The Ultimate Guide to Eobi Ice Valley: the Spellbinding Ice Wall Near Seoul

The sheer beauty of Cheongsong Ice Valley left a profound impact on me, igniting an insatiable desire to seek out more of such breathtaking wonders. This year, in January, I had the pleasure of checking off another must-see winter destination from my list: Eobi Valley. The memories I created during that visit will forever remain etched in my heart. In this post, I am thrilled to take you on a nostalgic journey through that enchanting experience and share all the essential details you need to know about Eobi Valley in winter, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this amazing wonder.

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Eobi Valley: An Introduction

Nestled in Gapyeong-gun, a renowned district in Gyeonggi Province famous for its proximity to Seoul and captivating attractions like Nami Island, Petite French Village, and Garden of Morning Calm, lies the captivating Eobi Valley (어비계곡). This picturesque valley is situated at the base of Eobi Mountain, gracefully positioned between Mount Yongmun and Mount Yumyeong.

Legend has it that Eobi Valley earned its name due to its exceptional beauty. The water in the valley used to be exceptionally clear, teeming with an abundance of fish that gave the impression of them flying through the air. Such extraordinary qualities led to the name “Eobi” (魚飛), which translates to “fish flying” in English.

In 2021, as part of a community restoration project, the valley underwent significant enhancements. Hiking trails were developed, and new facilities, including parking spaces and parks, were established to attract a larger number of visitors. Among these developments, one park in particular stands out, featuring a magnificent ice wall. This mesmerizing feature has quickly propelled Eobi Valley to the top of the list of recommended winter destinations in Korea.

Exploring the Ice Wall at Eobi Valley:

While the ice formation at Eobi Valley may be smaller compared to the renowned one in Cheongsong, it still holds an undeniable allure. As you venture into the valley, you’ll be greeted by an enchanting sight: a delicate network of frost-covered formations, akin to intricate lacework. Every surface glistens with a layer of shimmering ice crystals, reflecting sunlight and casting a mesmerizing array of colors. The towering ice formations and majestic ice cliffs inspire a deep sense of awe, reminding us of nature’s unrivaled artistry.

The ice wall at Eobi Valley reveals itself along the bank of a gentle creek that meanders through Eobi Park (어비공원). To reach the park from the main road, you’ll cross a wooden bridge that hovers near the point where the ice wall can be closely admired. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture stunning photographs from this very bridge, with the magnificent ice valley as your backdrop.

As you delve further into the park, you’ll stumble upon an octagonal pavilion. This intricately designed wooden structure showcases the traditional Korean architecture of Hanok. Take a moment to rest inside the pavilion, as it offers the perfect vantage point to marvel at the ice wall, soaring majestically into the sky from the alley below. It feels as if you’re peering into a magical chamber, offering a glimpse into a snow-covered wonderland.

Optimal Time to Witness the Ice Wall:

Unfortunately, there isn’t an official source providing specific dates for the arrival and departure of the ice wall. Prior to my visit, I resorted to regularly checking Instagram for the latest pictures using the hashtag #어비계곡. However, it’s worth noting that the peak season for remarkable ice formations in Korea typically spans from early January to early February. Thus, planning your visit during this period is highly advisable to maximize your chances of witnessing the ice wall in all its glory.

Getting to the Ice Wall at Eobi Valley from Seoul:

With the breathtaking images of the ice wall gaining widespread attention on the internet, Eobi Valley has emerged as a popular tourist destination. Its charm lies not only in its magnificent frozen spectacle but also in its proximity to the country’s capital, making it a coveted winter hotspot. However, finding your way to the ice wall can be a bit challenging due to discrepancies found on Naver navigation systems. In the following sections, I will guide you through various methods to locate and reach this mesmerizing ice wall from Seoul, while also providing some useful tips to keep in mind.

By Car:

Traveling by car is often the fastest and most convenient option when venturing to destinations outside the city. The journey to the Eobi Ice Wall, taking roughly an hour, makes for an ideal day road trip. However, there are a few essential points to remember if you choose to drive to the ice wall.

Avoid using ‘어비계곡’ on your Naver or Kakao navigation as it will lead you to a riverbank far from the ice wall.
Instead, input ‘어비산장’, which is a cabin located near the park where the ice wall is situated.
Close to the cabin (어비산장), you’ll find at least three small parking areas managed by locals. Feel free to park in any of them for your convenience.
A parking fee is required (5,000 won for small cars and 10,000 won for larger cars), and there are no time restrictions.

If you’re considering renting a car for your trip, consider the following options:

Public Transportation:

While driving yourself may offer certain advantages, reaching the valley via public transportation is also a viable option. Here is a recommended route from Naver Maps for accessing the Eobi Valley Ice Wall from Seoul:

Head to Jamsil Station & Lotte World bus stop, bus stop number 24138. You can find it near exit 5 of Jamsil Station on Seoul Subway line 2.
Take the rapid bus number 7000 (red bus), which will bring you to the Hankyomak (한교막) bus stop in Gapyeong (stop number 44313). The bus ride typically takes around 40 minutes.
Once you arrive, cross the road and walk a short distance north to Hangyomak Yangpyeong Direction (stop number 44527) bus stop. From there, board the local bus number 20-2.
Alight at Eobi Gyegog Jongjeom (어비계곡종점) (stop number 44726), which should take approximately another 40 minutes.
Follow the sign written ‘어비산장’. Around 100 meters away from the bus stop, you’ll reach the wooden walkway leading to the ice wall.
The entire bus journey will cost around 4,000 won.
When it’s time to return to Seoul, return to bus stop 44726 and take bus 20-2 back to Hankyomak. From there, catch bus number 7000 to Jamsil at stop number 44527.
It’s worth noting that bus 20-2 has long intervals between each bus. If you prefer a quicker option, consider taking a taxi from Hankyomak bus stop to 어비산장. The taxi ride takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately 18,000 won.

Book a Tour:

When it comes to convenience and potentially cost-effective options, booking a tour is often the way to go. To make your journey to Eobi Valley hassle-free, consider the following tour packages:

Other Tips:

Now that you have the essential information to guide you to Eobi Valley in winter, here are a few additional tips to ensure you make the most of your visit:

Expect crowds:

When the ice wall forms, it’s common for the area to be bustling with visitors, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider planning your visit on weekdays.

Hot packs are hand and feet savers:

The vicinity near the ice wall is an open space without fire pits or heating facilities nearby. If you plan to spend more time there capturing perfect shots, it’s advisable to bring along some heating pads or hot packs to keep yourself warm.

Indulge in Dak-bokkeum-tang:

The neighborhood surrounding Eobi Valley is renowned for its Dak-bokkeum-tang (braised spicy chicken). Along the roads leading to the valley, you’ll find numerous restaurants serving this delicious dish. Trying the famous braised spicy chicken is a must-do when in Gapyeong, completing your experience of the area.

As we reach the end of this guide on experiencing the breathtaking ice wall at Eobi Valley, I hope that it has provided you with valuable insights for planning your visit. May your journey in Korea be filled with smooth travels and delightful adventures! Thank you for taking the time to explore my blog!

Gallery: More Pictures of the Eobi Valley Ice Wall

Access Map:

Quick Info About Eobi Valley Ice Wall:

Address: 경기 가평군 설악면 어비산길 233 어비산장
Naver Map: Link
Hours: 24hours
Admission Fee: None

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