Miryang Eoreumgol, Gyeongnam a natural wonder where ice stays even in summer

Overview

Miryang Ice Valley is a mysterious valley located about 25 km east of Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, at an elevation of 1,189 m on the northern slope of Cheonhwangsan, around 600 m above sea level. It is well known for its unique natural phenomenon in which ice forms even in midsummer and warm air rises from cracks in the rocks during winter. Because of these rare geological and climatic characteristics, it was designated a Natural Monument in 1970 and is protected. It is a highly impressive destination for foreign travelers who want to experience Korea's special natural environment firsthand.

Highlights

• Valley with unusual temperature conditions: ice in summer, warmth in winter
• Cliffside valley at 600 m above sea level on the slopes of Cheonhwangsan
• Warm air from rock cracks and moss scenery in all four seasons
• Natural Monument designated in 1970

Best Time to Visit

Miryang Ice Valley is especially worth visiting in summer, so the most recommended time is from early summer to midsummer. The hotter the weather, the more interesting this place becomes.

The best time to visit is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. It is relatively less crowded, and it is easier to get around before the heat becomes intense. According to operating information, the visiting hours are usually 08:00-18:00.

The best day of the week is a weekday visit. On weekends and public holidays, domestic visitors increase and it can become more crowded. If you want a quieter atmosphere, a morning visit from Tuesday to Thursday is the safest choice.

In short, a weekday morning in summer is the most comfortable and pleasant time to enjoy Miryang Ice Valley.

How Long to Stay

If you only take a quick look around Ice Valley, 1-2 hours is enough. If you take the cable car and visit the Sajapyeong silver grass plain or include a walking course, 3-4 hours is typical. If you want to see nearby natural attractions as well, it is best to plan for about half a day.

How to Get There

Miryang Ice Valley can be reached by public transportation, but for the final stretch, using a bus or taxi is the most convenient.

By train
If departing from Seoul, take the KTX to Miryang Station, then take a bus or taxi from the station to Ice Valley. From Busan, the common method is to take the Mugunghwa-ho to Miryang Station and then use a taxi.

By bus
In downtown Miryang, take city bus No. 2 or No. 5 and get off at Ice Valley Bus Stop. According to local guidance, departing from the Miryang Terminal is the most convenient. Bus schedules may vary slightly, so please check the timetable again at the stop.

On foot
After getting off at Ice Valley Bus Stop, walk toward the Ice Valley entrance. The walking section is relatively short, but the road may be uphill, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Subway
There is no subway station directly connected to Miryang Ice Valley. The nearest major rail station is Miryang Station, and you must transfer by bus or taxi from there.

Note
The provided materials do not include subway exit numbers. In Korea, when traveling to regional attractions, the train + city bus combination is the most practical option rather than the subway.

Photo Spots

• Ice Valley freezing zone viewpoint
  Location: Around the information sign and viewing deck for the freezing zone.
  Composition: If you frame the rocks and frozen area from the front and shoot slightly downward, the unique terrain of Ice Valley stands out well.
  Direction: Shoot facing straight into the valley from the viewing deck.
  Recommended time: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Soft light highlights the rock texture and valley atmosphere.
• Valley rock path point
  Location: A section of the trail leading to the freezing zone where the valley and large rocks are visible together.
  Composition: Including the path and shooting vertically creates a natural sense of depth.
  Direction: Shoot toward the upstream side of the valley, in the direction of the trail.
  Recommended time: Early morning. Fewer visitors make it ideal for quiet photos.
• Area around the lower cable car station at Ice Valley
  Location: The entrance to the Ice Valley cable car boarding area and the surrounding open space.
  Composition: Including both the cable car line and the mountain ridge conveys the atmosphere of the destination well.
  Direction: Shoot toward the direction where the cable car line leads into the mountains.
  Recommended time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. Warm light on the mountain ridge makes for great landscape photos.
• Upper cable car observatory
  Location: The viewing area at the upper station.
  Composition: You can capture the wide mountain scenery in a landscape shot, or place a person near the railing and photograph them with the background.
  Direction: Shoot outward toward the open valley and mountain ridges.
  Recommended time: A clear afternoon. Visibility is stable and the layers of the mountains appear distinctly.
• Sire Hobakso
  Location: A viewpoint in the Sire Hobakso valley near Ice Valley.
  Composition: Including the round pool and rocks in one frame creates a representative landscape photo.
  Direction: Shoot slightly downward toward the center of the water pool.
  Recommended time: Late morning to before noon. The water color and rock details appear clearest.

Night View

Miryang Ice Valley itself is a place to enjoy natural scenery, so there is not much information about flashy night lighting or large-scale nighttime events. If you want to enjoy a night view as well, Dalbit Ssambgi Park in downtown Miryang is more suitable.

This is an urban park with well-maintained nighttime lighting, and at night the lights along the river create a romantic and calm atmosphere. It is a good place to enjoy Miryang's city nightscape and the river breeze, so it is recommended as an evening walk spot.

The recommended time is from just after sunset until around 9:00 PM. During this time, the lighting is most visible and it is relatively comfortable for a walk. However, since there is an uphill section on the way to the park, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes in the dark.

There is no clear permanent information about night events, so it is best to think of it as a place to quietly enjoy the lighting and the city night view rather than special performances.

Seasonal Guide

Miryang Ice Valley has distinct seasonal changes, making it a mountain destination where you can enjoy different charms throughout the year. The key highlights are the Ice Valley on the northern slope of Jaeyaksan and the cable car that climbs to the upper station at 1,020 m above sea level.

• Spring: It is a great time to enjoy spring flowers and fresh greenery in the lower mountain area. During cherry blossom season, the surrounding roads and village scenery become especially bright, making it ideal for drives and light walks.
• Summer: Ice Valley is famous for its cool atmosphere even in summer. It is a good season to escape the heat, and if you use the cable car, you can easily begin trekking toward Jaeyaksan and Cheonhwangsan with cool mountain breezes.
• Autumn: This is the most recommended season. As you travel through Sanyeo-myeon and Sannae-myeon toward Ice Valley, the autumn foliage becomes deeper, with the peak usually around November. From the cable car, you can see Miryang's deep mountain slopes and colorful forests at a glance.
• Winter: Thanks to the higher altitude, it is a good time to feel the cold mountain scenery. The weather can be very cold and the roads may be slippery, so prepare warm clothing and anti-slip shoes. For winter lighting events, it is best to check official information before visiting.

Practical tip: During the peak foliage season, visitor numbers increase and cable car waiting times may become longer. Foreign travelers can move around more comfortably if they arrive early in the morning, and since the mountaintop is colder, it is a good idea to bring a light outer layer even in summer.

Local Tips

Miryang Ice Valley has been free of admission since January 1, 2023, so you can visit without burden.

From the Ice Valley Management Office to the Ice Valley freezing zone, the distance is about 450 m. Except for some sections, the route is relatively easy to walk, making it a good place for a light visit.

If you want to get a closer look at the scenery of the Yeongnam Alps, consider using the cable car. It is especially popular in November when the autumn leaves are at their peak.