Course Overview
The Eumseong Gamgok to Giant Rock Face Drive covers approximately 30 km from the Gamgok Mae-goe Shrine, Chungbuk's first stone building, to the Giant Rock Face Sculpture Park and Sureuisan Natural Recreation Forest. Eumseong County, nestled between Cheongju and Chungju, is filled with undiscovered hidden gems.
The Gamgok Shrine is a Catholic pilgrimage site with over a century of history. Behind the cathedral, a mountain trail leads to hilltop crosses and the Stations of the Cross. The Giant Rock Face Sculpture Park features massive faces carved into natural rock, and Sureuisan forest provides a peaceful conclusion.
Section Highlights
Section 1: Gamgok Mae-goe Shrine (approx. 5 km)
Explore the shrine in Gamgok-myeon. The Mae-goe Museum, Chungbuk's first stone building, chronicles 100 years of cathedral history. Walk up Maesan to the hilltop cross.
Section 2: Gamgok to Giant Rock Face Park (approx. 13 km)
Heading south to Daeso-myeon, the Giant Rock Face Sculpture Park features massive faces carved into natural cliff walls, popular as an Instagram photo spot.
Section 3: Giant Rock Face to Sureuisan Forest (approx. 12 km)
The final leg leads to Sureuisan (629 m) Natural Recreation Forest with woodland cabins, an artificial waterfall, and trails of varying difficulty perfect for family outings.
Driving Tips
- Gamgok Shrine is free with ample parking
- Giant Rock Face Park admission: 3,000 KRW for adults
- Sureuisan forest offers overnight stays (advance booking required)
- Eumseong's specialty white peaches are in season July-August
- Ban Ki-moon's birthplace (Peace House) is also in Eumseong