What is the best time to visit Goesan?

Goesan is beautiful year-round, but autumn (late October to early November) is especially popular for the golden ginkgo tree road at Mungwang Reservoir. Summer is also great for visiting the cool valleys like Hwayang Gugok.

How long does it take to walk Sanmaki-yetgil?

The one-way trek from the parking lot to Sanmaki Village is about 4km and takes approximately 1 hour. Many visitors choose to walk one way and take a cruise boat back.

Is there an entrance fee for the Chungbuk Aquarium?

No, admission to the Chungbuk Aquarium is completely free. It operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Mondays.

How can I book accommodation at Seongbulsan Recreational Forest?

Reservations must be made online via the 'Forest Trip (Supnadeul-e)' website. As it is a popular spot, booking in advance on the monthly opening day is recommended.

Are the tourist spots in Goesan accessible by public transport?

While some spots are accessible, Goesan is a rural area where driving a car is much more convenient to efficiently visit multiple locations like the valleys and reservoirs.

Top 10 Things to Do in Goesan: A Perfect 2-Day Nature Getaway in Korea

Goesan, Chungbuk, is a healing destination in Korea known for its crystal-clear water and lush green forests. It is one of the first places that come to mind when you want to escape the busy city life and spend some relaxing time in nature.

In this post, we will organize the definitive guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Goesan, an efficient '2-Day Goesan Travel Itinerary', and tips for booking comfortable accommodations to complete your trip.

Top 10 Things to Do in Goesan

Sanmaki-yetgil (Sanmaki Old Path)

This is a premium trekking course that runs along Goesan Lake and is one of the most visited spots in Goesan. It is a restoration of the old mountain path used by residents of mountain villages that became isolated when the dam was built. Most sections are well-paved, making it easy to walk.

It takes about 1 hour to walk the 4km distance from the parking lot to Sanmaki Village. If you are worried about your stamina, a great option is to walk one way and take a cruise boat back.

Sanmaki-yetgil Visitor Info

Parking Fee: 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.20 USD) for small/medium cars.
Cruise Boat Tip: You can board at the 'Chadolbawi Pier' near the entrance.

Fare (One-way): 7,000 KRW (approx. $5.15 USD) for the cruise ship, 10,000 KRW (approx. $7.35 USD) for the motorboat (per adult).
Recommended Course: If the full trek is too much, we recommend taking the cruise boat one way, getting off near the Yeonhahyeop Suspension Bridge, and walking back to the entrance.

Sanmaki-yetgil

Yeonhahyeop Suspension Bridge

This 150m-long suspension bridge connects the midpoint of the Sanmaki-yetgil trekking course with the 'Chungcheong-do Yangban Path' on the opposite side. From the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Goesan Lake and the surrounding mountains. It is possible to walk Sanmaki-yetgil, cross this bridge, and return via the opposite path. The bridge itself is a wonderful photo spot.

Yeonhahyeop Suspension Bridge Visitor Info

Operating Hours: Hours are set for safety. (Usually varies by winter/summer season and sunset time, so be careful when visiting late in the afternoon.)
Visit Tips:

It is common to visit by walking along Sanmaki-yetgil.
You can also reach the suspension bridge by taking a cruise ship or motorboat and getting off at 'Yeonhahyeop Pier'.

Yeonhahyeop Suspension Bridge

Hwayang Gugok (9 Scenic Valleys)

Located within Songnisan National Park, these 9 scenic valleys are representative natural landmarks of Goesan. It is famous for its clear water and strange rock formations, named by the Joseon Dynasty scholar Uam Song Si-yeol who stayed here. The trail starting from the Hwayangdong Information Center runs along the valley and is relatively gentle, making it great for a light walk.

Hwayang Gugok Visitor Info

Parking Fee: Entrance to the National Park is free, but there is a separate parking fee: 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.70 USD) for small cars, 6,000 KRW (approx. $4.40 USD) for large vehicles.
Trekking Tip: It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to see all spots from the 1st to the 9th valley. If you are short on time, we recommend focusing on the scenery around the 4th Valley (Geumsadam) and the 5th Valley (Cheomseongdae).

Hwayang Gugok

Suokjeong Tourist Area (Suok Waterfall)

This is a famous waterfall spot with an impressive 3-tiered stream falling from a height of about 20m. The biggest advantage of Suokjeong Tourist Area is its accessibility. You can reach the magnificent waterfall by walking just 5-10 minutes on flat ground from the parking lot, making it easy for family travelers with children or the elderly. The area around the waterfall is well-maintained as a park, perfect for a short rest.

Suokjeong Tourist Area Visitor Info

Admission: Free to view the waterfall.
Parking Fee: Free parking available.
Water Play: During the summer season, an outdoor swimming pool operates separately (paid) next to the waterfall.

Suok Waterfall

Mungwang Reservoir (Ginkgo Tree Road)

Every year from late October to early November, the path around the reservoir turns into a tunnel of golden ginkgo trees, making it a representative autumn destination. In particular, it is a photography spot sought after by photographers nationwide to capture the yellow ginkgo trees reflected in the reservoir amidst the rising morning mist.

Mungwang Reservoir Visitor Info

Visit Tip: It gets very crowded on weekends during peak autumn foliage. For a relaxed viewing, we recommend visiting early in the morning or on weekdays.
Parking: Public parking is available, but it may become full early during the foliage season.

Mungwang Reservoir

Ssanggok Gugok (9 Valleys of Ssanggok)

These are 9 hidden scenic spots at the foot of Chilbosan Mountain, creating a harmony of strange rocks and clear water. It is said that Toegye Yi Hwang, a famous Confucian scholar, praised the scenery here. Thanks to its beautiful landscape, it is great for water play or relaxation in summer. You can drive from the 1st to the 9th valley and get off at your favorite spot for a walk.

Ssanggok Gugok Visitor Info

Trekking Tip: A road connects the valleys from the 1st (Horongso) to the 9th (Seonnyeotang). We recommend driving through the whole course and stopping to admire the scenery, especially at the 3rd (Tteokbawi), 4th (Munsuam), and 5th (Ssangbyeok) valleys.
Parking: There are simple parking spaces near each valley spot.

Ssanggok Gugok

Seongbulsan Recreational Forest

This natural recreational forest features various accommodation facilities such as 'Forest Houses' and a Forest Culture Recreation Center, as well as an ecological park. Even if you don't stay overnight, the lush forest trails are well-maintained, making it a great place to stop by for a rest in nature. It is also excellent as accommodation for a 2-Day Goesan Trip. Nearby, you can visit the Miseonhyang Theme Park and Chungbuk Aquarium, making it easy to group these destinations together.

Seongbulsan Recreational Forest

Chungbuk Aquarium

Located right next to Seongbulsan Recreational Forest, this aquarium specializes in freshwater fish. You can see various aquatic creatures ranging from Korea's native fish species to giant freshwater fish from overseas. With facilities like a 270-degree underwater tunnel, it is popular as a family travel course with children.

Chungbuk Aquarium Visitor Info

Admission: Free of charge.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
Closed Days: Every Monday, January 1st, and national holiday days (Closed the next day if Monday is a holiday).
Parking: Large parking lot available for free.

Chungbuk Aquarium

Historical House of Hong Beom-sik

This is the birthplace of Hong Beom-sik, one of the 33 national representatives of the March 1st Independence Movement. It preserves the form of a Joseon Dynasty nobleman's house well, making it a great place to visit for historical education with children. It is close to downtown Goesan, making it easy to link with other courses, and perfect for a quiet walk while feeling the unique tranquil atmosphere of an old house.

Hong Beom-sik House Visitor Info

Admission: Free
Viewing: You can look around freely without set viewing hours.
Location: Located in downtown Goesan, it is good to stop by briefly at the end of the Day 2 course.

Overview of Hong Beom-sik's Historic House

Historical House of Hong Beom-sik

Gagyeonsa Temple

This is a tranquil temple founded during the Silla Dynasty. Nestled in a dense forest, it is great for a quiet walk, and inside the temple, there is a stone seated Vairocana Buddha statue designated as Treasure No. 433. We recommend it to those who want to feel the charm of a silent mountain temple rather than a flashy tourist spot.

Gagyeonsa Temple Visitor Info

Admission: Free
Parking: Parking is available at the temple entrance.
Tip: The road going up to the temple is surrounded by forest, making it a nice light walking course.

Gagyeonsa Temple

Recommended 2-Day Goesan Travel Itinerary

Based on the BEST 10 spots introduced above, we recommend a 2-Day Goesan Itinerary considering the travel route. It is designed to minimize travel time efficiently, but please feel free to customize your own Goesan trip based on your travel style.

Day 1 explores valleys and natural attractions located in the east of Goesan.

Day 1 Course: Hwayang Gugok → Suok Waterfall → Mungwang Reservoir (Recommended in Autumn) → Check-in at Accommodation

Day 2 is a course to enjoy healing trekking centered around Goesan Lake in the west of Goesan.

Day 2 Course: Sanmaki-yetgil → Yeonhahyeop Suspension Bridge → Chungbuk Aquarium or Hong Beom-sik House

Recommended Accommodation for 2 Days in Goesan

Seongbulsan Recreational Forest

It offers clean accommodation facilities in pristine nature, such as Forest Houses and the Forest Culture Recreation Center. It is good for family travelers with children as Chungbuk Aquarium and Miseonhyang Theme Park are nearby.

How to Book: Accommodation reservations are only possible online at the 'Forest Trip (Supnadeul-e)' website, an integrated reservation system by the Korea Forest Service. (Note: The site may be difficult for non-Korean speakers to navigate, so assistance from a local friend or translation tool is recommended.)
Booking Tip: Rooms for weekends and peak seasons are very popular and must be applied for on a designated lottery day each month. If you plan to visit, check the monthly reservation schedule on the website in advance.

Accommodation building at Seongbulsan Recreational Forest

Seongbulsan Recreational Forest Accommodation

Goesan Natural Dream Park - Rooum Hotel

This hotel is located within the Natural Dream Park in Chilseong-myeon (near Sanmaki-yetgil). The room condition is clean, and it is convenient to use various eco-friendly amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and a cinema within the park.

Rooum Hotel Reservation & Benefits

How to Book: You can make a reservation at the 'Goesan Natural Dream Park Official Website'.
Member Benefits (Breakfast/Facilities): When using a room for 2 people (Standard Twin/Double), breakfast for 2 and tickets for the Sports Healing Center (Sauna, Swimming Pool, Gym) for 2 are included.
Member Benefits (Discount): Natural Dream members (Gold members and above) can receive a 20-30% discount/point accumulation benefit based on consumer prices when using accommodation and facilities such as restaurants and cafes in the park.

Natural Dream Park

So far, we have summarized the Top 10 Things to Do in Goesan, Chungbuk, a recommended 2-Day Goesan Itinerary, and tips for booking accommodations. Goesan is a great travel destination for those who want true relaxation in nature, from the leisurely trekking of Sanmaki-yetgil to the clear valleys of Hwayang Gugok and Ssanggok Gugok. We hope this post helps you plan your trip to Goesan.