A view of Okgye Valley in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province. [North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation]
A view of Okgye Valley in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province. [North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation]

The North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation has highlighted three of the province's top valleys for visitors looking to escape the late-summer heat.

The corporation on Friday named Bingye Valley in Uiseong, Yongchu Valley in Mungyeong and Okgye Valley in Yeongdeok as its picks for August under the theme "Exploring North Gyeongsang Through Photos."

Bingye Valley in Uiseong is a natural wonder where ice forms even in midsummer. Visitors can find ice clinging to rock crevices and feel cool air rising from the ground at Binggyeri Eolgumgol, a natural ice hollow, and explore ice caves and wind holes in the area.

The surrounding landscape is shaped by basalt and tuff formed during Cretaceous volcanic activity. A walk along the valley leads to a five-story stone pagoda at the Bingsan Temple site, designated a national treasure. Camping and other amenity facilities are also available nearby.

Yongchu Valley, nestled in the foothills of Daeyasan Mountain in Mungyeong, is a popular water-play destination. Clear stream water flows over broad granite bedrock, and the valley's centerpiece is the two-tiered Yongchu Falls, said in local legend to be where two dragons — one male, one female — ascended to the heavens.

Around the falls, the rock face is said to bear the scale marks left behind as the dragons rose skyward. Smooth bedrock polished by centuries of flowing water, set against dense forest, makes the spot ideal for both swimming and relaxing.

Okgye Valley in Yeongdeok pairs dramatic rock cliffs with crystal-clear water. The jade-like stream and white rock formations complement each other, and the valley offers a range of water depths — from shallow to relatively deep — making it well suited for water activities.

Wide, flat rock surfaces are scattered throughout, providing comfortable spots to spread out a mat or set up a camping chair for a rest.

"North Gyeongsang's valleys offer the coolest and most refreshing retreats, where clear water meets dense forest," said Kim Nam-il, president of the North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Corporation. "We hope visitors enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday with family and loved ones, cooled by nature's own air conditioning."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com