109. BIRYONG AND TOWANGSEONG FALLS AT THE SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

https://youtu.be/nVpzoEC_muY

Biryong Falls (비룡폭포 in Hanguk) is a waterfall in Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho, located halfway between Yukdam Falls and Towangseong Falls. The loud falling water of falls is said to resemble dragons flying up towards the sky, which is why it was named Biryong (flying dragon) Falls. The frozen waterfall in winter is another magnificent sight.

.

“Long ago, the villagers suffered from a dire drought. The villagers found that a dragon stopped the flow of the stream from the fall. They offered a maid as a sacrifice. Then, the dragon disappeared into the sky, thus letting the stream flow." “Biryong” literally means a flying dragon.

.

Bathing or playing in water is not allowed within the Seoraksan area for protection of water quality. No littering is allowed. No natural object, even a single stone, cannot be taken out of the National Park.

.

Towangseongpokpo Falls are located in Towanggol Valley, to the south of Nojeokbong Peak, in the outer area of Seoraksan Mountain. The name Towangseong is presumed to have come from a stone fortress that was once located in this area. According to Yeojidoseo, a collection of regional chronicles published in the mid-18th century, there was a stone fortress to the east of Seoraksan Mountain that was said to have been built by King Toseong. Another historical record titled Yangyangbu eupji (Village Record of Yangyang) also mentions this fortress under the name Towangseong. Towangseong Falls originate from Hwachaebong Peak, tumble down Chilseongbong Peak, and eventually form a three-tiered waterfall with a total height of 320m (upper tier: 150m, middle tier: 80m, lower tier: 90m). The waterfall creates a picturesque scene as if a heavenly maiden had spread white silk over the boulders. The water runs through Towanggol Valley until it meets with Biryongpokpo and Yukdampokpo Falls at Ssangcheon Stream. Seong Hae-eung, a civil official of the late Joseon Period, described the magnificent landscape of Towangseong Falls in his travel journal titled Gi gwandong sansu, while Kim Chang-heup, a scholar of the late Joseon Period, praised the scenic beauty of the waterfalls in his writings.

.

+++