Sogeumgang Valley 오대산 소금강계곡

Sogeumgang Valley located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it is now referred to by its current name, Sogeumgang Valley. It was designated as Famous Site No. 1 in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon Period (1392~1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt. Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang, meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.

Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas. Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress), said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign 927~935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers, mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its winter snow flowers.

Seasonal Forest Fire Prevention Period
Mar 4 – May 15, Nov 15 – Dec 15

*Schedule subject to change by park ranger orders, based on fire weather advisories, snow/precipitation levels, and other local conditions. Please see the park homepage before visiting.

* Woljeongsa Temple (월정사) Entrance Area (excluding paths) 1,000㎡ until 2026
* Jingogae Pass (진고개) ~ Dongdaesan Mountain Area (동대산) (excluding paths) 30,000㎡ until 2027
* Jilmoe Marsh (질뫼늪) 12,341㎡ until 2027
* Sohwangbyeongsan Marsh (소황병산늪) 2,300㎡ until 2027

Light-weight vehicle: 2,000 won
Medium/Small-sized vehicle: Off-season 4,000 won / Peak season 5,000 won
Large-sized vehicle: Off-season 6,000 won / Peak season 7,500 won
※Free parking for scheduled buses in bus parking lot

Free

Camping site