Neunggang Valley, Ice Valley

Neunggang Valley is located in a high-altitude area where the sun is blocked from the north and south, resulting in short sunlight hours throughout the day. In winter, the rocks become cold and water freezes, and even during the hottest summer days, ice forms here, hence it is called Ice Valley or Hanyangji. The most ice appears around the first dog days (chobok), it remains in rock crevices during the middle dog days (jungbok), and by the last dog days (malbok), one must lift rocks and dig to find it. Eating this ice is said to be a cure-all, attracting many summer visitors. The water originating from Hanyangji flows through Neunggang Valley, winding through forests of green pines with cool, clear streams. Along the valley, there are places where rocks stand like folding screens on both sides, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, and the water flows for about 20 ri (approximately 8 km) into Cheongpung Lake. On the left ridge of the valley, there is Jeongbangsa Temple, founded by Uisangdaesa of King Munmu of Silla, from which one can overlook Cheongpung Lake below the mountain temple. Heading from Ice Valley toward Cheongpung-myeon, one encounters the wide and refreshing Cheongpung Lake shore.