Jusanji: The 300-Year-Old Reservoir That Has Never Run Dry

In Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong County, North Gyeongsang Province, it is still before sunrise at the reservoir. In the cool air that hasn't yet shaken off the night's chill, white mist rises off the still water, and out of it emerge the silhouettes of thick, gnarled tree trunks. These are willow trees that have stood rooted in the water for nearly 300 years. Even when the wind moves, the trees them

selves barely stir, and the reservoir holds an almost unreal stillness. All that tells you the place is alive is the cool pre-dawn breeze brushing your collar, and the faint, damp scent the mist carries off the water. Now is a good time to visit. Mid-September marks the short transitional window when summer's deep green is just beginning to shift toward autumn color, so the willows' green still o

verlaps with the season's first tinges of red and yellow on the surrounding ridges. Once full autumn-foliage season begins, domestic travelers arrive in large numbers — but visiting now means having the reservoir largely to yourself. For travelers without much time to spare, this is a way to catch a rare seasonal moment without a long trip. ■ 300 years, and the bottom has never once shown Jusanji

is not a natural lake but a man-made irrigation reservoir. Construction began in August 1720, the first year of King Gyeongjong's reign in the Joseon dynasty, and was completed in October 1721. Beneath the reservoir lies a bedrock of "welded tuff," volcanic ash fused into dense, nearly water-impermeable rock — which is why, in more than 300 years since completion, the reservoir has never once run

dry, even through severe droughts. In recognition of this geological and scenic value, it was designated South Korea's national Scenic Site No. 105 in March 2013, and it is now managed as one of the highlight sites of the Cheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark. ■ The willows that shape the scenery Some 20 to 30 willow trees, estimated to be between 150 and 300 years old, grow with their roots submerge

d in the reservoir. Tree roots normally rot and die when kept underwater, but Jusanji's water level stays almost constant across all four seasons, giving these trees the stable conditions that have let them survive for centuries. When the cold night air meets the comparatively warmer water surface and the wind falls still, fog rises from the water and the willows are mirrored perfectly on its surf

ace. This mist depends on temperature, humidity and wind, so it isn't guaranteed on any given visit — but even without it, the still water and surrounding forest make the walk worthwhile. ■ Practical information - Location: Jusanji-ri, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province (Jeolgol district of Juwangsan National Park); the parking area is at Jusanji-ri 87. - By public transpo

rt: Several express buses a day run from Seoul's Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Juwangsan (Cheongsong), taking about 4 hours. From the Juwangsan intercity bus stop, public transport onward to the Jusanji parking lot is limited, so a taxi (about 20 minutes) is recommended. - By car: Take the Sangju–Yeongdeok Expressway to Cheongsong IC, head toward Juwangsan-myeon, and enter "Jusanji parking lot" in yo

ur navigation. - Time needed: About 1km of gentle forest path from the parking lot to the reservoir, roughly 10–15 minutes one way; 1 to 1.5 hours is enough for a round trip with time to look around. - Hours: Open year-round, with no set closing time. - Fees: Admission and parking are both free. - Notes: Pets, bicycles and drones are not allowed. Visitors should view the reservoir only from the de

signated trail and viewpoints, and should not go down to the water's edge. The misty scene depends on the weather, so it isn't guaranteed every time you go. On days without mist, it's worth combining the visit with other geological sites inside Juwangsan National Park — its rock formations and valleys make for a good half-day loop around the reservoir. Like this reservoir that has never once run

dry in 300 years, an under-the-radar destination doesn't stay quiet forever. While it's still uncrowded, now is the time to stand at its edge. If you'd like to know more about this place, ask us on the Korea Tourism Times Kakao open chat. Korea Tourism Times Editorial Desk