Danang is known for its beautiful scenic spots, including Dodamsambong. It has a ferry pier where visitors can take a cruise around Cheongpung Lake, making it a popular destination in the 1980s. Interestingly, at one time, Danang was also known as the area where the most soju was sold in South Korea, reportedly surpassing Jeju. The town of Danang was bustling with tourists from all over the country. Even though it may not reach the fame it once had, Danang is certainly a good city to travel to. Mancheonhaskywalk and the Danang Path offer stunning views of the beauty of Sobaeksan, Geumsusan, and the Namhangang River. Dodamsambong, Seokmun, Sainam, among others, and the head temple of the Cheontae order, Guinsa, are worthy candidates for an exploration trip. There are many hidden scenic spots, and plenty of activities to enjoy. It is also easily accessible from the metropolitan area.
The breathtaking views of the skywalk and the path
Danang is a shortened term for 'Yeondanjoyang' (鍊丹調陽). 'Yeondan' refers to 'elixirs consumed by immortals' and 'joyang' means 'light shines evenly and warmly.' Thus, Danang carries the meaning of 'a place where sunlight shines evenly, allowing immortals to live without sickness and age.'
To verify this, one should visit Mancheonhaskywalk. It is a steel structure built atop Manhakcheongbong (320m), meaning 'ten thousand valleys and a thousand peaks.' As you ascend along the circular observation deck, you can appreciate the views of Sobaeksan, Geumsusan, and Wolaksan in all directions. At the peak, there are three skywalks that protrude outwards. The longest central platform is a combination of steel mesh and glass, while the two smaller skywalks are entirely made of glass.
Standing on the glass floor, one feels a sense of heart-pounding vertigo at the vast scenery below. The views are excellent. The Yangbangsan Observatory, the town of Danang, the Namhangang iron bridge, and Danang station are all clearly visible. In the distance, colorful paragliders taking off from the Doosan launch site appear like dots against the blue sky.
Across from the Mancheonhaskywalk parking lot is the Danang Path. You can walk above the flowing Namhangang River along steep cliffs as if floating through stunning scenery. It stretches 1.2 kilometers from the entrance of Sangjindaegyo Bridge to the Danang Cliff in Jeoksung-myeon.
The path was built after much struggle by workers. They drilled through the cliff using industrial drills to insert steel pipes, laying the foundations, and then suspended the pathway akin to shelves. The Danang Path is 20 meters high and 2 meters wide, with the cliff section alone measuring 800 meters. As you walk, the sounds of water splashing against the cliff can be heard. It feels somewhat like walking in China's paths; you might even call it 'a miniature of Zhangjiajie.' Walking along the path with views of the Namhangang River, Sangjindaegyo Bridge, Danang station, and the gently flowing Namhangang River is refreshing.
Ondal Mountain Fortress, steeped in the story of the fool Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang
Let's go back 1,400 years. At that time, Danang was a place where Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla were fiercely contesting for power. Silla looked northward, Goguryeo was pursuing a southern agenda, and Baekje had defeated Mahan and occupied the central plains first. They aimed to take Danang to control the Korean Peninsula. The sound of horse hooves from the Three Kingdoms made it impossible for Danang to have a quiet day.
Ondal Mountain Fortress is a semi-circular stone fort built by Goguryeo on Seongsan (427m) in Yeongchun-myeon, Danang County, to reclaim the waters of the Namhangang River. This location was a fierce battleground for Goguryeo and Silla fighting for control over the Han River. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the fortress, and perhaps due to the blue sky backdrop, it feels particularly grand. At first glance, it might seem like a whale partially emerging from the sea.
Ondal Mountain Fortress is also known for the story of General Ondal of Goguryeo, who is well known for his tale of 'the fool Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang.' According to the 'History of the Three Kingdoms,' Ondal, who was the son-in-law of King Pyeongwon, set out in 590 (the first year of King Yeongyang), stating, 'I will not return unless I reclaim the land west of Gyeripjeong and Juknyeong,' to reclaim the region of Namhangang, which had been taken by Silla. Unfortunately, he met his fate at Adansong, struck down by arrows from the Silla army. The fortress was built vertically with flat and even stones and is evaluated as having the best-preserved form of any fortress from the Three Kingdoms period. It is also the filming location for the recently released movie 'Jeonlan.'
The place that has amazed countless poets and artists: the Eight Scenic Views of Danang
Visiting Danang, one cannot miss viewing the Eight Scenic Views. The most famous spot is Dodamsambong, regarded as the first view among the Eight Scenic Views of Danang. A pavilion sits atop the central peak among the three rock formations that float like a boat in the river. It resembles a miniature of a famous mountain or perhaps mountains submerged in water, leaving only the peaks visible.
Dodamsambong has a deep connection with Jeong Dojeon, a founding figure of the Joseon Dynasty. His maternal family hailed from Danang, and in his youth, he often visited Dodamsambong to find solace. His pen name 'Sambong' is also derived from Dodamsambong.
To the left of the Dodamsambong tourist area, there is a path leading to the octagonal pavilion. If you hike along the path for about 200 meters, you will encounter the grand Seokmun. It is a 'footbridge in the mountains' with a central opening. It is said that the ceiling of the limestone cave collapsed long ago, leading to its current form. This is the largest stone pillar of this type in the East. The view of the Namhangang River and the village through the central opening resembles a painting in a frame. Seokmun is also one of the Eight Scenic Views of Danang.
Let's also visit Guinsa. It is the main temple of the Cheontae order, overseeing 140 temples nationwide. When new visitors first enter Guinsa, they are astonished by the grandeur of the temple. The modern multi-story structures, ranging from 3 to 5 stories, line both sides of the road. The temple grounds are filled with over 50 buildings, including the five-story Daejeonggak, the Seolseondang, the Inguangdang, the Jangmun Hall, the Hyangjeokdang, and the Dohyangdang.
Travel notebook
Cafe San is located next to the paragliding activity area. It has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy coffee while watching the paragliders taking off. Various goods, such as bags and wallets made from upcycled parachutes, are also sold. Jangdari Restaurant offers dishes made from Danang's specialty, six-clove garlic.
The taste of Namhangang Sogari Olgaengi's Olgaengihajang-guk is delicious. The bluish broth made from boiling sweetfish is mixed with homemade soybean paste, and along with the flesh of sweetfish, mustard greens, and napa cabbage, it is simmered thoroughly. The garlic bread set from the Danang Bakery located in Gyeongguk Market is also famous.