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

While major cities in Gyeongnam are suffering under sweltering heat with 'extreme heat warnings' in effect, Miryang has 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; however, it is blessed with many famous summer retreats thanks to the 'Yeongnam Alps,' a range of 1,000-meter-high mountain peaks. Among them, 'Eoreumgol' (Ice Valley) is a unique summer getaway created by the abundant water flowing from the Yeongnam Alps and its pristine nature.

Cold winds from the rock crevices... The Natural Monument 'Eoreumgol Ice-Freezing Site'

Located 700 meters above sea level on the northern hillside of Mt. Jaeyaksan, the Eoreumgol ice-freezing site is nicknamed the 'Mystery of Miryang.' Even under the scorching midsummer sun, cold air maintaining an average temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius blows out from between the rock piles.

 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 'Siryebinggok.' The name Sirye (詩禮) originates from Silhyesan Mountain, the old name for Gajisan Mountain, and because of the mysterious phenomenon where ice begins to form in early March and can be seen until mid-July, the entire valley has been designated a Natural Monument.

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

Recently, due to climate change, the duration for which ice remains during spring and summer is not as long as it used to be, but the chilling sensation upon entering the valley remains the same. Thus, even in the middle of summer, it is difficult to keep one's feet in the valley water for more than a minute.

Furthermore, Eoreumgol is surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides, centering on a rocky field (andesite) and the valley, offering breathtaking scenery. The downside is that it is not very easy to get to.

The Eoreumgol Cable Car, soaring through the clouds

The spectacular views 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, located at 1,020 meters above sea level, in about 10 minutes.

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

The vast mountain ridges and the cool Alpine breeze from the upper station provide a fantastic sense of refreshment without the exertion of hiking.

Of course, this place has its drawbacks too. On most days, the mountainside is shrouded in mist, making it difficult to get a clear view of the scenery. Of course, the feeling of rising through the clouds into the sky is incomparable.

Also, because it is located at such a high altitude, the climate differs from the villages below; spring flowers like buttercups can be observed until mid-July, creating an atmosphere that feels like another world.

The cable car has a generous capacity of 50 passengers, leaving plenty of room even for three generations of a family. The fare is 17,000 won for adults. Departures occur roughly every 20 minutes, and it operates from 9:20 AM to 5:00 PM from March to September.

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

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

'Hobakso' refers to a round and deep pond (沼) created over a long period as the powerful water falling from a waterfall carved out the granite rock, resembling a mortar (Hobak in local dialect).

As you walk along the path lined with phytoncide-rich cypress trees, a magnificent sight unfolds along with the sound of cool water. The scenery is so beautiful that the pristine valleys and dense forests of Mt. Baekunsan here served as the background for the movie 'The Servant'.

Walking about 1km along the forest trail from the entrance of the Hobakso valley, you will come across 'Ocheonpyeong Banseok,' a massive rocky area. The name, which translates to "5,000-pyeong flat rock," was given due to the vast, flat rock surface; it is a place where you can enjoy forest bathing and cool valley water play at the same time.

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

'Twin Tunnel,' a transformation of the old Gyeongbu Line tunnel, abandoned in 2004, into a 'light'-themed attraction. [Photo=Miryang City]

Another cool travel destination in Miryang is the 'Twin Tunnel.' This is a place where a railway tunnel from the old Gyeongbu Line, which was abandoned in 2004, was reborn as a spectacular 'light'-themed tourist site. It maintains a cool temperature around 18 degrees Celsius regardless of the season, making it perfect for an indoor summer escape. Its colorful lighting and vibrant photo zones are ideal for capturing that special "life-shot" photograph.

Miryang = Reporter Lim Yo-hee