Cheongsong is known among Koreans primarily for its apples. Cheongsong apples make up the bulk of the apples that are consumed by Koreans in Korea. Originally, Cheongsong used to produce many types of apples but now produces mainly the Korean 'Sundown' apples.
Cheongsong Apples are sweet and crunchy, and store well. It is exported to 8 countries including Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Europe, and Indonesia. Cheongsong Apples, also known as 'honey apples, are considered one of the best quality apples at the Garak-dong Wholesale Produce Market.
The Cheongsong Apple Festival is held to increase the income of apple growers in Cheongsong by promoting the apples grown in clean areas using environmentally friendly methods, and to share the joy of the bountiful harvest with the consumers.
Some of the events include a Festival Eve Event, The Opening Ceremony, an Apple King Competition, the Best Apple Contest, an Apple Picking Contest, an Apple Marathon (From the Museum to the Mapyeong Orchard Complex), a Children's Apple Drawing Contest and an Apple Photograph Contest.
There are also other events like the Korean Dance, the Korean Percussion Band, a Sword Fighting Exhibition, a Guessing the Apple Variety Contest, an Agricultural Product Exhibition, an Apple Peeling Contest and an Apple Stacking Contest.
Amongst the variety of cultural events held in Cheongsong is the Cheongsong Cultural Festival which is held in October. The Cheongsong Cultural Festival is an opportunity not only for tourists, to experience the Cheongsong culture but also for its residents to experience the community feeling. At the festival, traditional culture is recreated, traditional and modern life is united, and also a time to pray for a good harvest and prosperity for the county. The festival is held every other autumn on the banks of the Yongjeoncheon in Cheongsong-eup. It is a folk festival to give thanks to God for the bounty of its autumn harvest.
Visitors to Mt. Juwangsan between April and May (the 4th and 5th months of the lunar calendar) can see Korean azaleas in full bloom along the Jubangcheon River.
The 4 attractions of Mt. Juwangsan are the Korean azaleas along the Jubangcheon River, the boxwoods growing on a rock at the mountaintop, the thousand-year-old moss, and the Matsutake mushroom. Of these, the Korean azalea is the number one crowd puller. The color of Korean azaleas is similar to that of the Korean rosebay but slightly darker. Do you know that that it has 20 dark red spots on each petal?
Mt. Juwangsan is the best scenic area in Gyeongbuk. It is called Sogeumgang because of its beautiful streams, waterfalls, strangely shaped rocks and peaks, and dense forest that create some very picturesque sceneries.
The legends of King Ju attached to many places of Mt. Juwangsan add mystery to this mountain. There is also a legend attached to the Korean azaleas blooming along the Jubangcheon River.
The Korean Azalea Festival is held in early May when spring is in full swing and the flowers are in full bloom. It is a festival to pay a tribute to King Ju and to wish for the safety of hikers.
I’m sure that all of you must know how difficult it is to walk on ice. Well, picture this, the 'Mt. Juwangsang Ice Climbing Contest'
When you think of Mt. Juwangsan, only green forests or colorful autumn leaves come to your mind. You’re missing something here, because you don't know all the charms that Mt. Juwangsan has to offer in winter. It is simply magnificent!
Eoreumgol is located in Naryong-ri, Budong-myeon. In summer people line up to get spring water from here. And the stream of water falling from the 60m high cliff washes away the summer heat.
In winter, a magnificent ice cliff is formed on the fall, which attracts ice climbers. This fall is a 62m high man-made fall. The water is pumped up from the valley. The Cheongsong county government constructed this fall in Eoremgol in August 1999 as part of the New Millennium Project. It is the highest man-made fall in Korea. It is here at this man-made waterfall where the 'Mt. Juwangsang Ice Climbing Contest' that first started in Feb. 2004 will be held each year. This is an event that will immerse you in the winter charm of the mountain.
The scene of ice climbers climbing the 62m high man-made fall relying only on a 1cm thick rope thrills ice climbers as well as visitors. In winter, this place is crowded with ice climbers and tourists watching them. As this area is shaded, once the waterfall freezes up, it does not melt until the end of February. Br-rrrr!
Boiled Chicken
Don’t know about you but all this activity has made me hungry. Let’s go search for some of the local food here shall we? How about some hot soup? Cheongsong is famous for its chicken boiled in mineral water. The iron and carbon rich water removes the chicken fat and makes the chicken meat light and easy to digest. To make it extra special, ginseng, hedysarum root, Chinese licorice, walnuts, jujubes and mung beans are added. When the chicken is fully cooked, it is served separately. And in the remaining soup, rice is added to make porridge. This porridge is said to be good for people suffering from gastro enteric problems and give energy. Unlike regular water, when the mineral water from this area is used for boiling the chicken, the chicken turns bluish.
Meal With Various Vegetables
This meal comes with the various vegetables that are grown in Mt. Juwangsan, such as bracken, aster scaber, Pimpinella brachycarpa, and Shiitake mushrooms. It is served with acorn jelly. A slightly bitter taste of the vegetables stimulates the appetite.
Pan-fried Scallion
I think I like this dish. Sliced scallion, squid,and the vegetables from Mt. Juwangsang are mixed with beaten egg and pan-fried.
Acorn Jelly
Acorn jelly is served with various vegetables, such as wild greens, dropwort, cucumber, and carrot
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While we’re still on the subject of food, might as well tell you about the specialties of Cheongsong. Let me just mention a few of them. Of course, top of the list will be the sweet and crunchy Cheongsong apples which I have to buy. If you have a penchant for red pepper like me you’ll love the red pepper they are selling here, not only fresh but dried, as well as in powder form. The Hot Pepper Powder was exhibited at the Tokyo Food Expo and now it is exported to Japan every year.
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The main types of mushrooms to be found in Cheongsong, are the Phellinus Linteus or Sanghwang mushroom, the Oyster Mushroom and the Shiitake Mushroom. In an old book, “the Bonghwangnok," it is said that the Sanghwang mushroom’s benefits are second only to wild ginseng. It is considered the king of mushrooms. Cheongsong Shiitake Mushrooms are grown on oak trees. You can buy them either fresh or dried.
You can also buy the Cheongsong Eternal Youth Rice Wine which is made with the mineral water in Cheongsong.
The flower-patterned stones found in Cheongsong are a rarity in the world. The patterns are diverse and colorful. Rock collectors will love them. This is something you might want to bring home as a souvenir from Cheongsong.
For people suffering from insomnia, headache, neck and shoulder pain, and high blood pressure the Loess Pillow might help. After sleeping on this pillow, you will feel refreshed in the morning.
Mr. Yi Sangyong residing in Songgang-ri, Pacheon-myeon is Intangible Cultural Property No. 23 of Gyeongsangbuk-do. Traditional Korean paper making started from his 5th generation forefather. He learned the craft in his youth and continued the tradition. He holds fast to the traditional method for the production. In fact, he is working on the teaching of this traditional method.
Perhaps you should buy some Korean paper so that you can make some of the things you learnt to do at the hands-on course you joined earlier on at a Traditional Village. You might not be able to obtain this type of paper in your home country you know.
Yes, there are still a few more places we haven’t seen yet, so let’s go now, shall we?
The Bogwangsa Temple in Deok-ri, Cheongsong-eup was established to protect the shrine of the founder of the Cheongsong Sim Clan to which Soheonwanghu, the queen of The Great King Sejong of Joseon belonged.
The Bogwangsageungnakjeon or the Geungnakjeon Hall of this temple has been designated Tangible Cultural Property #184 - Buddhist Temple. The main sanctum of the temple, dedicated to Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, is believed to have been first built in 1428 when the Manseru Pavilion was built, but the present structure appears to have been reconstructed in the late Joseon period.
It is a three by three kan (a traditional unit of measure referring to the space between two columns) building, with a gabled roof. The eaves of the roof are bracketed in a multi-cluster style.
Two tiers of bracket arms project both inside and outside the building. The framework is fashioned in a typical late Joseon style. Of special note is that the latticed doors in the front are patterned much like those of a common residence.
Green trees and magnificent rocks seem to abound in Mt. Juwangsan. Of these rocks, Giam, a flag-like rock, is the most stunning. As you climb up or down the mountain, you can feel the magnificence and splendor radiating from this rock. And the calm and composed beauty carved by wind over time comforts the mountaineers' minds. Giam shows the changes of the season and the weather occurring in Mt. Juwangsan very well.
Mt. Juwangsan is well known for its beautiful autumn leaves. It can be divided into two areas; Oejuwang(Outer Juwang) and Naejuwang(Inner Juwang). Oejuwang has many attractive spots with many legends attached to them, such as the Juwangam Rock, Juwanggul Cave, Yeonhwagul Cave, Jahaseong, Giam Rock, and Mangwoldae. Naejuwang, on the other hand, is not frequented that much as Oejuwang as it’s rather deep inside the park. It is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and scenery in serenity.
Jeolgol Valley
The trail along the Jeolgol Valley is quieter than the main trails via the Daejeonsa Temple or the fall. Crystal clear water flowing all year round, strangely shaped rocks, and thick forest create a mystic air to this place.
This place got its name from a temple which existed here a long time ago. Now, there is no trace of the temple and only the name, Jeolgol remains.
Cheong-un Stream
Located about 5km from Cheongsong-eup on the way to Mt. Juwangsan, this naturally formed park attracts about 50,000 visitors yearly. It is one of the best summer vacation spots because of its clean water, beautiful scenery and its cool breeze from the valley.
Sinseong Valley
This 4km long valley with beautiful scenery, crystal clear water, and thick pines is one of the best summer vacation spots for family or group gatherings. The 3km section from Sinseong Valley to Baekseoktan, Gowa-ri has been designated as the #1 scenery of Cheongsong's 8 most beautiful sceneries. Take out your cameras and start shooting.
Cheongsong Natural Forest
All the good natural things a forest can offer, such as beautiful trees, fresh air, crystal clear water, and beautiful sceneries, are all to be found here. The National Road #31 connecting Cheongsong and Pohang passes through this forest. A measurement of the air quality revealed that the air here is the best in the nation and thus this area is optimum for a forest scent bath. Many tourist attractions such as Mt. Juwangsan National Park, Dalgi Yaksutang Mineral Spring, Jusangji Pond, and Eoremgol Valley are all within easy reach.
Mt. Juwangsan Spa
A good quality hot spring was discovered at a depth of 719m at the site of the Juwangsan Tourist Hotel and a hot spring license was obtained in May 2000. The size of the spa is about 1,300 square yards and it can accommodate up to 400 people at any one time. The PH level of the water is 9.58 and the water is smooth to the touch.
This place is very popular as it is located near Yaksutang and Mt. Juwangsan.
Dalgi Mineral Spring
The water running through the valley of Mt. Juwangsan is unbelievably clean. Natural Monument, Willow in Bugok and the Cheongsong Folk Museum nearby are added attractions to this place. Also include a visit to the Exhibition Hall of Stones with Flower Patterns located in Jinbo-myeon.
Sinchon Mineral Spring
As it is located in a remote place, this area has been well preserved.
They say that in the olden days, magistrates who were posted to Cheongsong, cried when they first arrived in Cheongsong and also when they were leaving. When they first arrived, they cried because the area was so remote. And when they were leaving, they cried because they were so sad to leave the good-hearted people there.
Like the tale, this place is beautiful and the people are nice. On the way to the mineral spring, you can enjoy beautiful nature and experience the hospitality of the local people.
And on this note, I bid Cheongsong-gun and its people farewell. See you all at our next destination, Uiseong-gun.
PS. Almost forgot.
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
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