Eight Views Of Danyang: The Tranquil Dodamsambong Peaks & Seongmun

Let's take a trip to Danyang, a Korean travel destination that boasts the most beautiful natural scenic views.

Danyang is located in North Chungcheong Province. It's close to Sobaeksan (소백산) and the Namhan River (남한강) flows in the middle of its city. 

The eight views of Danyang (단양 팔경) refers to the eight areas of Danyang that have been designated as the most beautiful sceneries. 

Out of the eight locations, we visited two of the most famous ones, Dodamsambong Peaks and Seongmun (stone gate).

Dodamsambong Peaks 
도담삼봉

You can arrive at Dodamsambong Peaks within 5 minutes from the town of Danyang.

The sign at the bus stop says that if you walk straight for 400m, there is a public parking lot. 

If you walk to the right, there is a tunnel that takes you to Dodamsambong Peaks.

As you walk through the tunnel trying to conceal your excitement, you will see the beautiful scenery of Dodamsambong Peaks unfold before your eyes. 

The popular Korean variety show 2 Days & 1 Night and Battle Trip was filmed here. 

When I researched this place, it said that the beloved actor Park Bo-gum came to Dodamsambong Peaks with the members of 2 Days & 1 Night.

This is the beautiful Danyang Dodamsambong Peaks, with three peaks rising above the clear blue water. 

There is a small hexagonal pavilion on the largest peak in the middle, which makes it even more beautiful.

There was a lot of fog when we went since we visited during the early morning hours. 

But thanks to the fog, it made it look ethereal. 

At the best spot to admire the view of Dodamsambong Peaks, there is a colorful flower garden.

The rocky peaks with the colorful pretty flowers looked so majestic together.

In the middle of the flower garden, there is a photo zone for its visitors. 

The photo zone itself is made to look like a photo frame that captures the beautiful scenery of Dodamsambong Peaks. 

You can sit at the photo zone and the beautiful nature will be your backdrop. 

Look at how stunning the pictures came out to be! It's pretty when you take it by yourself, but even more beautiful with a friend or partner. 

Seongmun
석문

After taking our time at Dodamsambong Peaks, we headed over to Seongmun (stone gate).

Seongmun is located very close to Dodamsambong Peaks, so most tourists visit the two locations together.

From Dodamsambong Peaks, just walk to the left and you will see this staircase. 

The sign reads that it takes about 20 minutes for a round trip to Seongmun and back.

In order to get to Seongmun, you have to hike up a mountain.

As in the picture above, there are paths made of dirt and wood. It's certainly not a hard path, but it might be a little difficult for those who don't enjoy hiking.

I wasn't even equipped with the right shoes since I didn't wear sneakers, so I had a bit of a hard time.

But don't worry, it's only a 20-minute walking distance for a round trip back to where you started.

The paths were very beautiful so I felt refreshed as I breathed in its fresh air.

At the end of the mountain path, you'll finally arrive at Seongmun.

The stone gate is not artificially made and it's believed that when the caves that existed a long time ago collapsed, the ceiling of the remaining caves formed together to look like a bridge.

Isn't Namhan River that's visible through the gate and the clouds that are reflected on the river so beautiful? 

With the sunlight shining through, it felt like I was in a fantasy movie.

It was incredibly exciting to be able to take pictures with such beautiful scenery in the background.

After you take some time to take in its views, don't forget to stop and pose for some pictures!

Hwangpo Dotbae
황포 돛배

After walking down from Seongmun, we decided to go on a boat ride to wrap up our journey.

There are three types of boats here. Cruise ships, motorboats, and Hwangpo Dotbae.

Source: ccdailynews

The Hwangpo Dotbae is a small wooden ship that is said to have been a major mode of transportation during the Joseon Dynasty.

We decided to ride this because it's such a unique experience.

Price: 
Children & Teens: 2,000 won
Adults: 3,000 won

Tickets can be purchased at the building called SAMBONG Story (삼봉 스토리관). It is located across the flower garden in front of Dodamsambong Peaks.

There are also exhibits of Dodamsambong Peak's history and its legends inside of the building.

After buying a ticket, if you have some time, take a look around while waiting for the boat to depart.

We headed to the dock located at the bottom left of Dodamsambong Peaks. 

The first thing you need to do when you get on the boat is wear a life jacket. Safety always comes first!

The boat slowly travels about 400m from Dodamsambong Peaks to the dock.

Since it travels very slowly, you can take your time relaxing and taking in its views.

I was so excited to see Dodamsambong Peaks up close on the clear blue water.

When you arrive at the dock located across the river, there's a 300m walking path to the spot where you get to see Seongmun.

From there, we decided to get off and walk around.

When walking along the pretty path with villages on the right and flowers on the left, you'll reach Seongmun. 

It was really cool to see the other side of Seongmun that we saw previously. 

There is a photo zone similar to the zone in front of Dodamsambong Peaks, with Seongmun as the background.

After enjoying about 15 more minutes of its views, we decided to take off for the next location!

Information 

Address: 충청북도 단양군 매포읍 삼봉로 644-33
644-33, Sambong-ro, Maepo-eup, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Entry: Free

Dodamsambong Peaks and Seongmun are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Chungcheongbuk-do.

After visiting the two destinations, I understand why they're so popular!

It's two of the most unique experiences and sights in Korea that you won't be able to see elsewhere!