As you walk along the cliffs 20 to 30 meters above the water, the autumn foliage recedes, and the landscape of early winter slowly takes hold in the basalt gorges.
This 3.6-kilometer trail runs along a promenade suspended 20 to 30 meters above the surface of the Hantan River, on basalt cliff walls, offering views of both the columnar jointing and the river scenery.
The Cheorwon Hantan River columnar joint rock trail is a hiking path located within the UNESCO Global Geopark. In November 2026, the remaining autumn foliage and the early winter scenery will overlap along the trail, offering the pleasure of experiencing the changing seasons.
This is the scenery you encounter on a path suspended in the middle of a cliff.
This trail connects the Sundam Valley ticket office with the Deureuni Village in Dongon-dong, with a one-way distance of 3.6 km, consisting of 1.4 km of cantilever walkways and 2.2 km of pedestrian decks. The name “cantilever walkway” originates from the path created by placing wooden planks on cliffs, and here, it runs along the middle of the gorge at a height of 20 to 30 meters above the water surface.
Along the Hantan River, you can see a series of basalt columns, vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and various rock formations, and the trail also passes over a cloud bridge and a section made of reinforced glass. There are 10 observation rest areas along the entire route, making it a great natural learning experience for families with children, allowing them to observe the shapes of the basalt and the flow of the river.
It is also interesting that the road opened to the public on November 19, 2021. A road has been built on a cliff that was previously difficult to access, creating a place to view the scenery while also transforming geological resources into tourist attractions.
The height of the trail above the Hantan River differs from that of the suspension bridge, and the way of walking also differs.
The “Hantan River Waterway Trail,” located within the same Hantan River UNESCO Global Geopark area, is a course that follows sections of the river close to the water surface, including floating pontoon and riverbank sections. The “Jusangjeolli Trail” is a cantilevered walkway built on a cliff, offering views of the river and the gorge from a higher elevation, so the perspective differs even though it overlooks the same river.
Wonju’s Sogeumsan Grand Valley focuses on hands-on experiences with artificial structures such as suspension bridges and swaying bridges. In contrast, the Chaegesan suspension bridge in Sunchang primarily offers the experience of walking across a suspension bridge. The main attraction here is not a specific bridge, but the entire 3.6 km linear trail and the basalt geological landscape.
No matter who you walk with, the beauty of the scenery is undeniable.
If you are with a partner or friend, it is a good opportunity to take photos with the river and autumn foliage as a backdrop at sections such as the cliff walkway, the swaying bridge, and the sky observation deck. Even if someone stops briefly to take a picture, there are 10 observation rest areas, so it should be easy to adjust your pace and walk together.
When visiting with children, use the walking deck and observation rest areas as intermediate points to observe the basalt columns, waterfalls, and river in sequence. If you are visiting with parents, consider the stairs and inclines when choosing a starting gate, and it is best to combine transportation methods for the return trip.
Even for those walking alone, the approximately 1 hour and 30-minute course is sufficient for focused exploration. While observing the columnar joints, faults, and granite geological features, and recording the scenery at rest stops, the walking pace and the observation pace will naturally synchronize.
Starting from Druni, capture the river and autumn foliage in a single frame.
Many people prefer the route starting from Deureuni Gate, which has a relatively smaller number of uphill steps. Starting from Droney, the route passes through the cliffside walkway, the basalt column bridge, and the sky observation deck, creating a view where you can see both the Han River and the autumn foliage.
If you enjoy photography, choose a viewpoint where you can see both the river that curves like an “S” and the vertical cliffs. Framing the river’s curve, the cliff’s vertical line, and the guardrail in a single shot will effectively convey the scale of this road.
It is best to stop briefly at each viewpoint with your child to observe the rocks and waterfalls, and to provide resting places for parents along the way. After the tour, the “Cheorwon Love” gift certificates, which are exchanged for a portion of the entrance fee, can be used at restaurants, cafes, and shops in the Cheorwon area, allowing visitors to experience Cheorwon until the very end of their walk.
Walking at an earlier time on weekends helps to establish a rhythm for walking.
During weekends and holidays, parking spaces may be limited, and traffic congestion may occur. Additionally, waiting times for the shuttle and entry lines may overlap. If you are driving your own car, arriving early is beneficial for reducing both parking and entry wait times.
During weekdays, a shuttle bus does not operate between the two entrances, so separate transportation may be required to return to the starting point after visiting. On weekends and holidays, it is possible to use the shuttle bus to return to the opposite entrance where vehicles are available, which is convenient for families with parents.
The Jusangjeolli Trail is a paid hiking trail, and it requires walking 3.6 km one way. The trail includes stairs and uphill sections, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time for taking photos.
In November, the autumn foliage and the early winter scenery of the valleys are combined in a single vista.
The Hantan River columnar joint rock trail in Cheorwon offers autumn foliage in the fall and snow and ice blending with the columnar joint rock formations in the winter. November 2026 is a time when the scenery transitions from autumn foliage to the early winter landscape, making it a month to experience both the remaining red hues on the cliffs and the cold basalt gorge.
After your visit, it is convenient to proceed to Goseokjeong. Located at 1825, Taebong-ro, Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun, it is a national tourist destination on the middle reaches of the Han River, where a 10-meter-high rock formation rises in the center of the river.
At the Eunhasu Bridge on the Hantan River, you can view the gorge from a different vantage point. At the Cheorwon History and Culture Park and the Soyisan Monorail, you can explore the remnants of Cheorwon’s modern urban landscape and enjoy the views of Soyisan Mountain.
It starts from one of the two gates.
The address is San 78-2, Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Visitors arriving by car should use either the Sundam Gate or the Deureuni Gate to begin their tour, and parking lots are available near both gates.
The parking lot near the Druni ticket booth is larger than the one near Sundam, and on weekends, parking space may be limited, and traffic congestion may occur. If you plan to park your car at one gate and walk one way, it is best to decide on both the starting point and the return route in advance.
Please check the admission fees and operating hours according to the season.
The admission fee is 10,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for children. A portion of the individual admission fee can be exchanged for “Cheorwon Sarang” gift certificates, with adults exchanging 5,000 won and children exchanging 2,000 won.
Admission is available at the ticket booths located at the Sundam Gate or the Deokjeong Gate. Operating hours are from 09:00 to 16:00 from March to November, and from 09:00 to 15:00 from December to February. The site is closed every Tuesday.
The facility is also closed on January 1, Seollal Day, and Chuseok Day. In November 2026, you may visit between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; it is not open on Tuesdays.
In November 2026, consider starting your trip early in the morning to account for weekend crowds and one-way travel, while enjoying the autumn foliage and the early winter scenery. If stairs and uphill climbs are a concern, the route starting from Deokjeong Gate is considerably more comfortable.
