Complete Conquest of the Top 5 Valleys Near Seoul - A Day Trip to Water Paradise (Actual Visit Review)

🌊 Finally Found It! Valley Paradises Within an Hour from Seoul

Oh, the weather has been so hot lately that I couldn't just stay with the air conditioner onㅠㅠ My friend kept saying, "Let's go to the valley, the valley!" so I reluctantly visited the valleys near Seoul... Wow, amazing, I can't believe places like these exist!

I visited a total of 5 places, and each has a completely different charm, so you can choose according to your preference. There are places perfect for family visits, romantic dates, and exciting water play with friends!

🥇 1st Place. Jingwansa Valley - A Valley Like This in Seoul?!

I was really surprised. I can't believe there's a valley like this in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul! Initially, I thought, 'What kind of valley could there be in Seoul?' but once I got there, it was amazing.

It's at the foot of Bukhansan, so you can hike and dip your feet in the valley, hitting two birds with one stone. Especially if you go down to the valley from the side of Masil-gil Neighborhood Park, the water is cleaner and cooler than expected.

🚗 Transportation: Take bus 704 from Yeonsinnae Station on Subway Line 3 and get off at Jingwansa
🅿️ Parking: Hanmunhwa Public Parking Lot (1,200 won per hour)
💰 Cost: Free (only parking fee)
⚠️ Note: Jingwansa interior is a protected area and off-limits, only the Masil-gil Neighborhood Park side is accessible

🥈 2nd Place. Gapyeong Yongchu Valley - The Legendary Valley Where Dragons Ascend

Yongchu Valley, one of the most famous valleys in Gapyeong! Known as Yongchu 9 Valleys, it has 9 scenic points, each one is a masterpiece. Especially the 1st valley, Yongchu Waterfall, makes you go "Wow~~~" the moment you see it.

It takes about an hour and a half from Seoul, and the parking lot is spacious and free, so you can visit without any burden. The valley water is so clear that you can see the bottom!

Personally, the area around the 6th valley, Chuwoldam, was the prettiest. The deep pool under the rock looked like a natural swimming pool. You can also rent life jackets for free, so you can play safely in the water.

🚗 Transportation: Train and bus transfer from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station
🅿️ Parking: Several free parking lots
💰 Cost: Free
🎯 Best Points: 6th valley Chuwoldam, 1st valley Yongchu Waterfall

🥉 3rd Place. Yongin Gogi-ri Valley - A Miracle 30 Minutes from Gangnam

Oh, this is really amazing! A valley you can reach in 30 minutes by car from Gangnam Station... I couldn't believe it. If you live in Suji or Bundang, you can get there in just 15 minutes.

The valley itself is shallow, perfect for kids to play, and there are so many famous restaurants and cafes around that you don't have to worry about food. Especially, Gogi-ri Makguksu is very famous!

The water only comes up to about your knees, so it's safe, and the rocks are flat, making it a great place to sit and relax. However, it's really crowded on weekends, so I recommend going on weekdays!

🚗 Transportation: Village bus available from Jukjeon Station
🅿️ Parking: Free parking when dining at restaurants
💰 Cost: Free (meal cost separate)
🍽️ Nearby Restaurants: Gogi-ri Makguksu, Danil-mok, Baenamu-jip

🏆 4th Place. Anyang Sammaksa Valley - Perfect for Family Outings!

I didn't know there was a place like this in Anyang! It's really accessible from the metropolitan area, and the shallow water makes it perfect for family visits. Especially, the further you go up towards Sammaksa, the fewer people there are and the cleaner the water gets.

You can also get there by public transportation, so it's recommended for those without a car! You can take a bus from Indeogwon Station on Line 4.

🚗 Transportation: Bus from Indeogwon Station on Line 4
🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot
💰 Cost: Free
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Recommended For: Families, with children

🎖️ 5th Place. Pocheon Baegun Valley - Thrill of Deep Water!

It takes about an hour and a half from Seoul, but it's definitely worth it! The front part is shallow, making it good for kids to play, and as you go inside, there are deep areas that reach an adult's neck, making swimming really fun.

The water is really cold, so it's super refreshing in the summer. Just be careful in the deep areas, and make sure to bring a life jacket!

🚗 Transportation: Recommended to use a car
🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot
💰 Cost: Free
⚠️ Note: Be cautious of safety accidents in deep areas

💡 Complete Guide to Valley Water Play Tips!

📅 When is the Best Time to Go?

Personally, I think arriving between 10 and 11 AM on a weekday is the best. There are fewer people, and you can easily get a good spot. Weekends... are really crowded, and parking is hellㅠㅠ

🎒 Essential Checklist

• Water Play Items: Tube, life jacket, aqua shoes
• Convenience Items: Mat, tent, camping chair
• Safety Items: First aid kit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
• Food: Simple lunch, cool drinks

🌟 Which Valley to Choose This Summer?

I visited all 5 places, and honestly, each has a different charm, so you can choose according to your preference. If you value accessibility, Jingwansa Valley or Gogi-ri Valley; if you value scenery, Yongchu Valley; for family outings, Sammaksa Valley; and for more thrilling water play, Baegun Valley!

Oh, and make sure to take all your trash with you! We need to preserve these beautiful valleys. Let's beat the summer heat in the valley! 🏊‍♀️