Korea Tourist Star, UNESCO Global Geopark
Updated at
Address
San 174, Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Contact
Facilities
Parking
Reservation
Same-day visit and on-site registration (reservation not possible)
Open/Closes
Mon 09:00 ~ 16:00 Tue Closed Wed 09:00 ~ 16:00 Thu 09:00 ~ 16:00 Fri 09:00 ~ 16:00 Sat 09:00 ~ 16:00 Sun 09:00 ~ 16:00
Prices & Programs of Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail
- [Fees]
- Adult - 10,000 KRW
- Teenager - 4,000 KRW
- Child - 3,000 KRW
- Under 5 years old, Families with multiple children (3 children or more) Cheorwon residents - Free
Parenting Tips for Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail
- The parking lots 1st and 2nd Parking Lot are very large, so you need to walk a bit; park close to the ticket office. You can get a Cheorwon Love Gift Certificate 5,000 KRW back with ticket purchase. Visit during snowy winter for even more stunning scenery. The wooden deck path is well-maintained, making it easy to walk with parents and children. Due to many stairs, it might be difficult for those with knee problems as hiking sticks are prohibited. You can see a variety of forms such as horizontal jointing and skirt-shaped columnar jointing. There are many rest areas along the way, so you can take a break if you get tired, and there are toilets available. No food allowed but you can bring bottled water. The Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail shuttle bus is free and operates only on weekends and holidays. The shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes, but it may leave as soon as it's full regardless of schedule.
A magical nature trail to walk with your kids, Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail
About the place
Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail is one of Korea's representative nature and ecology experience destinations, located in Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon State. This trail is a cliffside walkway built above a gorge formed along the Hantangang River, with a total length of 3.6 km and a width of 1.5 m. Here, you can take in a landscape of columnar joints, unusual rock formations, and clear river water, all created by volcanic activity about 500,000 years ago. Along with the grand scenery of the Hantangang River, you can also experience this valuable natural heritage recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Key features
- A special cliffside walkway experience above cliffs and a gorge
- With 13 bridges, 3 observatories, and 9 rest areas, you can walk safely and take breaks with your kids
- Nature and geological information come together to offer a variety of educational experiences
- The clear Hantangang River flowing below the valley and the columnar joint cliffs across from it create a spectacular view
Course and visitor information
- Total distance: About 3.6 km, from Sundam Ticket Office to Deoreuni Ticket Office
- Time needed: Usually 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, if you are looking around slowly with your kids
- Entry: You can start from either Sundam Ticket Office or Deoreuni Ticket Office
- Parking: Parking Lots 1 and 2 are very large, so it is best to park as close to the ticket office as possible
- Facilities: Restrooms at the ticket office and midway point, spacious rest areas, benches, and observatories throughout the trail
- Operating information: Closed every Tuesday, and also closed on January 1 and on Seollal and Chuseok day
Admission fees
- Adults: 10,000 won
- Teenagers: 4,000 won
- Children: 3,000 won
- Children age 5 and under, and Cheorwon residents with 3 or more children: Free
- After ticket purchase, you receive a 5,000 won Cheorwon Love gift certificate refund
Things to know when visiting with kids
- The trail is not especially difficult, so people of all ages can enjoy it at a relaxed pace. However, some sections may feel a bit thrilling for those with a fear of heights, so adult supervision is recommended.
- Some parts of the walkway have openings in the floor so you can look down at the river, which adds to the experience.
- There are not many restrooms along the way, so it is best to use one before you start.
- Outside food is not allowed, but you can bring drinking water.
- The Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail shuttle bus is free and runs only on weekends and public holidays. It operates every 30 minutes, but departs right away once enough passengers are on board.
Recommended points
- If you start from Deoreuni Ticket Office, the slope is relatively gentle, making it more suitable for visiting with young children
- You can take great photos at the many observatories and rest areas, and enjoy different scenery in each season
- After your trek, it is a great place to connect with nearby attractions such as Mulwitgil and Goseokjeong for a full day trip
MomMom one-line summary
FAQ about Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail
Is Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail suitable to walk with kids? Is it dangerous?
Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail is well maintained with wooden deck paths, so it is comfortable for both parents and children to walk. There are many stairs along the 3.6 km course, so strollers are difficult to use, and it may feel a bit demanding for visitors with weak knees. However, there are rest areas and restrooms throughout the trail, making it convenient to use. Please also note that some sections do not allow hiking poles. It is best to hold your child's hand and move carefully at all times.Does Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail have enough parking, and where is the most convenient place to park?
Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail has very large Parking Lots 1 and 2, but they are a little distance from the ticket office, so some walking is required. Parking close to the ticket office is more convenient, so it is recommended to arrive early if possible or use a space near the ticket office.How long does it take to complete the course with kids at Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail, and are there places to rest along the way?
The full course is 3.6 km, and if you walk slowly with your kids, it may take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. There are several rest areas, benches, and restrooms along the way, so you can take a break easily whenever needed.What facilities does Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail have, such as parking, restrooms, strollers, and diaper changing stations?
The parking area is large and convenient to use, and there are enough rest areas and restrooms along the route. However, baby chairs, nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, and stroller rental are not provided, so it is best to prepare in advance. Outside food is not allowed, but you may bring drinking water.What are the admission fees, discount benefits, operating hours, and is there a gift certificate provided when buying tickets for Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Joint Trail?
Admission is 10,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teenagers, and 3,000 won for children. Children age 5 and under, and Cheorwon residents with 3 or more children, may enter free. When you purchase a ticket, you can receive a 5,000 won Cheorwon Love gift certificate, based on the adult ticket. Operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, based on last entry, and it is regularly closed every Tuesday.
Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail Address
Address: San 174, Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
How to make a reservation for Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail?
Same-day visit and on-site registration (reservation not possible)