The course is divided into 4 areas:
1. See the water cascading
down the rocky cliffs at Guryongyeon District
2. Experience the beauty
of the mountains at the Manmulsang District.
3. View the crystal clear
lakes and then head to ocean for some picturesque scenery at Samilpo Lake
Estuary District and Haegeumgang Seashore District.
4. For the those who
love a good hike, the Sejongbong Peak and Dongseokbong Peak District
will be sure to please .
There is only one tour available (3 days and 2
nights) for the Geumgangsan trip. The first day will be limited to the hot
springs, but on the second day you can choose between two courses. You may
choose from Guryong Falls course or the Manmulsang course. There are two other
courses which you can choose from. Sejonbong and Dongseokbong Peak courses are
available, but both are very tough courses and for this reason aren’t often
used. If you are adventurous enough to try one of these courses you must
register in advance. Samilpo Lake and Haegeumgang Seashore courses are attended
by all on the final tour day. |
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1. Guryongyeon
District |
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This course follows the flow of the valley, through
breathtaking rock formations and pools of water so clear that it’s almost
unbelievable. This course is a pleasure to hike. The walkways are fairly easy to
maneuver and there are guides available to help along the way. Many women enjoy
taking this leisurely and beautiful course. Most people average between 4~5
hours for the course, although those more experienced hikers may only require
1~2 hours. It is recommended to take your time and enjoy the marvelous views
while hiking. Currently this course is the popular among visitors to the Diamond
Mountains. Singyesa Temple can also be seen by bus.
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[Map of Guryongyeon District] |
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 Singyesa Temple Site –
Mongnangwan – Yangjidae Cliff – Sangnoksu Mineral Water –
Geumgangmun Stone Gate – Ongnyudong
Valley – Yeonjudam Pools – Bibong Falls –
Guryong Falls and Sangpaldam
Pools |
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Singyesa Temple Site
One of Geumgangsan Diamond
Mountain’s 4 Buddhist temples, it was constructed in the 6th year of Shilla’s
King Bupheung’s rule (519). Destroyed during the Korean War, the only remains
left are a 3-story pagoda in the courtyard of the main building and a stone
pillar that used to hold up the Manseru roof. |
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Mongnangwan
A folk restaurant that serves
traditional North Korean specialties, it is named the Mokrangwan (‘mokran’ means
magnolia, the North Korean national flower) because the area is full of magnolia
trees- transforming it into a white wonderland every spring. |
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Yangjidae Cliff
Yangjidae is an area surrounded
by rocks, located past the Yangjigyo Bridge. The bridge was given this name
because it is said that all you can see above your head when in the area are the
skies. |
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Sangnoksu Mineral Water
Legend has it that both
dissolved wild ginseng and dear antlers run in the Sangnoksu Mineral Water (both
are eastern medicine ingredients). The saying is that you become 10 years
younger by taking a sip as you climb up the mountain, and another 10 years
younger by taking a sip on the climb down. But as a warning to the greedy, it is
said that if you drink too much, you will end up back inside your mother’s womb. |
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Geumgangmun Stone Gate
The Geugangmun is two
‘L”-shaped openings on the top and bottom of a pile of rocks that blocks the
road. You can pass through the door by stepping on the stones. It was given its
name because it is said that a whole different world of the Geumgangsan Diamond
Mountains greets the people that cross the threshold. |
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Ongnyudong Valley
Named for its crystalline
waters that bead and fall in bead-like drops, the Ongnyudong waterfall and pond
are breathtaking. The Ongnyu Falls are 58m high and the Ongnyu Pond is 6m deep. |
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Yeonjudam Pools
There is a legend here about a
fairy descending from heaven and leaving behind jewels by mistake. The green
pond and surrounding boulders make a beautiful spot. |
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Bibong Falls
The water that spills over the rocky
cliff is said to resemble the legendary Phoenix in flight, which is what the
majestic waterfall is named after. One of the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountain’s 4
greatest waterfalls, the height is an awesome 139m. In the olden days, it was
said that the Bibong waters are a waterfall when it’s falling, silk when it’s
flowing, jewels when it’s broken, a pond where it collects, and medicinal when
taken. |
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Guryong Falls
74m high, the Guryong Falls are one
of Korea’s 3 greatest waterfalls. The fall itself and the pond lying underneath
it are made of one rock, a unique characteristic. The mortar shaped pond is
called the Guryongyeon, named after the 9 legendary dragons that are said to
have guarded the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains. The pond is 13m deep. |
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Sangpaldam Pools, Eight Upper Pools
The name
comes from the 8 ponds in the area. It carries the legend of the Geungangsan
Diamond Mountain’s 8 fairies. | |
2. Manmulsang
District |
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Experience the Diamond Mountains most thrilling course at
Manmulangsang. There are many sharp slopes accompanied by many stairs, but the
views are unforgettable. A bus can be taken to see Yukhwaam Rock.
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[Map of Manmulsang District]
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Gwaneum Falls – Yukhwaam
Snowflake Rock – Mansangjeong (parking lot) –
Samseonam Rock – Gwimyeonam Rock –
Jeolbuam Rock –
Ansimdae Cliff – Cheonseondae & Mangyangdae Cliff |
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Samseonam Rock
Samseonam Rock is made of 3
boulders standing upright as if sculpted. The clouds drifting through the
boulders are said to be like the mountain gods, hence its name. |
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Gwimyeonam Rock
It got its name because the shape
of the rock resembles a ghost. |
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Jeolbuam Rock
It is shaped as if a giant axe has
struck the center of the rock. It is said that a woodsman who fell in love with
a fairy did it in order to climb the rock and reach her. |
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Cheonseondae Cliff
The view of the world from
Cheonseondae Cliff is said to be so breathtaking that the fairies descended from
the heavens to play here. At 936m high, it offers a fantastic view of the
surroundings. |
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Mangyangdae Cliff
Offering a great view of the
east sea, it contains 3 observation platforms. To the east is the sea and Alseom
Island, and to the South is the Haegeumgang Seashore Area as well as Birobong
Peak. | |
3. Samilpo Estuary
District and Haegeumgang District |
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The views at Samilpo Lake are composed of roughly 36 peaks
surrounded by lakes. The view of the Haegeumgang Seashore area is said to
possess female qualities, while the mountain areas are more masculine in their
picturesque views. Approximately 1 hour is spent at each Samilpo and
Haegeumgang. The Samilpo course allows visitors to leisurely stroll around the
lake area.
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4. Sejon Peak and Dongseok
Peak District |
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| This rugged course filled with many steep rocky peaks is the
toughest of all the courses, setting off around 9 a.m. and returning after a
long day of hiking around 6~7 p.m. This course holds many secrets of the Diamond
Mountains that can only be experienced through a testing journey and is thus
only recommended for experienced hikers. Currently not included in the general
touring schedule, due to its difficult nature, advanced registration is required
for this course |
Demographics
