Beauty Spot Soktamgugok

Soktamgugok is a place of scenic beauty in South Hwanghae Province in the central part of Korea.

Literally, Soktamgugok means in Korean a stone pool and nine beautiful ravines. The crystal-clear stream, rocks and cliffs of diverse shapes, the charming scenery of thick foliage of azaleas, pine trees and maples changing according to the seasons—this is the spectacular sights of the place.

Looking at the crystal-clear water sliding down over the broad and flat rock as glossy as a mirror washed smooth by the running water for a long time passes the stone pool and flows farther down, one feels one’s mind purified in an instant and one’s mood refreshed greatly.

The nine scenic spots offer the peculiar sceneries of ravines along the stream, fascinating people with their superb views.

Here is the Sohyon private school which was set up for academic study and training of the younger generation by Confucian scholar Ri I, well-known in our country in the latter half of the 16th century, a shrine, the Yogum pavilion and the Chonggye hall where people say Admiral Ri Sun Sin made researches on the Turtle Ship. The buildings that show our ancestors’ outstanding architectural techniques add to the beauty of this time-honoured scenic spot. Besides, cosy rest houses and facilities at the foot of the mountain look quiet and peaceful.

Soktamgugok is an 8-kilometre-long place of scenic beauty where the sceneries change according to the four seasons.

The scenic Soktamgugok is today a cultural resort visited by large numbers of people.

Article: Han Pong Chan
Photos: Hong Hun