Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Sangui car park, walk up past the shops to Daejeonsa temple, with the jagged crags of Gibam above it. The broad, level path follows the stream into the valley of Juwangsan (주왕산), under towering walls of volcanic tuff, past Geupsudae and the rock columns of Haksodae. The gorge narrows to a slot where boardwalks cling to the cliffs at Yongchu Falls, which pours through a scooped-out rock bowl. Carry on up the valley to the viewpoint over Yongyeon Falls, a broad double fall, before turning back the same way.
It is 8.8 km there and back with 219 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy: a gentle path, partly on boardwalks, suitable for families.
In autumn, above all late October to early November, the valley is very busy. Heavy rain closes the trails; KNPS reopened all of the park's trails on 1 September 2026 after the summer rain warnings.
Buses from Cheongsong town run to the park. The KNPS car park charges 4,000 won a day for a car on weekdays and 5,000 won at weekends and in the busy seasons.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Juwangsan is a national park of volcanic tuff cliffs in North Gyeongsang, designated in 1976
- The valley path runs through a narrow gorge below sheer rock walls to Yongchu Falls
- Gibam, the row of crags behind Daejeonsa temple, has become the park's emblem
- The park lies in the Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark
Summits on the way
- Geupsudae 416 m · passed close by
- Haksodae · passed close by
- Sirubong 352 m · passed close by
- Sinseondae · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Sangui car park, Juwangsan National Park. 36.39031, 129.14127
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps KakaoMap Naver Map
KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Sangui car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.