[K-TRAVEL⑤]Jingwansa Valley and Byeokun Valley... Forgetting the Heat in Seoul's Urban Valleys

*This content was translated by AI.

As the flow of KHallyu has led to a significant increase in travelers from around the world visiting various parts of Korea, K-travel has also established itself as a new trend. StarNews introduces travel destinations where one can fully experience Korea’s unique charm and beauty without large crowds. Visitors can gain their own Korean charm and memories.

[K-TRAVEL⑤]Jingwansa Valley and Byeokun Valley

At this time when intense heat continues, imagine forgetting the heat in valley waters. Navy Headquarters. There are places in Seoul where one can cool off for a while in a valley. This is because Seoul, a mega-city, is unusually close to relatively high mountains even on a global scale. It is also why foreigners hiking Bukhansan and other areas of Seoul’s mountains can be easily seen. The mountains are relatively deep, so the valleys are also deep and refreshing.

Typically, visiting Jingwansa Valley and Byeokun Valley is recommended. These can be reached easily using public transportation from downtown Seoul.

Jingwansa Valley, nestled comfortably at the foot of Bukhansan, creates an atmosphere that seems to cleanse the soul with clear water and lush forests under the tranquil temple scenery. The moment one enters a forest path past the Eunpyeong Hanok Village, the noise of the city disappears, replaced by a cozy silence.

When it rains heavily, the water volume becomes abundant, and simply seeing it brings a refreshing feeling. In wide areas, the width reaches 20 to 30 meters, holding a considerable amount of valley water.

Jingwansa Valley in Jingwon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul is designated as a national park protection zone and boasts clear and transparent water quality. One can immerse oneself in "water meditation," focusing on the sounds of nature while gazing at the valley flowing in front of the temple. Walking along the long forest path that extends along the valley naturally leads one’s steps into the Jingwansa Temple grounds.

The most highlight section of Jingwansa Valley is approximately 500 meters, starting from the Eunpyeong Hanok Village public parking lot up to just above Jesimgyo Bridge, a bridge within the temple grounds. Walking along the valley path from the parking lot, one passes the Iljumen Gate, crosses the small Geuknakgyo Bridge, and goes through the Haetalmun Gate until reaching above Jesimgyo Bridge. There are several small waterfalls with abundant water volume that sometimes appear majestic, creating a loud sound of falling water. There is also a separate path going up from Iljumen Gate across the valley along a forest trail, which adds to the charm. If one climbs from above Jingwansa Temple to Eungbong or Hwangnyongbong on Bukhansan, it will take more than an hour of hiking time, requiring a proper mountain climb.

From the Jesimgyo Bridge side, one can enjoy a cup of tea within the temple grounds. If one takes a walk around, being close to Daeungjeon Hall, the faint scent of tea and the fragrance of the temple seem to calm the mind naturally.

Most of Jingwansa Valley is located within Bukhansan National Park, so entering the water is prohibited for environmental protection. One must be satisfied with walking along the paths around the valley, enjoying the valley water, and forgetting the heat. However, since the water volume is considerable and the sound of falling water is loud and resonant, simply seeing and hearing it is enough to forget the heat. Most areas are shaded by forests, and the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds can also calm an excited mind. However, at the valley water in Masil-gil Neighborhood Park located downstream, one can only dip their feet or engage in light water play during midsummer.

Jingwansa Temple is known as a thousand-year-old temple founded in 1011 (during the Goryeo Dynasty under King Hyeonjong) and is considered one of the four major temples near Seoul. Main attractions include various halls such as Daeungjeon, Myeongbujeon, Chilseonggak, Dokseongjeon, national water and land rituals, and historical cultural artifacts like the Taegukgi (Korean flag) and Independence Newspaper materials. Most buildings were destroyed during the Korean War and subsequently rebuilt one by one, yet one can still fully feel the traditional Korean temple atmosphere. Additionally, during restoration work on Chilseonggak Hall, artifacts related to the independence movement, including a Taegukgi from the March 1st Movement period, were discovered inside the wall, revealing the historical fact that this temple played a significant role in Koreans’ independence movement during the Japanese colonial period.

The Eunpyeong Hanok Village located at the temple entrance is also a uniquely Korean sight for foreigners. With about 150 Hanok houses renovated in modern style, walking through the streets gives one the feeling of being immersed in Korea’s old history. Convenience stores, coffee shops, clothing stores, and exhibition halls are all built in traditional tiled-roof Hanok style, allowing visitors to experience a completely different historical atmosphere compared to Seoul’s downtown surrounded by skyscrapers. The Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum is also nearby, helping visitors understand the structure and construction process of Hanok.

Thus, a trip to Jingwansa Valley can become even more diverse and fulfilling by adding visits to the Jingwansa Temple grounds and Hanok Village exploration, as well as walking along the Bukhansan perimeter trail located at the entrance of Jingwansa Temple, in addition to enjoying the valley water.

From Gupabal Station or Yeonsinnae Station on the subway, take a bus and get off at Jingwansa Entrance, Hanako High School, or Samcheonsa stops. Passing through the Hanok Village leads to Jingwansa Temple.

While Jingwansa Valley offers the fun of appreciation, Byeokun Valley differs in that one can not only appreciate it but also cool off by directly playing in the water. Water flowing down from Suraksan (638m) forms a relatively wide valley stream.

Byeokun Valley located in Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul features loud sounds of water flowing between large rocks as one goes upstream, and densely lined trees create refreshing shade. The downstream area has shallow water depth, making it suitable for children to dip their feet and play, while near the upper stream around Sinseongyo Bridge, there is a pool called Seonyeotang where adults can also fully enjoy the valley. Visiting after rainfall allows one to encounter an even more abundant valley.

At the entrance of the road leading to Byeokun Valley, there is Byeokundongcheon Spring Water Station. Whether the spring water is drinkable depends on the situation, but washing hands and face with cool water can temporarily forget the heat. Walking up along the deck reveals a forest for healing and meditation on the opposite side. Below the forest, benches are set up around the valley, making it popular among family visitors. Sitting while dipping one’s feet and listening to the clear sound of valley water, the intense heat is washed away. This is a glimpse into Korean daily life, showing how Koreans cool off in valley waters and enjoy playful activities. There are also restaurants such as boiled chicken houses nearby, and scenes of people playing volleyball at the gymnasium are familiar sights for Koreans.

The valley entrance appears about 1.2 km from Exit 1 of Suraksan Station on the subway. From the valley entrance, the valley water meanders along Suraksan Valley with varying widths, climbing upstream along the mountain ridge for about 2 km. Walking up along the deck path beside the valley leads to the shortest route toward the summit of Suraksan.

On the side of Suraksan’s summit, there are many rocky sections, so if hiking in midsummer is difficult, it is recommended to walk along the perimeter trail that wraps around the mountain base to the right from the valley entrance. This is about 1.3 km of Seoul Perimeter Trail. Following the uphill and downhill paths through the forest, one can encounter another valley called Nowongol. Although Nowongol is not as large as Byeokun Valley, it is easy to see locals engaging in water play around it.

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*This content was translated by AI.