The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) announced that “Eoreumchi Village” located in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, has been selected as the “Eco-Tourism Destination of the Month” for January 2025.

“Eoreumchi Village” is located within the Donggang River Basin Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area (designated in August 2002). The area maintains well-preserved pristine natural scenery, including the Donggang River, Gihwacheon Stream, and Baegunsan Mountain. The village boasts beautiful landscapes, with Baegunsan Mountain, Chiljongnyeong Ridge, Hwangsaeyeoul Rapids, and Baengnyong Cave included among the twelve scenic spots* of Donggang River.

* Zelkova trees and village scenery in Gasu-ri, the brushwood bridge in Sudong village in Unchi-ri, Nariso and Bariso, Baegunsan Mountain and Chiljongnyeong Ridge, Mountain Fortress and surrounding scenery in Goseong-ri, Basae Village and Apppyeongchang Cliff, Yeonpo Village and yellow clay tobacco drying yard, Baengnyong Cave, rocks of Hwangsaeyeoul Rapids, rocky cliffs in harmony with Toad Rock, Eorayeon River, Doenkkokkari Rapids and Jeonsanok Inn in Manji Village

In addition, this area is home to many rare species that can only survive in pristine natural conditions, including the indigenous species Eoreumchi (Hemibarbus) (Natural Monument No. 259) and the specialty plant Donggang pasqueflower.

Baengnyong Cave, located within Eoreumchi Village, is designated as Natural Monument No. 260, reflecting its excellent internal scenery as well as its scholarly and archaeological value. 

Exploring Baengnyong Cave is an ecological learning-type adventure that involves directly exploring the unlit interior of the cave, allowing visitors to observe a round-trip distance of 1.5 km. During the exploration, various cave formations such as stalactites and soda straws, as well as 56 species of cave organisms including bats, can be observed. 

The number of visitors to Baengnyong Cave is limited to 240 people per day (20 people per session) in order to protect the cave. 

In addition, various biodiversity exploration activities (bioblitz) where visitors can observe freshwater fish and aquatic insects, as well as Chiljongnyeong Ridge trekking, allow for direct observation and experience of the surrounding ecosystems.

If you visit Pyeongchang-gun in January, you can explore various tourist attractions besides Eoreumchi Village, such as the Stone Cultural Art Center, Gwangcheon Seongul Adventure Theme Park, the filming location for the movie Welcome to Dongmakgol, and the Daegwallyeong Snow Flower Festival (January 24 - February 2). Information on eco-tourism experience programs, nearby tourist attractions that can be visited in conjunction, recommended travel itineraries, and more can be found on the Ministry of Environment's website (me.go.kr), while various information on eco-tourism experiences operated by Eoreumchi Village can be checked on the Mahari Eoreumchi Village website (mahari.kr).

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com