Suseungdae

A scenic spot along the Wicheon Valley — this is Suseungdae.

It was originally called 'Susongdae,' meaning 'terrace of sorrowful farewell' — one account says the name comes from a Baekje envoy being sent off here with a heavy heart on the way to Silla. During the Joseon era, the scholar Yosu Sin Gwon built Guyeon Seodang here and lived in seclusion teaching students, and a large turtle-shaped rock also gave the area the alternate names 'Amgudae' and 'Guyeondong.'

Later, the great scholar Toegye Yi Hwang was so struck by the scenery that he wrote a poem suggesting the name be changed from 'Susongdae' (sorrowful farewell) to 'Suseungdae' — meaning 'terrace for seeking scenic beauty.' The new name stuck and is still used today.

Right beside the valley stands Yosujeong pavilion, built in 1542 by Yosu Sin Gwon. It burned down during the Imjin War and was rebuilt at its current spot in 1805; together with Gwansuru pavilion nearby, it hints at the refined pastimes of Joseon-era scholars.

The combination of clear valley water, broad flat rocks, and dense pine forest earned Suseungdae its designation as Scenic Site No. 53, and in summer it draws especially large crowds of families cooling off in the water.

Honestly, though, it's somewhat inconvenient to reach by public transit, so a car or taxi is the realistic option, and you can only admire the pavilions from outside — you can't go in.

Rather than the peak of summer, late spring's fresh greenery or autumn's fall foliage make for a quieter valley walk.

Entry is free. The address is 2 Eunha-ri-gil, Wicheon-myeon, Geochang.