Nature-Filled Changnyeong Upo Wetland and Uiryeong Hanwoo Mountain | Travel Course | Staypick

Upo Wetland is a vast swamp with a total area of 2,505,000㎡, spanning four myeon: Yuo, Ibang, Daehap, and Daeji in Changnyeong-gun. It is an ecological treasure trove inhabited by more than 800 species of plants, 209 species of birds, 28 species of fish, 180 species of benthic large invertebrates, and 17 species of mammals. It was designated an Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area on July 26, 1997, registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland on March 2, 1998, and designated a Wetland Protection Area on August 9, 1999. Due to its importance, it was designated a Natural Monument on January 13, 2011, and on February 8, 2012, it was designated a Wetland Improvement Area and changed to a Wetland Protection Area. On October 25, 2018, at the 13th Ramsar Convention of the Parties, it was certified as the world's first Ramsar Wetland City. The formation of the wetland began approximately 140 million years ago. During the Mesozoic Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed, the sea level rose sharply, and the ground of the Nakdonggang basin subsided, causing water flowing into the Nakdong River to pool and form swamps and natural lakes, which became playgrounds for dinosaurs. Dinosaur footprint fossils remain in Sejin-ri, Yuo-myeon near Upo Wetland. During the rainy season, the water depth can reach 5 meters but is usually 1 to 2 meters. The swamp bed has thick layers of humus accumulated from numerous life forms over tens of millions of years, preventing feet from sinking like in mudflats. This humus layer makes Upo Wetland an ecological archive or a living natural history museum. Until the Japanese colonial period, there were 10 more wetlands around Upo Wetland, including Gahang Wetland, Pallak Wetland, and Hakambeol, but they have disappeared due to reckless development and encroachment by farmland.

Bonghwangdae is a cliff located at the entrance of Byeokkye Reservoir in Pyeongchon-ri, Gungnyu-myeon, Uiryeong-gun. The massive strange rock formations create a magnificent view, and the name comes from its shape resembling the head of a phoenix. Following the stone steps of Bonghwangdae, there is a natural cave between the cliffs, and beyond this cave lies a narrow stone gate blocking the way. After barely passing through this stone gate, you encounter another cave which has a spring that flows perennial mineral water, providing cool water to visitors. In spring, the scenery is splendid with flowering ephemerals, and in summer, the dense shade offers cool relief. However, Bonghwangdae's true charm is its autumn foliage. The evening sunset cast over the phoenix cliff covered with crimson leaves presents a truly picturesque scene. Surrounding areas also offer many scenic spots, including Muun Rock, Yongso, Gaksi-so, and Gaeggi Rock in Chalbi Valley, and local delicacies such as village chicken baeksuk and goat bulgogi can be enjoyed. Midway up Bonghwangdae is a small flat area with a pavilion called Bonghwangnu. Another attraction is Ilbungsa, a temple of the Daehan Buddhist Ilbung Seon-gyo sect located below Bonghwangdae.

일붕사는 천혜의 자연 요건을 갖춘 봉황산에 위치한 사찰이다. 이 사찰이 유명한 것은 동굴법당. 이 법당은 세계 최대 동굴법당으로 영국 기네스북에 등재돼 있다. 이 법당의 크기는 456.2m²(138평)과 297.5m²(90평). 현재 불자들의 소원성취를 위한 기도 도량으로 하루 평균 2백여 명의 불자들이 오고 있다.

축산인 5명이 모여 영주선비촌한우영농조합법인을 결성하고 법인에서 직접 운영하는 식육.식당으로 질 좋고 맛있는 한우를 저렴하게 공급하자는 취지로 “농가 - 도축장 - 식육.식당”으로 유통구조를 개선하여 저렴하게 공급하고 있다.

Chalbi Valley is a valley flowing beside Hanwoo Mountain, characterized by its grand mountainous terrain and deep folds originating from Jagul Mountain, where magnificent rock formations create scenic views. Within the valley lies Hanwoosan Fortress, named for its stone walls that resemble fortress walls, standing like a natural stronghold. Chalbi Valley boasts crystal-clear water flowing year-round, forming waterfalls that create spectacular natural scenery. The waterfalls form pools known as Gaksiso, Nongsu, and Asso, each associated with local legends. The water is so clear that the beautiful surrounding forests are reflected, creating a picturesque scene. Consequently, many tourists visit Chalbi Valley during summer and autumn. Currently, the area is developing into a comprehensive tourist destination with attractions such as Byeokgye Tourist Site and Byeokgye Reservoir located in the lower part of the valley, attracting campers, anglers, and numerous visitors.

Hanwoosan is a mountain connected to Jagulsan, featuring grand terrain and deep valleys with numerous spectacular rock formations. The central valley flows refreshingly and is also called Chalbi Valley because cold rain is said to fall even in summer. Scattered legends such as Nongsso and Gaksiso add charm, with azaleas blooming profusely in spring, lush green forests in summer, and peak autumn foliage. In winter, icicles hang densely between rocks along the valley, evoking the season's atmosphere. The mountain was also a filming location for the movie Beautiful Days, particularly a scene descending Hanwoosan symbolizing life's hardships with a horse cart winding down the mountain slopes. In spring, rhododendrons bloom in clusters, coloring the entire mountain red, making it a popular hiking route for families. Paragliding enthusiasts create a spectacular display of colorful paragliders high above.