Sire Hobakso, famous as a filming location for the movie 'The Servant'. [Photo=Miryang City]

While major cities in the Gyeongsangnam-do region are reeling under "extreme heat warnings" due to sweltering weather, Miryang has a reason to smile.

It is true that Miryang is also an inland city in the Yeongnam region that is not free from the foehn phenomenon, but thanks to the "Yeongnam Alps," a range of 1,000-meter-high mountain peaks, it is endowed with many famous summer vacation spots. Among them, "Eoreumgol" (Ice Valley) is a unique summer getaway created by the abundant streams flowing down from the Yeongnam Alps and its pristine nature.

Cold air blowing from rock crevices... Natural Monument 'Eoreumgol Freezing Site'

Located at an altitude of 700 meters on the northern mountainside of Jaeyaksan Mountain, the Eoreumgol freezing site is nicknamed the "Miryang Mystery." Even under the scorching midsummer sun, cold air—maintaining an average temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius—pours out from between the piles of rocks.

 In Miryang's 'Eoreumgol', ice begins to form in early March and can be seen until mid-July. [Photo=Miryang City]

This place has long been called "Sire-binggok." The name Sire (詩禮) comes from Silhyesan (實惠山), the old name for Gajisan Mountain. Thanks to the mysterious phenomenon where ice begins to form in early March and can be seen until mid-July, the entire valley has been designated as a Natural Monument.

The reason ice begins to form in the spring rather than the winter is that the seasons arrive late here. It is cool in the summer but very warm in the winter, to the point that vibrant green moss can even be observed in the rock crevices in the middle of winter.

Due to the effects of climate change in recent years, the duration for which ice remains throughout spring and summer is not as long as it used to be, but the chilling sensation upon entering the valley entrance remains unchanged. For this reason, even in the middle of summer, it is difficult to keep one's feet in the valley water for more than a minute.

In addition, Eoreumgol is surrounded by strange rock cliffs on three sides, centering around the rocky field (andesite) and the valley, offering exceptional scenery. The downside, however, is that it is not very easy to reach.

Riding the Eoreumgol Cable Car through the clouds

The breathtaking scenery of Eoreumgol can be easily enjoyed by taking the Yeongnam Alps Eoreumgol Cable Car. The cable car climbs the 1.8km section from the lower station to the upper station at an altitude of 1,020m in about 10 minutes.

The Eoreumgol Cable Car operates along a 1.8km section. [Photo=Reporter Im Yo-hee]

The open mountain ranges and the cool alpine breeze blowing from the upper station provide a fantastic sense of refreshment without the toil of hiking.

Of course, this place has its downsides too. On most days, the mountain ridges are shrouded in mist, making it difficult to clearly see the stunning views. Of course, the feeling of rising above the clouds into the sky is incomparable to anything else.

Also, because it is located at such a high altitude, the climate is different from the villages below, creating an otherworldly atmosphere where spring flowers like buttercups can still be observed until mid-July.

The cable car has a generous passenger capacity of 50, providing plenty of space even for three generations—grandparents, parents, and children—to ride together. The fare is 17,000 won for adults. The interval between departures is about 20 minutes, and it operates from 9:20 AM to 5:00 PM between March and September.

Miryang's 8 Scenic Spots: Sire Hobakso and Ocheonpyeong Banseok

A 10-minute walk from the Eoreumgol Cable Car leads to "Sire Hobakso," one of the eight scenic spots of Miryang.

A "Hobakso" (pumpkin-shaped pool) is formed when the strong force of water falling from a waterfall over a long period wears down granite rocks, creating a round, deep pool (a pond) that resembles a 'hobak' (a dialect word for a mortar).

As you walk along the phytoncide-rich cypress forest path, a spectacular sight unfolds accompanied by the sound of cool rushing water. The scenery is so beautiful that the pristine valleys and dense forests of Baegunsan Mountain served as a backdrop for the movie 'The Servant'.

If you walk about 1km along the forest path from the entrance of the Hobakso valley, you will find "Ocheonpyeong Banseok," a massive rocky area. Named for its flat rock surface, which is said to be 5,000 pyeong in size, it allows visitors to enjoy forest bathing and playing in the cool valley water at the same time.

'Ocheonpyeong Banseok', where wide, flat rocks stretch along the valley. [Photo=Miryang City]

'Twin Tunnel,' a transformation of the old Gyeongbu Line railway tunnels closed in 2004, themed around 'light'. [Photo=Miryang City]

Another cool travel destination in Miryang is the "Twin Tunnel." This place was reborn as a spectacular "light"-themed tourist attraction using the old Gyeongbu Line railway tunnels that were closed in 2004. It maintains a cool temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius regardless of the season, making it perfect for an indoor summer escape. The colorful lighting and spectacular photo zones are ideal for capturing that perfect "life photo."

Miryang = Reporter Im Yo-hee