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Jusanji Pond

A small irrigation pond near Juwangsan with willows growing out of the water, photographed at dawn when mist sits on it.

Updated 9 October 2026

WhereGyeongsangbuk
Nearest cityCheongsong; Andong about an hour and a half
Best seasonLate October to early November; dawn
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereJuwangsan area, Cheongsong; car, then a short walk from the parking area
EntryFree

Jusanji was dug in the early eighteenth century as an irrigation reservoir for the fields below and it has never dried out since, which is the local boast. It is small - a couple of hundred metres long - and what makes it worth the detour is what stands in it: willows and other trees rooted in the shallows, some of them around a hundred and fifty years old, their trunks in the water and their reflections doubling them when the surface is still. On cold mornings mist gathers on the pond and the trees come and go in it. Kim Ki-duk filmed Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring here, which brought it national attention. The window that matters is a couple of weeks from late October, when the surrounding slopes turn and the reflection carries the colour; outside that it is a quiet pond with dead-looking trees in it. Walking down to the water's edge is restricted to protect the banks.

What you'll find

  • The submerged willows - old trunks standing in the water.
  • The reflection - the trees doubled on a still surface.
  • The dawn mist - fog sitting on the pond in cold weather.
  • The autumn slopes - colour around the water in late October.

When to go

Late October to early November, at dawn - both conditions matter, and the window is short. Mist needs a cold still morning and does not appear on demand.

Things to know

It is small and can be seen in twenty minutes. Outside the autumn window and without mist it underwhelms. Access to the bank is restricted and photographers crowd the few viewpoints at dawn.

Nearby

Juwangsan national park is a short drive; Andong is an hour and a half west.

What to pack for Jusanji Pond

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
  • Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
  • Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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