Joints

1. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00 (17:00 closed at 16:00 in winter, every Tuesday, and holidays closed)

2. Admission fee: KRW 10,000 for adults (KRW 8,000 for groups), KRW 4,000 for teenagers and children (KRW 3,000 for groups) (*Visit reservation on the site due to COVID-19)

3. Parking: Free

4. Call: Sundam Ticket Office 033-452-225, Drnie Ticket Office 033-452-9825

5. Location: San 78-2, Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do