Simsanyuok, which flows along the western foot of Geumdangsan Mountain, 1,173m above sea level, is Geumdang Valley. This valley, which curves between Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun and Daehwa-myeon, Yongpyeong-myeon, is located in the upper reaches of the Pyeongchang River. Geumdang Valley is quite wide, and the generally calm stream of water sometimes becomes a torrent at points where strangely shaped rocks protrude. The atmosphere of spring begins to ripen here in late March, and by the end of April, iron leaves cover the entire mountain and stream. You can get to Geumdang Valley by going down from Jangpyeong along the Pyeongchang River, or by going backwards from Anmi Elementary School. First of all, if you go down from the location of Daehwa-myeon towards Pyeongchang-eup, you will come to an intersection divided into Sanganmi and Haanmi-ri, which is also called “Saechugeori.”
There is a signboard at the entrance to Geumdang Valley here, so it is not difficult to find the way. Turn right toward Anmi Elementary School and the paved road continues until Gaesugyo Bridge. The unpaved road begins at 13.5km from the national highway. If you go a little further up from here, a strange rock named “Bonghwangdae” rises across the river. It is said that the name was given because “Once upon a time, someone was digging the land near here to use a grave site, and suddenly a phoenix flew away.” If you leave Bonghwangdae behind and go upstream, you will see a dirt road with a total length of 8.4km. On the other side of the valley, along the waterway, strangely shaped rocks and cliffs spread out like a folding screen, and clear water flows. This is a major habitat for otters, a natural monument, and many catfish are caught here.