in a dried-up valley stream. ”
When the summer heat hit, staying home felt suffocating, but planning a long vacation was out of the question. Seeking a quick escape, we packed a small bag and headed to Sammaksa Valley (Sammakcheon) in Anyang, just south of Seoul.
The entrance was easy to find, right next to the local university, and lined with traditional restaurants and cozy cafés. After a bit of a parking scramble—finding a spot on weekends takes patience—we began our walk up the stream.
Pro Tip: Getting There Stress-Free
While entry to the valley is free, the public parking lot charges a fee (about 6,000 KRW for a full-day prepaid pass). Since parking queues can be extremely long on weekends, taking the subway to Gwanak Station (Line 1) and catching a 5-minute taxi ride is highly recommended to avoid the stress.
What I loved most was the terrain. The stream bed consists of wide, flat granite rocks. We simply unrolled a thick picnic mat, and it instantly became our private lounge. The water was incredibly clear, and we spent ages watching tiny schools of fish swim by.
A quick heads-up, though: the wet, mossy rocks can be surprisingly slippery. We were really glad we wore aqua shoes instead of regular flip-flops, saving us from a few close falls.
As we ventured further up, the water began to thin out, eventually disappearing completely due to a recent drought. But instead of disappointment, we found something better. The dry upper section was completely empty. Sitting there under the dense canopy, with nothing but the sound of cicadas and rustling leaves, was exactly the peaceful retreat we needed.
Good to Know: Stay Connected
Since the valley trails lead away from the urban grid into the mountain, keeping your map apps (Naver Map) and translators running smoothly is essential. A reliable data connection really saves you from wandering off the path.
Our Sammaksa Travel Diary
Curious about our quiet afternoon in the dried-up valley? Check out our illustrated travel journal!