111. Yongso Waterfalls, Jujeongol Valley, Osaek, Yangyang

https://youtu.be/U4rgQNFBD0M

This valley in Seoraksan National Park is located on the way from Osaek-ri, Yangyang-gun, to Osaengnyeong (Hangyeryeong) Pass. It is the most famous place for fall colors in Seoraksan Mountain, and its handsome valley and rock formations are well-known as well. Its name, Jujeongol, is said to come from the Joseon-era bandits that are said to have settled in the area, making their living with counterfeit (ju) coins (jeon) while disguised as Buddhist monks. Osaek (meaning “five colors”) was inspired by the five colors of #Jujeongol ’s rock formations, and the five-colored tree that is said to have lived in Osaekseoksa Temple of the past. A 3.2 km-long trail brings visitors along the rising rocks next to the valley, connecting Seongguksa Temple and Seonnyeotang Pothole to Yongso Falls Information Center. It is a relatively flat, 1 hr-long course with many wooden decks that help to make it more accessible for the visitors. The entrance to the trail is the location of the Osaek Mineral Spring, whose natural carbonation and iron content impart a unique flavor in the water. Keep your eyes open for strange rock formations like Gorae, Sangtu, and Bubu Rocks, as well as Namseorak’s famous sights like Seonnyeotang Pothole, Geumgangmun Gate, and Yongso Falls.

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Three kilometers up Domachigyegok Valley from Sampalgyo Bridge, #Yongsopokpo Falls flows peacefully into Yongso Pond. The water originates from Domacheon Stream, which passes through rugged mountains like Seongnyongsan, Domachiryeong Pass, Silloryeong Pass, and Gungmangbong Peak 1,000 meters above sea level. The waterfall is in striking harmony with the surrounding landscape. Yongsopokpo Falls pools into a clear, blue pond, which is surrounded by rocks. In the fall, the pond receives some added beauty in the form of the surrounding autumn foliage, so it is a popular photo spot for hikers.

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#Osaek Hot Springs is in Osaekjigu, a part of Namseorak, and is reputed to have been discovered by a Buddhist monk of Seongguk temple from the Joseon Period (1392~1910). It is 20Km west of #Yangyang , 5Km Southeast of Hangyeryeong, and 30km to the south of it is the Osaek mineral spring resort. From three base rocks at the resort come rivulets flowing with water high in iron and carbonic acid, which is good for stomach-ailments, anemia, and neuralgia. The water temperature is relatively low at 30 ℃, and is high in sulfur as well. The water at Osaek Hot Springs gushes from a high ground (650m above sea level), and there is a legend that long ago, nymphs came here to bathe and returned to the heavens. The water temperature here is 42 degrees Celsius, and high in chloric acid, sulfur, manganese, and iron. It feels slippery and soft, and has a slight fishy smell, but it is so great for skincare that Osaek Hot springs is also called Miinoncheon (beauty hot springs). After the geological examination by Gangwon-do in 1982, it was officially designated as Osaekoncheonjigu (Osaek Hot Springs Area).

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