A trip to Danyang

One of the things we really loved to do in Korea was venture out into the countryside.
When we had only been in Seoul for a month we took a trip to Danyang which is about two hours outside of Seoul. We wanted to to take the 32 mile waterway between Chungju and Danyang. It was a very beautiful trip.
I should point out that it would be a great idea to take this trip with a Korean friend since
we only encountered only a few people that spoke English. But with the help of our limited Korean, and very helpful Koreans we got along fine. At the time we didn't know about calling 02-1330 for assistance. It would have been helpful. We used that help line many times during our time in Korea.

We felt very adventurous as we secured passage on the ferry in Chungju and contracted with a driver to take our car to Danyang! We were very to happy to see the driver and our car waiting for us as we got off the boat. The tour is not in English but the boat captain spoke English and
explained what we were seeing.
He described the various limestone formations. They
were very interesting. The ride was relaxing. It was a beautiful
day.
There is a lot of historical
significance to the sights in this area so I am including some of the background.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/danyang/3998010029.html

The following are the background on the Scenic Wonders that are located around Danyang.
It is provided by the above website.

1. Dodam Sambong -- This island in the NamHan River has three peaks, called Changgunbong, Cheopbong, and Cheobong. They are said to represent three people involved in a love triangle: the husband, the concubine, and the wife, respectively. The story is that a man couldn't have a son with his wife, so he took on a concubine. The wife was so upset that she refused to speak to him and turned away. Locals say that the orientation of the rocks symbolizes this relationship.

2. Seokmun -- Going up river from the three peaks about 200m (656 ft.), you will find a stone gate shaped like the arc of a rainbow. Locals say that heavenly spirits must have sang a song when they passed by.

3. Sainam Rock -- This large rock cliff, surrounded by old pine trees, hangs over a clear stream. On it is inscribed a poem by Confucian scholar Utak (pen name, Yeoktong). The poem reads: "Something far superior to other things/indeed matchless, cannot be cast aside./There is nothing to be afraid of, even standing all alone./There is nothing to worry about, in this secluded life."

4. Haseonam -- Along the range of Doraksan are three peaks that people liken to brothers. Haseonam is the first. A large boulder on it is said to look like a reclining Buddha (so it's called "Bulam," Buddha Rock). During the Joseon Dynasty, it was given the name "Sonam," which means "a rock where the mountain wizards strolled." And local legend has it that the gods once descended from heaven and had a banquet there.

5. Jungseonam -- About 5km (3 miles) from Haseonam is the middle brother peak. On its slopes is the Ssang-yong Falls, where it is said that twin dragons ascended to heaven through a crevice. During the Joseon Dynasty, many yangban (those from the gentlemen class) would come here to make music, write poetry, and commune with nature.

6. Sangseonam -- Sangseonam was named by Gwon Sang-ha, who was said to have built a thatched pavilion and lived here writing poetry. There are three hermitages in the nine valleys surrounded by the rocky peaks.

7. Gudambong -- This peak gets its name, which means turtle, from the shape of its reflection in the lake below, which is said to look like a turtle swimming just below the surface of the water. Gudambong and nearby Oksunbong are both popular in the fall season when their trees change color.

8. Oksunbong -- This peak was originally a part of Cheongpung-gun, but the story is that the female entertainer Duhyang coaxed Yi Hwang into including it in Danyang-gun. The magistrate of Cheongpung didn't agree but Yi Hwang carved the characters "Dangu Dongmun" on the rock wall, stating that it was "the gateway to Danyang." The unusually shaped boulders are surrounded by various trees.

Next: The spectacular rock formations in Gosu Cave another interesting attraction in Danyang