Geochang Suseungdae — From a Place to Send Away Worries to Scenic Site No. 53
In Hwangsan-ri, Wicheon-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, Suseungdae is a 70-meter-wide, 500-meter-long valley carved through granite bedrock by the Wicheon River and designated Scenic Site No. 53. Originally called Susongdae, it was a farewell site on the Baekje–Silla border during the Three Kingdoms period; in 1543, Yi Hwang’s poem gave it the name Suseungdae. Today, it is a year-round tourist destination featuring Turtle Rock, Guy eon Seowon Confucian Academy, Yosujeong Pavilion, a 204-meter suspension bridge, and the Geochang International Theatre Festival.
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“Susongdae (愁送臺),” Where Baekje Envoys Parted with Concern
Hwangsan-ri, Wicheon-myeon, the area around Geochang Susongdae, was a border region where Baekje and Silla faced each other during the Three Kingdoms period. During that era, this was a border area between Silla and Baekje and a place where envoys traveling from Baekje to Silla were bid farewell. It was initially called Susongdae (愁送臺), using the characters su (愁), meaning concern, and song (送), meaning to send, because people worried that the envoys might never return. The name Susongdae is also compared to a Buddhist expression meaning a place of such outstanding scenic beauty that it makes one forget the worries and troubles of the secular world.
The name was changed again during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon. After retiring from public life, Master Yosu Singwon (愼權) built Guyon Seodang (龜淵書堂) here and educated his disciples. Because the shape of the rock resembled a turtle, it was called Amgudae (岩龜臺), while the surrounding area was named Guyeon-dong (龜淵洞). Then, in 1543, Master Toegye Yi Hwang visited Samdong in Anui-hyeon and, while staying in Yeongseung-ri, Mari-myeon, heard the history of the place. Unable to come because of urgent government affairs, he sent a poem of four regulated verses recommending that the name be changed to Susungdae (搜勝臺), which sounded the same but had the meaning “to seek scenic beauty,” as the existing name was not sufficiently beautiful. The present name originated when Master Yosu Singwon had the new name carved into the surface of the rock. A reply poem by Galcheon Im Hun (林薰), written in connection with this renaming, has also been handed down.
Scenic Site No. 53: Granite Riverbed Sculpted by the Wicheon over 500 m
Geochang Susongdae is a scenic site in Hwangsan-ri, Wicheon-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. It is a Korean granite geological landform designated as Scenic Site No. 53 of the Republic of Korea on December 26, 2008. Located in the middle of the Wonhak-dong Valley, one of the “Three Caves of Anui” (安義三洞), which Joseon scholars regarded as the finest scenic valley in the Yeongnam region, it features a natural landscape where a deep, lengthy valley blends with the surrounding forests. The exposed bedrock riverbed is approximately 70 m wide and extends for about 500 m.
The principle behind the formation of this rock has also been established. The area around Geochang Susongdae consists of porphyritic granite that intruded during the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era. The energy of the Geochang Wicheon River directly eroded and exfoliated the bedrock, while abrasion caused by the river’s transported load colliding with the bedrock shaped it into smooth curves. Turtle Rock, the representative rock at Susongdae, also called Amgudae or Guyeonam (龜淵巖), formed when joints developed as the bedrock became exposed at the surface, causing sections to break away. The porphyritic granite distributed throughout the area has a medium-grained groundmass and phenocrysts up to 2 cm in length. Toward the upper parts, the amount and size of the phenocrysts increase, as does the biotite content.
Inscriptions on Turtle Rock and Guyeon Seowon, Yosujeong, and Gwansuru
Traces left by visitors remain intact on Turtle Rock. Countless names have been densely carved into the rock, leaving virtually no empty space. Among them, the inscriptions reading Jangsu-jidae (藏修之臺) and Janggu-jiso (杖屨之所) are said to have been carved to clearly indicate that their author was the master of this scenic valley.
Confucian historical sites line both sides of the valley. Within the grounds are the shrine of Guyeon Seowon (龜淵書院), the Inner Three Gates (內三門), Gwansuru (觀水樓), the shrine office (典祠廳), Yosujeong (樂水亭), Hamyangjae (涵養齊), a commemorative gate (旌閭), the Sangosujang Monument (山高水長碑), a historical monument (遺蹟碑), and Amgudae (岩龜臺). These are jointly managed by local Confucian scholars and the Yosu lineage association of the Geochang Sin clan. Pine forests, water, and rocks combine to create outstanding scenery, while rare plants, including Go-rancho ferns, grow naturally around Jagoam. The registered address is 890 Hwangsan-ri, Wicheon-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, the lot number recorded in the national heritage registration.
Susongdae Suspension Bridge: 50 m Above Ground and 204 m Long, Opened in November 2022
The suspension bridge has brought new vitality to Susongdae. From the 50-m-high, 204-m-long Susongdae Suspension Bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire site and experience the thrill of walking above the valley. Designed as a towerless structure, with no bridge piers, it is supported only at both ends and forms a curved line. The bridge deck consists of silver-colored metal grating, allowing visitors to look directly down at the stream flowing below. The Susongdae Suspension Bridge, opened in November 2022, has become highly popular.
It would be a shame to walk only the suspension bridge and turn back. The starting point is the Susongdae parking lot. After passing Turtle Rock and crossing Rainbow Bridge, visitors follow a hiking-trail deck; after crossing the bridge, they return to the parking lot along the Mubyeongjangsu Circular Trail, creating a loop course. The Mubyeongjangsu Circular Trail is a 3.6-km loop that returns to its starting point and allows visitors to experience the history, culture, and nature of Scenic Site Susongdae all at once. Adults can complete it in about one hour. Operating hours vary by season: during summer (March–October), it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.; during winter (November–February), it is open only until 4:50 p.m. Access may be restricted for safety on days with strong winds, rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather. The annual number of visitors to Susongdae Tourist Site is estimated at approximately 305,000.
Summer Valley Getaway and the Geochang International Theatre Festival at “Turtle Theater”
Summer is the busiest season at Susongdae. Visitors repeatedly note that the valley water is cool and that there are many shallow sections suitable for family water activities. The festival held during this period is also considerable in scale. The 36th Geochang International Theatre Festival will take place throughout the Susongdae area of Geochang-gun for 10 days, from July 31 to August 9, 2026. A total of 50 groups, including groups from seven foreign countries and 43 domestic organizations, will participate and present 78 performances. The opening production will be “The Old Man’s Dream” by Su Company, performed at 8:00 p.m. on July 31 at Susongdae Turtle Theater.
Viewing arrangements are also clearly defined. The opening and closing performances and fringe performances are free, while advance reservations are required for major official entries. Geochang residents receive a 50% discount, and general visitors can receive a 20% discount by booking in advance by the day before the opening. During the festival, a free shuttle bus connecting Geochang County offices and the Susongdae event venue will run every day. Looking back at the previous season, 57 theater companies from seven countries at home and abroad participated and presented 76 performances, with more than 20,000 spectators attending. Beginning that season, a new 1,000-seat performance venue was established against the backdrop of Susongdae’s Turtle Rock, and the stage is now operated under the name “Turtle Theater.”
Late December to Early February: Susongdae Snow Sledding Park
There is also a winter landscape that contrasts with summer. Geochang-gun operates Susongdae Snow Sledding Park, a representative winter tourism attraction, from around December 24 each year until approximately February 10 of the following year. The family-oriented facility has 20 lanes and a 20-m-wide, 120-m-long slope, along with a moving walkway so children and older adults can use it without excessive physical strain. Operating hours are divided into two daily sessions: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fees are 6,000 won per child aged 36 months or older, 7,000 won for teenagers and military personnel, and 8,000 won for adults.
Discount conditions are also set out in detail. Groups of 30 or more receive a 1,000-won discount. Geochang residents receive a 30% reduction, while households with multiple children, national merit recipients, multicultural families, single-parent families, and basic livelihood security recipients can receive a 50% reduction. Children under seven can use the facility free of charge when accompanied by a guardian, and parking is free for snow-sledding park users. However, as this facility operates only in winter, visitors coming in spring through autumn should know that the snow-sledding park site remains only as an empty slope.
14 Auto-Camping Sites and 84 Camping Decks: Reservations Are Required
There is also a way to stay beside the valley. The auto-camping site operates from 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. the following day, the campground from noon to 11:00 a.m. the following day, and the sledding site from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (maintenance from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.). The inquiry telephone number is 055-940-8530. Advance online reservations are required for the 84 camping decks, and the auto-camping site also operates on a 2:00 p.m. check-in and 1:00 p.m. check-out schedule the following day.
These rules become stricter during peak season. Some auto-camping and campground sections operate by advance reservation, and operating procedures may change during peak season, so visitors should confirm the details during the reservation process. If planning summer water activities and camping together, it is safest to check reservation availability and parking conditions in advance. As the valley area is subject to cultural heritage protection regulations and restrictions, visitors must follow on-site guidance regarding cooking and waste disposal.
How to Get to Hwangsan-ri, Wicheon-myeon — Parking and Public Transportation
Most visitors arrive by car. Located approximately 13 km northwest of Geochang-eup, it is convenient to reach by private vehicle. Traditional hanok houses and historic residences, including the Sin Chang-beom and Sin Yong-gyu houses in Hwangsan Traditional Hanok Village and Wonhak Historic House, are located nearby, making combined sightseeing possible. Hwangsan Traditional Hanok Village is about 600 m from Susongdae, and several historic houses also offer lodging. Its accessibility from Muju Deogyusan Resort makes it suitable for regional travel courses combining mountains, valleys, and resorts.
Public transportation is limited. As of 2016, a bus route from the Geochang Bus Terminal to Susongdae via Wicheon reportedly operated once a day. Since departures are infrequent, it is safest to check the current timetable directly with Geochang Bus Terminal at 055-940-3114. Parking is paid: for standard cars, up to three hours is free, more than three and up to seven hours costs 2,000 won, and all-day parking costs 5,000 won. A parking lot accommodating approximately 700 vehicles is available. Susongdae Tourist Site is open year-round and has no admission fee.
Who Will Enjoy It, and Who May Find It Lacking
It is a suitable destination for families and middle-aged travelers who want to enjoy valley water activities, walking, and historical sites all in one place. Admission is free, and the valley and forest are close by, making it highly popular with families. In summer, visitors can also use nearby amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and sports facilities. Since active courses such as the suspension bridge and circular trail are combined with quiet historical sites such as Guyeon Seowon and Gwansuru, it is easy to plan an itinerary that suits companions with different interests.
However, visitors may crowd the area during the summer peak season, so anyone planning water activities and camping together should check reservation availability, operating hours, and parking conditions in advance. Those seeking an urban-style itinerary covering many places in a short time may be better suited to the nearby Gammaksan Suspension Bridge or Deogyusan Resort than Susongdae, which focuses on valley walks and historical-site visits. Travelers relying solely on public transportation should also take into account in advance the infrequent bus service toward Wicheon.
Places
Nearby Attractions 5
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1
Hwangsan Traditional Hanok VillageA village where you can stroll along stone-walled paths, explore old houses, and admire traditional hanok homes. -
2
Geumwonsan Natural Recreation ForestA natural recreation forest where you can enjoy forest recreation while walking along forest trails and valleys. -
3
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4
Geochang Forest Leisure Sports ParkA place to experience forest leisure activities such as a treetop course and zip coaster. -
5
Geochang Golden Monkey VillageAn experiential village where you can enjoy both rural activities and mountain village scenery.
Food & Dining 1
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6
Geochang SanmaruA Korean restaurant serving neungi mushroom hot pot and beef-and-mushroom hot pot.
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