Heading into the Deep Mountain Valleys of Gangwon: An Explorer’s Log
Introduction
Summer in Pyeongchang is a place where cool breezes flow along deep mountains and valleys. When the sunlight filtering through the leaves overlaps with the sound of the Donggang River, the slow, deep breathing you’d forgotten in the city naturally returns. This trip that connects Baengnyong Cave and the Donggang Valley is like a day-long expedition that refreshes both body and mind.
Heading into the Deep Mountain Valleys of Gangwon: An Explorer’s Log
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Info
- Visitor Impressions
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Course Name : Heading into Deep Mountains and Valleys on an Adventure Trip
- Trip Type : Day trip course (approx. 24km)
- Location : 122 Dongmakgol-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Main Course : Welcome to Dongmakgol filming location · Baengnyong Cave · Donggang rafting
- Inquiries : Advance reservations are recommended via local travel agencies and related experience operators
- 09:30 Arrive in the Dongmakgol area of Mitan-myeon, warm up with a light walk along the valley
- 10:30 Tour the “Welcome to Dongmakgol” filming site and try on movie costumes
- 12:00 Lunch at a nearby restaurant with gondre rice or trout sashimi
- 13:30 Join the Baengnyong Cave exploration program (guide required)
- 15:30 Start Donggang rafting, passing Hwangsaeyeoul, Ambanyeoul, Munhui Village, and near Baengnyong Cave
- 17:30 Return to Jintannaru, shower and pack up, then head to nearby accommodation or home
Please check in advance whether rafting and cave exploration require reservations.
Summer in Pyeongchang is perfected atop the breathtaking scenery carved out by the Donggang River as it winds through deep mountains. Exploring Baengnyong Cave in relatively untouched nature and rafting down the river will bring you face to face with landscapes sculpted over hundreds of millions of years. The cold, clear valley water, dense forests, and quiet villages all come together to gift you a day that makes you forget the heat.
This course is designed so you can experience the filming location of the movie “Welcome to Dongmakgol,” Baengnyong Cave (Natural Monument No. 260), and the Donggang River, known as one of Korea’s top three rafting spots, all in one go. It’s a mountain exploration trip with high satisfaction for families, friends, and couples alike, offering outdoor activities in nature, cultural experiences, and local food all together.
Program Info
Designated as Natural Monument No. 260, Baengnyong Cave is a natural limestone cave featuring well-developed stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and egg-fry-shaped stalagmites and other various speleothems. With its outstanding scenery and academic value, it makes an excellent educational destination. It has been partially open to the public since 2010, and visitors can explore the deep underground world accompanied by a guide.
This leisure program has teams of 6–8 people riding rubber boats down the river’s rapids. Starting from Jintannaru in Pyeongchang, you pass through Suha Valley, continue past the point where the valley waters of Mahari join the Donggang, go by Hwangsaeyeoul, Ambanyeoul, Munhui Village, the vicinity of Baengnyong Cave, and Chilmongnyeong, before returning to Jintannaru on a course that takes about four hours.
This is the main filming site of the movie “Welcome to Dongmakgol,” which portrays the conflict and reconciliation between South Korean soldiers, North Korean soldiers, and Allied forces. The Dongmak Wind Cave, formerly a coal mine entrance, Mr. Kim’s house, a 500-year-old zelkova tree, and the U.S. fighter plane set that crashed into Dongmakgol are all preserved here. You can stroll slowly through the set, recalling scenes from the film.
At the Dongmakgol filming site, you can try on costumes worn by characters in the movie. Taking photos around the set makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from the film, making this experience especially popular with family travelers and couples.
You can enjoy local specialties such as gondre rice and trout sashimi in the Pyeongchang and Yeongwol areas. Served with simple side dishes characteristic of villages close to mountains and rivers, it’s a great way to taste mountain-village life right at the table.
For safety reasons, you must follow the instructions of professional guides during Baengnyong Cave exploration and rafting. Be sure to check your reservation and meeting time in advance, and familiarize yourself with all safety guidelines before participating.
Since this course includes a lot of rafting and valley activities, it’s best to wear clothes that can get wet, shoes with good grip, and bring a change of clothes. Pack light, but be sure to carry a waterproof bag or pouch for convenience.
To keep your route smooth, check the operating hours and closed days for the filming site and local food experiences ahead of time. In particular, confirm availability in advance on weekends and during peak season.
Bringing clothes that can get wet plus a spare set will make your day much more relaxed.
It’s wise to confirm opening hours for filming locations and restaurants by phone or website before you visit.
Trip Impressions
Here’s a recap of my experience after exploring the deep mountain valleys of Gangwon. My first impression exceeded expectations. Once you enter the dense forest, the noise and fast pace of the city disappear, and you’re surrounded by a quiet space filled only with the sound of water and birds. Most people carried just one small, sturdy backpack and were walking or resting along the valley, and there were quite a few families with children as well. The valley water was clear and cold; the sunlit spots sparkled, but there was plenty of shade, so it wasn’t overwhelming even at midday.
Rather than one vast area, this place is divided into several valley courses, making it ideal to visit as a full-day or half-day trip. The general flow is: entrance, trekking trail beside the valley, a mid-point water-play area, then a rest spot or small pavilion. Rest areas such as benches and wooden platforms are set up close to the water in many places. At the entrance you’ll usually find simple eateries like soup-and-rice joints or valley-side restaurants, and campsites often have cooking facilities or barbecue areas. Typically, leaving around 10 a.m. and staying until 3–4 p.m. felt leisurely, and avoiding the 12–2 p.m. crowd made it relatively easy to enjoy a quieter time.
Getting there is easiest by car, and there are plenty of valley campsites and campgrounds with parking, so it wasn’t particularly inconvenient. I strongly want to go back. It’s a great destination for those seeking a relaxed natural setting—especially families or friends who want a quiet getaway—and it would be atmospheric for couples as well. If you’re planning to stay overnight, note that accommodations book up quickly in peak season, so reserve early. Personally, I was very satisfied; just keep in mind that if the weather suddenly turns cloudy, the mood of the water activities and overall atmosphere can change a bit.
Where to Stay
Near the Donggang River and Baengnyong Cave, there are several pensions and healing stays where you can enjoy views of both river and mountains. While a day trip is possible, spending an extra night after rafting and cave exploration lets you fully savor the cool night air of the valley and the quiet mornings of the mountain village.
64-152 Gulaepmaeul-gil, Buk-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A thatched-roof-style mountain pension close to the valley, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat.
In peak season, reserve in advance and allow extra time for driving.
Distance: 1.8km
189-19 Jindeung-gil, Buk-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
An earthen-house-style accommodation where you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere and mountain-village charm.
Convenient for those traveling by rental car or private vehicle, making it easy to plan your route.
Distance: 5.1km
242-44 Jongbu 1-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A healing-style stay nestled in a quiet forest with fairly good access to downtown Pyeongchang.
A good choice if you’d like to stay in Pyeongchang-eup after finishing your Donggang and Baengnyong Cave itinerary.
Distance: 6.4km
41-5 Maha-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A pension close to the Donggang River, perfectly located for rafting and valley activities.
033-333-6600 / 010-5361-7953
Distance: 6.7km
200-12 Gogilcheon-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A pension near Pyeongchang-eup, convenient for combining with sightseeing the next day.
On peak-season weekends, reservations fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as your schedule is set.
Distance: 7.3km
189-59 Maehwa-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A healing-style accommodation where you can rest close to the Pyeongchang River.
Perfect for those who want a leisurely evening with a riverside stroll.
Distance: 7.6km
44 Baeko 1-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Located in the center of Pyeongchang-eup, this accommodation is a good option if you’re using public transportation.
If you plan a late check-in, it’s recommended to call ahead to coordinate your arrival time.
Distance: 9.1km
If you’re driving, allow enough time to travel between your accommodation and the rafting departure point.
Restaurants & Cafés
After finishing your Donggang and Baengnyong Cave itinerary, it’s convenient to head to Pyeongchang-eup for a meal. With options like dakgalbi, pork cutlets, and pho, there’s plenty to match different tastes, making it easy for families and groups to each choose what they like.
146-8 Baeko-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A place in Pyeongchang-eup where you can enjoy dakgalbi for a hearty meal.
Popular in the evening, especially when you’re very hungry after rafting.
Distance: 8.7km
118 Baeko-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A restaurant specializing in meals centered around pork cutlets.
With a menu that’s easy for children, it’s well-suited to family visits.
Distance: 8.9km
21 Baeko 1-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
An Asian restaurant where you can enjoy warm, comforting bowls of pho.
A good choice when you want to warm up after valley activities.
Distance: 9.0km
25-8 Baeko 1-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A restaurant serving mainly Korean dishes, ideal for family meals.
Expect a bit of a wait during lunch and dinner peak times.
Distance: 9.1km
73 Baeko-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A spot for light snacks and simple street food, perfect for a quick bite.
Great for briefly stopping to curb your hunger; easy to drop by before heading home.
Distance: 9.1km
73 Pyeongchangjungang-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A Korean restaurant located in the center of Pyeongchang-eup.
Conveniently located if you’re stopping by downtown to have a meal.
Distance: 9.1km
32 Songhak-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Another place in Pyeongchang-eup where you can enjoy dakgalbi.
Weekend evenings can get crowded, so visiting a bit earlier is recommended.
Distance: 9.1km
24 Baeko-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A Korean restaurant located along the main road in Pyeongchang-eup, with good accessibility.
It’s a good idea to double-check parking availability and operating hours on site.
Distance: 9.3km
On weekends and in peak season, aim for before 11:30 a.m. for lunch and early evening for dinner to reduce wait times.
Nearby Attractions
The area around the Donggang River and Baengnyong Cave combines karst terrain, dramatic rock formations, and tranquil village scenery. If you give yourself a full day and include nearby highlights, you can slowly savor the many faces of Pyeongchang’s mountain villages.
219-15 Donneomi-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A place where you can appreciate unique karst formations created by limestone terrain.
It’s interesting to pair it with a visit to the Donggang River and compare the different natural landforms.
Distance: 2.6km
225 Gihwa-ri, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A photogenic spot featuring a rock that resembles an elephant.
Good for light trekking while enjoying views of unique rock formations.
Distance: 5.4km
3 Surijae-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A walking and trekking route along the slopes of Cheongoksan, known for its moody forest path.
Consider the weather and sunset time and avoid starting too late in the day.
Distance: 6.0km
41-5 Maha-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A famous viewpoint where you can admire the beautiful oxbow bend of the Donggang River.
Nice to drop by before or after rafting to see the river from a different perspective.
Distance: 6.7km
Yudong-ri, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A cultural heritage site where you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of old stonework against open fields.
Good for a brief, stroll-like visit combined with other attractions.
Distance: 8.7km
896-21 Pyeongchanggang-ro, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A village space themed around ecology and nature, ideal for a quiet healing walk.
Nice for a light stroll and some photos.
Distance: 8.8km
19 Munhwa Yesul-gil, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A loop trail overlooking Pyeongchang-eup, ideal for an easy walk.
If you walk around sunset, you can enjoy a different atmosphere with the town’s night view.
Distance: 8.9km
Hari, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A historic mountain fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The scenery changes color with the seasons, making it a great spot for photography.
Distance: 9.3km
If you’re planning to take photos, consider the season and sunset time when deciding your route order.
Getting There
Public Transport — From major cities such as Seoul, travel to Pyeongchang Express Bus Terminal or Yeongwol Bus Terminal, then take a local bus and get off at a stop serving Mitan-myeon or Dongmakgol. Intercity and express bus schedules and local rural bus frequencies may not be very frequent, so it’s wise to check round-trip times in advance.
By Car — Take the Jungang Expressway or Yeongdong Expressway, exit at Naerincheon IC or Pyeongchang IC, then follow local roads to 122 Dongmakgol-gil, Mitan-myeon. Roads near the valley have many curves, so reduce your speed, and for parking it’s safest to follow the guidance of rafting operators or valley campsites and pensions.
Mountain and valley roads can be challenging to drive at night, so it’s recommended to travel before sunset.
Conclusion
This course through the deep mountains and valleys of Mitan-myeon in Pyeongchang, Gangwon, is an expedition-style trip that bundles together Baengnyong Cave, Donggang rafting, film locations, and local food. Spending a day amid dense forests, clear water sounds, and cool air gradually cools not only your body heat but also the fatigue of everyday life.
It’s especially suitable for those who want to enjoy outdoor sports and cultural experiences in nature, and for anyone seeking a quiet summer destination with family, friends, or a partner. A day trip is fine, but if your heart pulls you to stay, consider spending an extra night to calmly take in the Donggang’s morning and the mountain village’s night.
