Naerincheon Stream Pothole (Gangwon Peace Area National Geopark)

Naerincheon Stream is a tributary of the Soyang River. It originates from the valleys of Odaesan Mountain and Gyebangsan Mountain in Naemyeon, Hongcheon-gun, and flows through Sangnam-myeon and Girin-myeon in Inje-gun, eventually joining the Soyang River, the first tributary of the North Han River, at Hapgang-ri, Inje-eup. The name Naerincheon is derived from combining the character 'nae' (內) from Naemyeon, Hongcheon-gun (the upstream area) and 'rin' (麟) from Girin-myeon, Inje-gun (the downstream area).

Incised Meander This refers to a meandering river where the river has deeply incised its bed, forming a valley that is deep relative to the river's width, due to uplift of the land or a drop in sea level caused by climate change, as the river that once meandered across a plain cuts down into the bedrock. Unlike most rivers in the North Han River basin, which flow in a southwest direction, Naerincheon flows northwest, and it is characterized by having the highest average elevation of valleys within the North Han River basin. Consequently, the valley is very narrow, and the river forms a typical incised meander with pronounced bends. In particular, the area is renowned for its excellent natural scenery and cleanliness, to the extent that when the government announced plans to build the Naerincheon Dam in 1997, the project was scrapped due to opposition from residents and environmental groups. Please note that parking is available at the waterfront park.