Sundamgyegok Valley: a 3.6 km cliff-side trail and free parking 140 m away

Sundamgyegok is a gorge on a tributary of the Hantangang River in Galmal-eup, Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, it is known as the valley with the most beautiful cliffs and columnar joints among the Hantangang's waterways, all of them shaped by volcanic activity. Erosion by the river carved it into a U-shaped canyon with odd-shaped rocks, sheer cliffs and waterfalls that drop straight down. The river carries plenty of water, and a rare white sandy beach has formed naturally along its bank.

What to see: the 3.6 km Columnar Joint Trail

The columnar joints are the valley's best-known sight. They were cut over hundreds of millions of years as the Hantangang eroded the rock. Nearby, the Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail opened in 2021. It was built inside the Hantangang Geopark, which UNESCO recognises, and it is 3.6 km long. You walk on a walkway built along the canyon and see the unusual landforms that volcanic activity left behind.

The route has several bridges and viewpoints, so the scenery keeps changing. At the Cheorwon Hantangang Sky Observatory you can walk on a glass walkway and look down on the gorge. Walking time and entry rules are not in our source data, so check with Cheorwon's tourist information before you go.

Swimming and rafting

The tourism organisation describes the lower stretch, known as Dwitgang, as the best spot for rafting. Rafting clubs like it, and because the current is not fast, weekends are busy with beginners learning to raft. Many shops run by professional instructors stand around the valley, so booking a trip is easy.

Public data lists one water-activity management point here, and the maximum depth is 6.0 m. No danger spots or accident records are registered. This is registry data and may differ from conditions on the day, and 6.0 m is the deepest point, so follow the signs and the staff when you go near the water.

Parking: four of the five nearest car parks are free

These are the five closest car parks within 3 km in Korea's national parking registry. The nearest, Jipo-ri car park, is 140 m away and free. A free car park lies within 2 km.

Apartment, shop and police station car parks may have their own rules for residents and visitors. This is registry data, so follow the signs on site.

If you need a doctor

The nearest emergency room is Cheorwon Hospital (철원병원), a regional emergency institution 0.2 km away. The next is Yeoncheon County Medical Center (연천군보건의료원), also a regional emergency institution, 25.6 km away. Pharmacies are close: Saegil Pharmacy (새길약국) at 0.2 km, then Sinceorwon Pharmacy (신철원약국) and Taebong Pharmacy (태봉약국) at 0.4 km each. Of these, only Taebong Pharmacy is listed as open on Sundays. In an emergency, call 119.

Where to stay

There are 7 licensed lodgings within 3 km: 6 motels and inns and 1 hotel. Pensions and farm-stay guesthouses are registered under a different system, so they are not in this count. For camping, the nearest general campsites are Pocheon Hwajeokyeon Campsite (포천 화적연 캠핑장) at 5.3 km, Yedam Family Campsite (예담가족캠핑장) at 6.5 km, and Sanjeong Lake Glamping (산정호수글램핑) and Glamforet Glamping (글램포레 글램핑) at 6.7 km each. Three public toilets are registered nearby.