Potholes on Yoseonam Rock in Mureung-ri, Yeongwol

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.543

Category

자연지형

Designated year

2013

Location

영월군, 강원특별자치도— 강원특별자치도 영월군 무릉도원면 무릉리 1423

Coordinates

37.297400, 128.261300

Yoseonam Rock is a broad granite river bed covered with countless potholes in many different shapes and sizes. As these potholes were formed by erosion, this rock holds significant academic value for geographical research, and is a marvelous sight to see as well. ※ Yoseonam Rock: Yoseonam literally means ‘a rock where you can meet spiritual immortals’ in Korean. It is said that Yang Sa-eon, a man of letters during the Joseon Period, frequently visited this place to enjoy its scenic beauty while he was serving as a county magistrate of Pyeongchang. The Chinese characters reading ‘Yoseonam’ are believed to have been written by Yang Sa-eon. ※ Pothole: A pothole, also known as a giant’s kettle or giant’s cauldron, is a cavity or hole formed in rocky boulders by eddying currents of water bearing detritus such as stones and gravel, which fall into small cavities in the bedrock of a stream and swirl around, gradually making the cavities wider and deeper. Potholes are most commonly formed in sandstone and granite, usually in circular and oval shapes.

Location