Miryang’s Eoreumgol named Korea’s top destination for mystery and natural summer cooling

(Photo by Miryang City/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Miryang has earned national recognition across dozens of travel categories, with Eoreumgol Valley taking the top spot in two categories in the Korea Tourism Organization’s 100×100 Destination Discovery Project.

A total of 70 Miryang attractions and experiences were selected across categories covering nature, culture, food, architecture, K-content, lifestyle, and experiential travel.

Eoreumgol ranked No. 1 nationwide in both the K-Mystery and “Air Conditioner in the Forest” categories. The unusual valley is known for its natural cooling phenomenon, making it one of Miryang’s most distinctive summer destinations. It also placed eighth among Korea’s unusual geological attractions.

Other highly ranked Miryang destinations included the Miryang Arirang Astronomical Observatory, which placed second in a category highlighting unusual and entertaining research spaces, and Geumsidang Recreation Area, which ranked third for its historic old trees.

The city’s attractions also performed strongly across a variety of travel interests. The Yangnim-gan Embankment Road ranked fourth among cycling routes, while Miryang dwaeji-gukbap, the city’s signature pork and rice soup, placed fourth in the gukbap and hangover soup category.

Historic Pyochungsa Temple ranked fifth in a heritage category, while Yeongnamnu Pavilion also placed fifth in a category featuring destinations worth climbing to reach.

Several locations appeared in multiple categories. Wiyangji Pond, for example, was recognized for its garden landscape, waterfront scenery, relaxing atmosphere, photogenic views, and popularity among locals.

Yeongnamnu was highlighted not only for its heritage but also for its traditional dancheong decoration, mysterious stories, and scenic views.

Miryang plans to use the results to develop new travel routes, events, and tourism content connecting the selected destinations, with the goal of encouraging visitors to explore more of the city and spend more time in the surrounding communities.

Fleet Chinhae