Dongsan Valley: Free Parking 740 m Away, Nearest ER 13.8 km

Dongsan Valley is a stream valley in Bugye-myeon, Gunwi County, Daegu. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, clear water runs for 4 km through the old-growth forest of Palgongsan, which rises at the southern end of the valley, and small waterfalls along the way fill the air with the sound of falling water. The valley was long known as "Meokbawi" because of its generous flow. Gunwi Samjon Stone Buddha Cave (군위 삼존석굴) and Palgongsan Provincial Park are close by, so many visitors combine them in one trip.

Getting there and what to expect

Local Road 79, which crosses the Hanti Pass of Palgongsan from Daegu into Gunwi, is described as a fine scenic drive. The tourism office says more people come to Dongsan Valley each summer. Because the waterfalls, big and small, are strung along the stream, this is a place for strolling along the water rather than settling in one spot. This data set has no visitor counts, so we cannot say how crowded it gets.

Parking: four free car parks nearby

Korea's national parking registry lists four car parks within 3 km. All four are recorded as free and open from 00:00 to 23:59. The nearest, the valley's own car park, is 740 m away, and three free car parks are within 2 km.

This is registry information and may differ on site. The two nearest car parks are small, so expect them to fill up on summer weekends.

Swimming and safety

Two swimming management points are designated here, and the greatest recorded depth is 2.0 m. The records also list one danger spot and six accident entries, although the period they cover is not stated. Streams like this can rise quickly after rain, so stay inside the managed areas and keep children within arm's reach. Ten toilets are registered near the valley.

If you need a doctor

The nearest emergency room is Chilgok Kyungpook National University Hospital (칠곡경북대학교병원), a regional emergency medical centre 13.8 km away. Daegu Catholic University Chilgok Catholic Hospital (대구가톨릭대학교칠곡가톨릭병원), a regional emergency facility, is 16.5 km away. Because hospitals are far from this valley, call 119 straight away if someone is hurt. Pharmacies are 10.0 km away (Somang and Gyeyeong) and 11.5 km away (Dana), and all three are registered as closed on Sundays. Bring basic first-aid supplies with you.

Where to stay

There are two licensed lodgings within 3 km, both residence-type. Pensions and farm-stay guesthouses are registered under a different system, so they are not counted here. If you plan to camp, these are the closest sites:

• Doldam Campsite (돌담캠핑장), general campsite: 0.8 km
• Palgong Rest Area Campsite (팔공 쉼터 야영장), general campsite: 1.7 km
• Analog Day (아날로그데이), auto camping: 2.2 km
• Soldam Campsite (솔담야영장), general campsite: 3.0 km

Opening times and bookings change with the season, so check with each campsite before you go.