Baemsagol is one of the most beautiful valleys in Jirisan National Park that stretches from Banyabong Peak to Banseon over a distance of nearly 14km. There are several different stories on why the area began to be called Baemsagol, which literally means the “Snake Valley” in Korean. The most notable of them are that the name originated from a nearby temple named Baeamsa and, also, that the name came from how a python died before becoming a dragon. However, the most compelling story today is that the name originated from how the valley water meanders violently like a snake’s movement.

Baemsagol is famous for one of the most gorgeous sceneries in Korea. Every spring, sudallae(Korean azalea) and royal azalea completely fill up the valley to present a grand spectacle. The thickly wooded forests turn deep green in summer and the abundant amount of water makes you feel refreshed. In fall, colorful maple leaves and ginkgo leaves blanket the valley for a beautiful scene, and, in winter, the valley wears a white coat for a splendid view.

If you are interested in trekking the valley, we recommend you to walk about 12km for a round trip. The trail is gradual in slope and presents a nice combination of well-established deck roads and natural paths. The entire course features unique-shaped rocks and stones with over 100 large and small waterfalls and ponds along the trail. That’s why you can enjoy beautiful scenery in any direction you turn your head. You can depart from Baemsagol Visitor Center and go all the way to Ganjangso Pond, which tells of a legend that a salt trader once tripped over and fell into the pond to see the water turn into the color of ganjang, or soy sauce, before making a return. Considering rest breaks in the middle, the trek takes about five hours. If you don’t have too much time, you can walk as much as you want and then simply turn around and come back to where you started because the view of Baemsagol Valley is incredible anywhere you are.