This past weekend was Mother’s Day and it wouldn’t be a holiday of forced appreciation without some pressured family adventures. This has been on my list for at least a year and I’m so glad that I “encouraged” everyone to get going quickly and make the trek (about a 2 hour drive from Seoul). Hiking isn’t my go-to hobby of enjoyment, but I do love a good scenic experience and this was just the ticket.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of South Korea, near the border with North Korea, lies a region rich with natural beauty: Cheorwon. One of the highlights of the region is the UNESCO Geopark. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. In Cheorwon, one of its most captivating features is the Hantan River, a waterway that carves through basalt cliffs and volcanic rock, revealing a dramatic landscape. But what makes it so magical is how you get to enjoy it, hiking along the cliffs.
The Hantan River: A Walk Among the Cliffs
One of the crown jewels of the Cheorwon UNESCO Global Geopark is the skywalk over the Hantan River, a stretch that immerses hikers in some of Korea’s most striking volcanic landscapes. This trail guides you along sheer cliffs and riverside paths. These dramatic rock formations were created by ancient lava cooling and cracking over thousands of years, leaving behind nature’s version of geometric perfection.
Walking along the metal pathways dangling over the river below was a bit of a trip at first. As the tingles faded away into serenity, we wondered among the cliffs, across suspension bridges and down river into various viewpoints. It was one beautiful lookout after another and I had to stop taking pictures at one point and just soak it in.
We had to keep it real and stop at a local convenience store for some snacks, ramen (you make it in the store), and drinks before our hike. It was the perfect Korean cultural experience. The me of 3 years ago would be surprised at how much I enjoyed watching my kids eat spicy ramen with chopsticks at picnic tables outside the CU. It feels a bit like a milestone.
It’s so fun to have big adventures, but much of our daily life doesn’t allow for extended travels, so we have micro-adventures that fill our (my) need for exploration and intrigue. Driving through the rural parts of Korea is a vastly different experience than the polished streets of Seoul. Seeing the city fade away into forests and quieter streets makes for a pleasant change of pace. Gone are the high rise apartment buildings, fast food chains and crowded bus stops, leading the way to small farms, mountain views and mom and pop cafes. I enjoyed this day tremendously and I’m grateful for my family who will indulge my micro-bucket list.
If you are visiting Seoul and would like to make a stop to Cheorwon, you can book a tour through Klook that will take you to the UNESCO Global Geopark main points of interest.
For more great day trips from Seoul, check out my post on Nami Island! Enjoy!
