[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Turning on nature's A/C: Four cooling valley escapes to tame the summer heat

Looking for a cool getaway this summer? Check out these four valley escapes, including Kim Satgat Valley, Jungwon Valley, Suseongdong Valley and Ssanggok Valley, offering serene natural retreats to beat the heat.

Suseongdong Valley in Jongno District, central Seoul, embraces parts of history from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). [JOONGANG ILBO]

The monsoon season has come to an end, and the sweltering heat has set in. Temperatures nationwide are hovering just beneath 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), and one traditional way to beat the summer heat in Korea is by visiting mountain streams and valleys, or gyegok.

A common sight near these natural retreats is groups of families and friends splashing in icy waters, while others relax amid the serene backdrop with fresh fruits or summer snacks in hand. This summer, lounge on the smooth rocks of the valleys or dip your feet into the crisp water for a cooling, if not a brain-freezing, getaway that will last in your memory. Here are four perfect valleys in Korea to explore this August.

Kim Satgat Valley 김삿갓계곡

Kim Satgat Valley in Yeongwol County, Gangwon [THE ACADEMY OF KOREAN STUDIES]

Yeongwol County in Gangwon boasts several clean rivers and valleys, and one of the hidden gems is Kim Satgat Valley in Gimsatgat-myeon. The valley's name is taken from a famous poet of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) who went by the pen name Kim Sat-gat. His tomb lies near the valley, and the spirit of his poems continues through active cultural promotional events by Yeongwol County.

Although it has never been officially promoted as a tourist destination, Kim Satgat Valley attracts nature lovers and offers a summer haven for locals. Camping sites have gained attention as word spread among travelers. If you are looking for a clean, uncrowded spot to chill in peace and temporarily disconnect from the hectic everyday lifestyle, Kim Satgat Valley is the perfect destination.

In July 2018, Yeongwol County announced a system to maintain the decontaminated environment by closing some valleys alternately until August 2027. This year's restricted valleys are the nearby Naeri Valley and Misari Valley.

Waseok-ri, Gimsatgat-myeon, Yeongwol County, Gangwon(강원도 영월군 김삿갓면 와석리)Phone number: 033-370-2541, 1577-0545Website: https://www.yw.go.kr/tour/selectTourCntntsWebView.do?pageUnit=9&pageIndex=1&searchCnd=all&key=562&ctgry=8&tourNo=5

Jungwon Valley중원계곡

Jungwon Valley in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi, is known for the emerald shade of its water. [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

The clear water in Jungwon Valley in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi, originates from Mount Jungwon — which is 800 meters (2,620 feet) above sea level — and covers the valley area, creating an accommodating space where families and friends gather for a summer getaway. The surrounding trees and abundant greenery along the ice-cold water lower the high temperature to a bearable extent.

A 10 to 15 minute climb along the gentle slope of the mountain reveals Jungwon Falls, where the dense trees and grass harmonize with the emerald shade of the water ricocheting off the rocks. Heading up the water current is possible, although the slippery pebbles might make you stick to the walkable path out of the water.

Jung-won-ri, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi(경기도 양평군 용문면 중원리)Phone number: 031-770-1001

Suseongdong Valley 수성동계곡

Suseongdong Valley in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

If you prefer to stay near the metropolitan areas and seek an easily accessible destination in Seoul, a hideout at Suseongdong Valley in Jongno District, central Seoul, is ideal. Suseongdong Valley's streams, while humble compared to those in other regions, offer a peaceful retreat. A climb up Mount Inwang reveals its surrounding cultural attractions and history.

The valley is a favorite among history lovers, as it was frequented by many historical figures, especially poets and artists. Jeong Seon (1676-1759), a prominent painter in the late Joseon Dynasty, featured Suseongdong Valley in one of his great works, "Executed Album of Paintings of the Eight Views in Jangdong."

″Executed Album of Paintings of the Eight Views in Jangdong″ portrays Suseongdong Valley. [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]

You can easily access the place by taking the village bus No.9 and following the hiking trail for a few minutes until the clear water appears. Although its waters are not as impressive in size, the landscape offers a refreshing view for many tourists and locals.

Heading down from the valley, you can visit historical places like the site of the beloved poet Yoon Dong-ju's Boarding House from the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910-1945).

185-3, Ogin-dong, Jongno District, central Seoul (서울시 종로구 옥인동 185-3)

Ssanggok Valley 쌍곡계곡

Ssanggok Valley in Goesan County, North Chungcheong, is near Ssanggok Falls with an eight-meter high cliff. [GOESAN COUNTY]

Goesan County in North Chungcheong is home to numerous valleys and nature-friendly attractions, one of which is Ssanggok Valley. It is part of Songnisan National Park which stands close to the heart of the Korean Peninsula and runs along its spine. The valley is known as a more delicate version of the nearby Hwayang Valley, where stronger water currents awaken visitors from the heat haze. Ssanggok Valley, with its more reserved water streams, attracts smaller groups of visitors and remains one of the untouched valleys in the park. Visitors can enjoy the exclusivity of being in one of the major scenic sites of Ssangok Gugok, a trail stretching 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) with nine sightseeing destinations.

If you are visiting the valley for a refreshing retreat, be cautious of areas where the water depth suddenly increases. About 300 meters from the main streams are the Ssanggok Falls, an eight-meter tall waterfall that, while less dramatic than others nearby, offers a revitalizing splash session.

85-7 Ssanggok-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan County, North Chungcheong (충청북도 괴산군 칠성면 쌍곡리 85-7)

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]