Introduction
Soyosan(Mt.)
Situated in Soyo-Dong, Dongducheon city, and Gyeonggi Province. Soyosan(Mt.) is the most noted mountain in the north region of the Hangang(River) for its unique physical aspects, spectacular azalea, and the royal azalea that blooms in spring and maple tree leaves in autumn. Having been called minor Geumgangsan(Mt.) for its spectacles from ancient times.
Soyosan(Mt.) has also been noted as the place where Saint Wonhyo achieved spiritual awakening. With plenty of sights including Jajaeam (small Buddhist temple) and Wonhyo Falls, and broad parking space at the entrance, this mountain acquired a good reputation as one-day touring course for the residents of metropolitan area
Although not grandiose in its size, the ridges of this mountain consisting of oddly looking rocks and weirdly shaped stones remind hikers of Manmulsang of Geumgangsan(Mt.) and deep valleys give a profound feeling to it. Midway on the route to the summit, a little high above Cheongryang Falls showing off its pretty cascade, and there is Wonhyo Falls falling from the height of 10m with resounding roar and refreshing splash. Inside Jajaeam and behind the parking lot, there is a spring gushing cool and refreshing mineral water all the year round and the city manages directly towards the environment of the neighborhood to keep the spring clean and sanitized.
Situated northeast of Dongducheon with the height of 587m, Soyosan(Mt.) (meaning "walking") achieved its name from the legend of the famous scholars in Josun dynasty such as Seo Gyeongdeok, Yang Saeon and Kim Siseup who enjoyed walking in this mountain. Walking along the first valley, tourists meet Cheongryang Falls at Habaekundae. On the right of Habaekundae is Wonhyodae where it is said Saint Wonhyo led an ascetic life and farther more, passing a few bridges, is a Buddhist temple called Baekundae, which has a handed-down legend that Wonhyo who was frustrated at the failure in attaining an awakening attempted suicide to find truth at the last moment.