Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the physical characteristics and tranquility of the valleys located in Gangwon region. For this study we analyzed the field survey data 135 valleys using GIS. The elements for measurement of tranquility were divided into visual elements including terrain, objects, forest, water and auditory elements including noise. These elements were divided further into positive and negative factors. The weight of each element and item was calculated by applying the AHP method. The results of this study are as follows. The length of the valley ranged from 126 m to 17 km, and the elevation ranged from 40 m to 1,800 m. Type of mixed forest was common in the valleys. The depth of the water was over 20 cm in 83% of the total area and most of the water was in good condition in visual quality. Regarding the positive factors of tranquility, the weighted scores of the objects, waterfall sounds and visual transparence of the water were of relatively high value. Relatively high values were also shown in closed and curved topography in the landform, forest type and natural forests. In the negative factors, the weights of the objects and forest elements had high values. Within the facility groups, facility of the river produced a considerable negative. After applying the index of tranquility, the natural physical attributes affected the tranquility value, more than the manmade structures to a much greater degree.