Goseokjeong National Tourist Area 고석정국민관광지

Goseokjeong Pavilion is the most scenic spots among the eight scenic views of Cheorwon. The crystal clear waters of the Hantangang River wind around a peculiar shaped rock of about 10 meters tall that stands dominantly in the middle of the river. The two-story tower-style pavilion that has an area of about 33 square meters was built halfway up the Hantangang River and named Goseokjeong during the reign of King Jinpyeong (reign 579-632 AD) of Silla Kingdom. Today, Goseokjeong refers to the entire area around the Goseokjeong Pavilion and the valley surrounding Goseok Rock.

Designated as Monument No. 8 of Gangwon-do, the pavilion is known to have been one of the most favored places by King Jinpyeong of Silla Kingdom, and King Chungsuk of Goryeo Dynasty. The area became all the more famous as the arena of Im Kkeok-jeong (?-1562), who was the legendary leader of a peasant rebellion in the early Joseon Dynasty. It is said that Im Kkeok-jeong resisted against the corrupt social class by helping the poor with the tribute goods that he had extorted around this area while the goods were being carried to the court from the Hamgyeong-do region.

The pavilion was lost during the Korean War and restored in 1971 by community leaders in Cheorwon. Unfortunately, it was damaged once again by flood in 1996 and reconstructed the year after. There is a natural stone chamber inside the huge rock in the midstream of the river that Im Kkeok-jeong had used as a hiding place. On the opposite side, there are remains of a stone castle. Jiktang Waterfall is located about 2 kilometers up from this site, while Sundam Valley is situated about 2 kilometers in the downstream. Goseokjeong is an all-year-round tourist attraction with extensive grass square and recreational facilities. It is also the starting point for DMZ tours as the battlefield conservation office is located here and in winter, visitors can enjoy migratory bird tour.