Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan, Gangneung
Valley, national park · Data as of
Sogeumgang Valley in Gangneung is the Cheonghakdong valley in the eastern district of Odaesan National Park, called Sogeumgang (“Little Geumgang”) because its rock formations look like a small Geumgangsan Mountain. Its mountain is also called Cheonghaksan because it is shaped like a crane spreading its wings, with Hwangbyeongsan (1,470 m) as the main peak, followed by Noinbong and Maebong peaks. Along some 40 ri of valley from the first bend of Mureung Valley are Sipjaso Pool, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdangam Rock, Guryong Falls, Gunja Falls and Manmulsang. There is also Geumgangsanseong Fortress, where Crown Prince Maui of Silla is said to have trained troops. Opening hours vary by season, it is open all year, and for inquiries, call the Sogeumgang Ranger Station at +82-33-661-4161.
- Location
- 강원특별자치도 강릉시 연곡면 삼산리
- Opening hours
- Varies by season
- Closed
- Open all year
- Admission
- Check on site
- Contact
- Sogeumgang Ranger Station, +82-33-661-4161
- Restrooms
- Available
What is Sogeumgang Valley?
Short answer: The Cheonghakdong valley in the eastern district of Odaesan National Park, called Sogeumgang because its rock formations look like a small Geumgangsan Mountain.
It is also called Cheonghaksan because it is shaped like a crane spreading its wings: with Hwangbyeongsan (1,470 m) as the main peak, Noinbong and Maebong to the left form a ridge that looks like a crane’s outstretched wings.
What are the opening hours and admission fee?
Short answer: The official data gives no admission fee, so check on site. Opening hours vary by season, and it is open all year.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 연곡면 삼산리 |
| Opening hours | Varies by season |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Admission | Check on site |
| Contact | Sogeumgang Ranger Station, +82-33-661-4161 |
| Restrooms | Available |
Opening hours vary by season, so check with the Sogeumgang Ranger Station at +82-33-661-4161. The valley stretches some 40 ri from the first bend of Mureung Valley, so decide in advance how far you will walk.
What should I see in Sogeumgang Valley?
Short answer: Start at Mureung Valley and take in Sipjaso Pool, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdangam Rock, Guryong Falls, Gunja Falls and Manmulsang in turn.
Along some 40 ri of valley from the first bend of Mureung Valley are scenic sites such as Sipjaso Pool, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdangam Rock, Guryong Falls, Gunja Falls and Manmulsang.
It is described as catching visitors’ eyes with the beauty of its rock formations rising through the dense forest. Since the scenic sites continue for some 40 ri from the first bend of Mureung Valley, plan your walk in sections.
There is also Geumgangsanseong Fortress, also called Amisanseong, where Crown Prince Maui of Silla is said to have trained troops to restore the kingdom.
What heritage designations does it have?
Short answer: Korea Heritage Service records list one designated heritage item in the Sogeumgang area of Odaesan.
| Designated heritage | Category | Designated on |
|---|---|---|
| Sogeumgang Valley in Cheonghak-dong, Myeongju | Scenic Site | November 23, 1970 |
Where can I stay near Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan?
Short answer: The closest is 우진황토펜션 (pension), about 12 min walk. These are the 2 closest stays within 1 km.
Distances are straight-line distances, so the actual route may be longer; walking times assume 80 m per minute. Select a stay to open its page (in Korean) with check-in times and nearby restaurants and cafés. Property names are shown as officially registered in Korean.
See it on the map
The large purple pin is Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan. Tap a pin to see its name and distance.
Who is Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan good for?
- Anyone who wants to walk a valley of rock formations and waterfalls
- Those who want to follow the story of Crown Prince Maui and Geumgangsanseong Fortress
- Anyone who wants to add a national park walk to their trip
- Those who want to combine mountains and sea with the Yeongok beaches
Check before you go
- Opening hours vary by season, so check
- The valley is long, so choose a stretch that fits your fitness and time
- The official data gives no admission fee, so check on site
Checklist
- Check opening hours
- Choose whether to head toward Hwangbyeongsan or Noinbong
- Decide the stretch to walk and travel time
- Pick nearby restaurants and cafés on the map in advance
Photos of Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Sogeumgang?
Because its rock formations look like a small Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also called Cheonghaksan because it is shaped like a crane spreading its wings.
What is there in Sogeumgang Valley?
Mureung Valley, Sipjaso Pool, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdangam Rock, Guryong Falls, Gunja Falls, Manmulsang and Geumgangsanseong Fortress.
Where is Sogeumgang Valley?
In the eastern district of Odaesan National Park in Samsan-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung. For inquiries, call the Sogeumgang Ranger Station at +82-33-661-4161.
What are the opening hours?
They vary by season. Check with the Sogeumgang Ranger Station at +82-33-661-4161. It is open all year.
Where is the closest place to stay near Sogeumgang Valley, Odaesan?
Pension 우진황토펜션 is the closest (about 12 min walk). Its page, in Korean, shows the check-in time and nearby restaurants and cafés.
Things to do in Gangneung
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Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI, Korean-language tourist information (attraction details) · Korea Tourism Organization · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
- Korea Heritage Open API (heritage list and details) · Korea Heritage Service · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
Fees, hours and closing days can change. Please check with the site before you visit.