The Rugged Town - Danyang

Danyang with terrain of 85% mountains and 10% cultivable land, is a rugged town located at southeast of Korea Peninsular. Danyang Bridge is the most exclusive and attractive landmark of the town. The whole bridge is lighted up with twinkling neon light once the sky turns dark.



Danyang perched by the lake, surrounded by three national parks, is dotted with caves and temples. It serves as a great base for exploring some of the regional caves and mountains.



The 24 meter long Namhan River which is the upstream of Han River flows quietly through the town by the side of the mountains.



Deep mountains and Namhan River make it a perfect setting of a lovely town.



The center is an example of those typical tourist hotel along the riverfront, cosy and outstanding.



The map of Danyang and the symbol of love legend between Fool General Pabo Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang. From generations to generations, this story has been repeated to Korean children by elders.



Along the river side, passing by the 1.2 meter long rose tunnel (roses full blossom in summer) at the cliff of Namhang River, and entered into this Danyang Sogeumjeong Park. It was in a color of fall's foliage .



The little wooden hut, near symbol of astrology at the park, is the information center.



The windmills at waterfront along the river and the pine trees with red berries in the park.



A view of gorgeous Danyang Town.



Bridge plague clearly stated the word "Danyang" in Korean and Chinese welcomed you once you enter the town by cars or buses, while by train, the beautiful little train station with its courteous stuff are ready to give you a helping hand.



Korail Train services are available direct from Seoul and from Busan. Danyang Train Station, embraced in open nature is the most scenic and clean station we ever came through.



Merry and happy Korean kids at the beautiful train station.



This was the little motel where we spent the 3 nights in Danyang. The motel situated just along the river bank with most of the room windows facing Danyang Bridge, where we could enjoy a fabulous view of the lighted bridge at night. In addition, there are many traditional Korean home-like restaurants just nearby it. The owner Mr Kim is very helpful and most important well-versed in English. He was the one that made our stay comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.



We enjoyed a traditional dinner at a home restaurant of Mr Kim's friend. Bulgogi and its mulnaengmeon (cold noodle). Though facing difficulty in communication with the chef, we were served with good service and good food.



Strongly recommended by Motel Owner, Mr Kim, we visited this restaurant for our lunch.
We paid US$50.00 for this royal meal with more than 30 dishes of local produced food, prepare traditionally. All dishes were very special, delicious and healthy especailly the taste of their local garlic and the way their rice was done. We enjoyed the meal until we missed our bus to Chungju Lake.



Due to its severe variations in temperatures in day and night and within four seasons, trees and plants are exceptional well grown. The River is fenced up with meters long of roses and maple trees planted along the river side were giving out flowers. Another attractive plant is the elegant and beautiful lantern yellow flower, which could be seen at every corner.



Danyang inter-bus station is quite small in scheme but surrounding is flourished with colorful flowers like this. Bus arrives and departs on time without minutes in difference.



Danyang produces the best six cloved garlic which is well known for its biting taste and unique scent. Garlic grown in yellow lime rock soil at Danyang has better hardness and able to stay longer time.


Danyang market opens at 10.00 am until night. Its a busy and bustling place at the quiet town. Kimchi Cabbage, raddish, carrot, wild mushroom and many local products are so well grown at this region. The chestnut are so big in size and the locals eat it raw.



Fish cake is also one of the local delicacies we like so much. We kept on trying where ever there was store selling it as tastes were different varied from sauces applied. The market did not provide the ready to eat fish cake but in sale those packed.



We loved the Kimchi dumpling at the little store in the market. They made it, steamed it and offered it hot and fresh direct from stove at US$1.00 for 6 pieces.



Gosu Cave is a huge limestone cave formed millions of year ago. Gosu means "field of tall reeds as the area used to be filled with fields of tall grasses. It is named as Underground Palace due to its breathtaking natural beauty and was believed that there are at least 25 species of insects and animals inhabited inside.



The cave was discovered in early 1970's and suspected to be home of prehistoric people.



The depth is 1300 meter and entire length is 5.5 meter but visitors are limited to explore up to 1.7m. Interior is cooling all year round.



The beautiful formations within Gosu Cave.



The young lady is the store owner of Dondongju, kind of fermented rice wine and the wild herbs produced in the region.



Female are the toughest and most hardworking labor sources in Korea. Two hands of the ladies are never free. Elderly women were busy with peeling, picking, cleaning, or preparing work for the wild herbs selling at their stores along the pathway to Gosu Cave.