Gugok Falls_ kangwondo trip_ chuncheoncity

The 700m trail from the ticketing office to the waterfall is a popular course for families and couples. The ridge on the right of the entrance to Gugok Falls lead to a small village called Munbae Village.

Origin of Gugok Falls

This is a 50m tall waterfall located at the foot of Bonghwasan (Mt.) in Gangchon-ri, Namsan-myeon in Chuncheon. It is also called Guguri Falls named after the fact it is a waterfall made after turning around nine bends. The fresh water that falls to the ground, the sky walls in the vicinity and fantastic stones create a beautiful view. The cold water and shades from the forest make it cool in the summer, and it is popular among ice-climbers because of its massive ice wall in the winter. Towards the right, there is a hill called ‘Ggalddak-gogae’, and pass it is Munbae Village where you can enjoy bibimbap (rice with vegetables and seasoning) made with wild vegetables and native liquor.

Be filled with the Gugok spirit at Gugok Falls~

The water of Bonghwasan (Mt.) flows down nine bends. This is a beautiful and elegant waterfall with harmonious sounds of water and nine tributaries of water where the clothes of fairies flutter in the wind. Pass the red clay trail and enjoy the creeks, and you will be able to be filled with nine spirits of Gugok.

Doltapgil

Whenever they passed rough mountain terrains, our ancestors made paths by placing stray rocks on one side. They would naturally make stone towers praying for safe passage to feel ease at heart. By recreating the customs of our ancestors and to hope for the peace and fortune of everyone, we erected stone towers here. Whenever you pass this area, place a rock on the stone tower and receive the energy of the mountain, while sharing health and fortune with everyone.

Munbae Village and Bomnaegil

Gugok FallsMunbae Village was formed 200 years ago and it has many munbae trees (similar to pear trees) that grow wild and are larger than wild pears, but smaller than pears grown in orchards. They say that the town looks like a boat filled with goods. The second course of Bomnaegil, a walking path of Chuncheon, can be met by following the Mulggaemalguguri-gil. It is a light hiking course that takes about 40 minutes from Gugok Falls so it is frequented by many hikers. There are restaurants specializing in local cuisines at Munbae Village that maintains its original appearance from long ago. After a light hike, enjoy bibimbap made with wild vegetables, potato pancakes and some dongdongju, or rice wine, to relieve your fatigue.

Walking around Gugok Falls and Munbae Village where you can experience the original atmosphere

Gugok FallsThere are several ways to go to Gugok Falls. You can take the Gyeongchun line subway and get off at Gangchon Station for a 20 minute walk to the entrance of Gugok Falls. You can also take city bus 50 at Chuncheon and get off right in front of the Gugok Falls entrance. It is easy to get there by public transportation so you can set off to this place with ease. 

After purchasing your ticket, the hike begins. Go along the trail next to the creek and lined with nameless wild flowers. Food and themed areas on the way are optional. By taking a tasty snack or enjoying the forest lost in thought, you will feel new and healthy energy going into your body. There are attractions for children too so it is popular among kids as well. I remember that I used to come here for school picnics when I was in elementary school as well. But a lot has changed since then. 

You see stairs made with wooden decks so you know that you are almost at Gugok Falls. Follow the snaking path along the stairs. You will soon here the fresh sound of water as you see a large stone wall through the forest. Even from far away you can feel the cool water, helping you to forget the hot summer. Take a moment to go under the shades of the tree and enjoy yourself with your feet in the water. This must be paradise. Count the nine bends of the waterfalls while listening to the sound of water flushing down. You count, but you might be confused because it seems like nine or sometimes it seems like more. When winter comes, this fall freezes solid and becomes a popular destination for ice-climbers. 

While coming down from Gugok Falls, you will see a path to Munbae Village. There is a path that goes into the mountain. It’s a bit steep, but you follow the path anyways. The mountain path bends and turns. If you feel like you are out of breath on the way, you can take a short break. You go up a 30-40 minute path that is quite difficult and you will see a sign for Munbae Village. You are finally at the top!!

You go into the town. You can see houses spotting the landscape and a small pound. You feel like you are in a county village. Though many visitors come these days because of the numerous hikers, in the past it was a quiet town with very few guests. Chung’s, Kim’s and Gidol’s all sound like country restaurants that you may have heard of when you were younger. Pick whichever you like and take a sip of dongdongju with bibimbap made of wild vegetables or potato pancakes as side dishes. You will feel good about hiking the mountain path to get here. Mixing doenjangjjigae (soybean paste soup) and wild vegetables with rice is a taste of heaven. There are facilities such as foot volleyball fields in front of the restaurant, so it is great for group visitors as well. 

After you fill your stomach, get ready to go back down the mountain. There is a small pond at the entrance of the village. At the pond, the water is purified using aquatic vegetation and it was made to procure the water level so that the waterfall is visible all year round. On a clear, sunny day, you can see a pretty rainbow with the fountain in the pond. The mountains and trees that surround the village create a homely, yet beautiful environment. Go back down the way you came praying that our precious nature will breathe with life for a long time to come.