Songchugyegok Valley of Bukhansan Mountain

In the heat of summer, people often seek out beaches, valleys, and other refreshing spots to escape the heat. Immersing yourself in the cool waters of a valley surrounded by dense forest can make the summer heat feel miles away. There’s a valley accessible within an hour by subway from Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. This is Songchugyegok Valley, located in Bukhansan National Park.

Songchugyegok Valley is located in the northwestern gorge of Bukhansan Mountain. Its name derives from the Chinese characters for pine (松) and Manchurian walnut (楸), reflecting the abundance of pine and walnut trees in the area. Stretching about 4 km, the valley is flanked by a lush forest of various trees, including pines and walnuts, creating a stunning landscape where the three-tier waterfall harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding scenery.

Thanks to the excellent accessibility and beautiful scenery of Songchugyegok Valley, restaurants began to spring up nearby, eventually leading to the development of a recreational area. This area now features a swimming pool, arcade, fishing spots, and even pottery-making experiences, along with a variety of entertainment options and amenities, making it a perfect place to cool off and spend a summer day.

Songchugyegok Valley, located within Bukhansan National Park, connects to hiking trails as you move up along the valley. Among them, the “Sapaesan Course” that leads from Songchugyegok Valley to Wongaksa Temple and the “Obong Course” that takes you from Songchugyegok Valley to Obong Peak are the most famous. These courses each take about 3 hours back and forth. Both trails have wonderful sights of trees and rocks in harmony, making them ideal to visit in all four seasons.