Difference between revisions of "Seoraksan" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | '''Seoraksan''' is the third highest mountain in South Korea, after the [[Hallasan]] volcano on [[Jeju-do|Jeju Island]] and [[Jirisan]] in Gyeongsang Province. It is the highest mountain in the [[Taebaek mountain range]], which often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula. | + | '''Seoraksan''' is the third highest mountain in South Korea, after the [[Hallasan]] volcano on [[Jeju-do|Jeju Island]] and [[Jirisan]] in Gyeongsang Province. It is the highest mountain in the [[Taebaek mountain range]], which often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula. Many people say that Seoraksan is the most beautiful place in Korea. |
==Mt. Seoraksan Nature Reserve== | ==Mt. Seoraksan Nature Reserve== | ||
| + | [[Image:Korea_biryong.jpg|Biryong waterfall.|200px|left|thumb]] | ||
Seoraksan is located in a national park near the city of [[Sokcho]], within the [[Gangwon (South Korea)|Gangwon]] province in eastern [[South Korea]]. The ''Daechongbong Peak'' of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 meters (5,603 feet). | Seoraksan is located in a national park near the city of [[Sokcho]], within the [[Gangwon (South Korea)|Gangwon]] province in eastern [[South Korea]]. The ''Daechongbong Peak'' of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 meters (5,603 feet). | ||
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==Natural Features== | ==Natural Features== | ||
| + | [[Image:Korean.Seoraksan-Ulsanbawi-01.jpg|A view of Ulsanbawi from a distance.|thumb|right|240px]] | ||
| + | [[Image:That_rock.jpg|thumb|240px|Heundeulbawi, on the way to Ulsanbawi.]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Sorak_ulsan_climbers.jpg|240px|right|thumb|Hikers climbing on Ulsan Bawi]] | ||
The ''Yukdam'' waterfall and the ''Biryeong'' waterfall are located on the left side of the valley, about a forty minute walk from the main car park. | The ''Yukdam'' waterfall and the ''Biryeong'' waterfall are located on the left side of the valley, about a forty minute walk from the main car park. | ||
''Ulsanbawi'' is a rock formation in the Seoraksan national park. The shape of Ulsanbawi is unique in the area. To reach the rocks you need to follow a hiking path and climb over 800 steps. On the way there, there are two temples and a spherical rock ''(Heundeulbawi)'' which is located on top of a larger rock. This rock is about 5 meters (16 feet) high and can be moved with some effort. Thousands of people have already tried to push down Heundeulbawi, but nobody gets further than waggling the rock. | ''Ulsanbawi'' is a rock formation in the Seoraksan national park. The shape of Ulsanbawi is unique in the area. To reach the rocks you need to follow a hiking path and climb over 800 steps. On the way there, there are two temples and a spherical rock ''(Heundeulbawi)'' which is located on top of a larger rock. This rock is about 5 meters (16 feet) high and can be moved with some effort. Thousands of people have already tried to push down Heundeulbawi, but nobody gets further than waggling the rock. | ||
| − | |||
According to the legend Ulsanbawi comes from the city of [[Ulsan]] in the south east of Korea. As [[Kumgangsan]] was built, Ulsanbawi walked to the north as the representative of the city. Unfortunately Ulsanbawi arrived too late and there was no more room. Ulsanbawi was ashamed and slowly trudged back to the south. One evening the rock went to sleep in the Seorak area. Ulsanbawi felt it was so beautiful around there that it decided to stay for good. | According to the legend Ulsanbawi comes from the city of [[Ulsan]] in the south east of Korea. As [[Kumgangsan]] was built, Ulsanbawi walked to the north as the representative of the city. Unfortunately Ulsanbawi arrived too late and there was no more room. Ulsanbawi was ashamed and slowly trudged back to the south. One evening the rock went to sleep in the Seorak area. Ulsanbawi felt it was so beautiful around there that it decided to stay for good. | ||
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Apart from the colors of the mountainous forest, the shapes of the rocks are attractive. A bit further away from the entrance is the ''Cheonbuldong'' valley. The name (Cheonbuldong) means 1000 Buddhas. Not much imagination is needed to see naturally built Buddha statues in the rocks that dominate the forest. | Apart from the colors of the mountainous forest, the shapes of the rocks are attractive. A bit further away from the entrance is the ''Cheonbuldong'' valley. The name (Cheonbuldong) means 1000 Buddhas. Not much imagination is needed to see naturally built Buddha statues in the rocks that dominate the forest. | ||
| + | '''Gwongeumseong''' are high rocks, to the south of Sogongwon. It takes 8 minutes to travel to Gwongeumseong (12km), by cable car. From the cable station, you can catch a magnificent view of the Ulsanbawi rock formations. | ||
| + | At the top, East Sea and Sokcho city can be seen at a glance. Looking west, you will see an exquisite cliffs, such as Gongnyongneungseon (Dragon Ridge line), Cheonhwadae, Madeungnyeong, and Jeohangnyeong. Gwongeumseong is named after two men, Mr. Kim and Kwon, who built it to hide themselves from war. | ||
| + | <br clear="all"> | ||
==Seoraksan's Temples== | ==Seoraksan's Temples== | ||
| + | [[Image:Sinheungsa_sorak.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Gate to Sinheungsa Temple]] | ||
| + | '''Sinheungsa Temple.''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Sinheungsa, sometimes spelled Shinheungsa, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is situated on the slopes of Seoraksan. The temple was first constructed to the east of Norumok in the 6th year of Queen Jindeok (652)of Silla Dynasty, by Jajang, a great Buddhist Master who studied Buddhism in Tang China and then founded many temples during the Silla period. Jajang originally built the temple with a nine-story pagoda to enshrine the sarira of Buddha, and gave it the name ''Hyangseongsa'', which was later changed to ''Sinheungsa''. It burned to the ground in 699, and was rebuilt by Uisang. It burned again in 1645. Visitors can also see the attached temples, Gyejoam, Naewonam, Anyangam and Geumganggul(cave). Sinheungsa is the headquarters temple for 40 branch temples in the northern part of Gangwondo province. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Korea-Seoraksan-Buddhist.temple-01.jpg|200 px|thumb|right|Sinheungsa's Geumganggul chapel.]] | ||
| + | |||
-------begin National Park paste—[[User:Dan Davies|Daniel]] 19:44, 6 August 2007 (UTC) | -------begin National Park paste—[[User:Dan Davies|Daniel]] 19:44, 6 August 2007 (UTC) | ||
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'''Baekdamsa Temple''' A monk named Jajangyulsa built Baekdamsa, one of the representative temples of Nae(Inner) Seorak. It was named "Hangyesa" during the reign of Queen Jindeok (647) of Silla. However, its name was changed several times, and it was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire. Baekdamsa was named during the rein of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. The temple gained widespread fame because Han Yongun, a prominent poet, decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood in this temple. | '''Baekdamsa Temple''' A monk named Jajangyulsa built Baekdamsa, one of the representative temples of Nae(Inner) Seorak. It was named "Hangyesa" during the reign of Queen Jindeok (647) of Silla. However, its name was changed several times, and it was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire. Baekdamsa was named during the rein of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. The temple gained widespread fame because Han Yongun, a prominent poet, decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood in this temple. | ||
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--------end National Park paste | --------end National Park paste | ||
| + | Information Service Past | ||
| + | Ask a Korean to name the most beautiful place in Korea and that person will no doubt say Mt. Seoraksan. It is arguably the area most beloved by Koreans. | ||
| + | With its high craggy peaks, boulder-strewn streams of crystal clear water, large waterfalls, unusual rock formations, and forests of pine and hardwood, it is certainly one of the most beautiful places Korea has to offer, any time of year. | ||
| + | In Korea spring, summer, autumn and winter have climatic conditions that clearly distinguish them from each other, and no where is this more visible than Mt. Seoraksan. In spring, its slopes become a riot of various shades of pink, purple, white and yellow with the flowering of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and forsythia. In summer, it is lush with vegetation of every shade of green imaginable and its valleys are filled with the sound of rushing streams and thundering waterfalls. In autumn, it is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors as nature changes the foliage to various shades of red, yellow and gold. In winter, it becomes white from its peaks down to its hills and its streams and waterfalls are hushed and still, all is serene. Unlike most mountains, Mt. Seoraksan does not rise gradually from foothills; it rears up abruptly from the coastal plain, a weathered wall of granite and gneiss topped by serrated peaks that time and the elements have carved into fantastic forms resembling the battlements and towers of a fortress, its ramparts half-veiled in fog. Thick mists often drift around and between its peaks, blurring their outlines and smudging the forests into images like from an old ink painting. | ||
| + | Indeed, Mt. Seoraksan looks a lot like the classic Korean ink paintings of craggy mountains wreathed in mist. That is because it is part of the southernmost extension of the source of all those paintings: the legendary Mt. Geumgangsan, or Diamond Mountains, most of which lie north of the border between the two halves of Korea. | ||
| + | However, Mt. Seoraksan is not a lone peak. It is actually a series of peaks in the mid-section of the Taebaeksan range that forms the spine of the Korean Peninsula from north to south. It stretches along the east coast of the peninsula and penetrates deep inland. | ||
| + | The mountain has gone by many names including Mt. Seolbongsan, Snow Peak Mountain, and Mt. Seolsan, Snow Mountain, but modern Koreans call it Mt. Seoraksan, Snow Rock Mountain. Contrary to these appellations, the mountain is not snow-capped year-round. It got its name because of the outstanding beauty of its winter landscapes and because of the outcroppings of white rocks that give it a snowy appearance when there is no snow. According to an ancient record, the mountain got its name because snow begins to fall there at the time of the harvest moon festival and does not melt completely until the summer solstice. Another record says that it was named for the snow-white boulders that form its peaks. | ||
| + | Daecheongbong, Great Green Peak, is Mt. Seoraksan's main peak. It rises to 1,708 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Taebaeksan range, and the third highest in South Korea after Mt. Hallasan, a 1,950-meter-high volcanic mountain on the island of Jeju-do, and the 1,915-meter-high Mt. Jirisan straddling the border of the three provinces of Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. | ||
| + | Because of the mountain's scenic beauty and rare flora and fauna, a 163.4-square-kilometer area around Daecheongbong was designated a natural monument in 1965. The area was expanded and made a national park in 1970. The park now encompasses 354.6 square kilometers of land and has 28 peaks, 58 valleys, 9 hills, 2 hot springs, 2 mineral springs and 15 grandiose rock formations as well as 12 Buddhist temples and hermitages. | ||
| + | The forests of Mt. Seoraksan are luxurious. They are a mix of deciduous broad-leaved trees with alpine plants and conifers at high elevations near the mountain ridges. They contain a great variety of flora that provide a habitat for many different animals. Daecheongbong itself is especially noteworthy as a sanctuary for high-altitude plant life. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are about 939 different species of plants, 25 species of mammals including the Asian black bear, musk deer, mountain goat, sable, and antelope, 90 species of birds including two rare species of woodpecker, 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 360 species of insects, and 40 species of freshwater fish living in the national park. Although flora and fauna estimates made by different studies vary considerably, the park is nonetheless an extremely important area from an ecological perspective. In fact, the variety and rarity of the mountain's flora and fauna prompted UNESCO to designate Mt. Seoraksan National Park and some adjacent areas a Biosphere Reserve on August 12, 1982 in order to protect them. In April 1983, a monument was set up in a small park within the national park to commemorate UNESCO's important declaration. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The national park is divided into Outer Seorak and Inner Seorak, or Oeseorak and Naeseorak, by the ridges that extend north and south from Daecheongbong. Outer Seorak is closest to the sea and Inner Seorak is the farthest inland. Inner Seorak has a more continental type of climate and smooth slopes and thus supports a lush growth of vegetation. Outer Seorak, however, is characterized by a maritime climate and steep slopes, and hence, has less flora and fauna. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The best way to see the park and its many sights is to hike the many trails that crisscross Mt. Seoraksan like a spider's web. But one does not have to hike far to get a taste of what the park has to offer. Many of the main spots of interest are within an hour or two from the main entrance to the park, which is in Outer Seorak, near the main tourist village of Seorak-dong . | ||
| + | |||
| + | Outer Seorak is considered the most scenic area because of its craggy peaks. It is also the most accessible. Sinheungsa Temple and its Gyejoam Hermitage, the Ulsanbawi and Heundeulbawi rocks, Biseondae promontory, and Biryongpokpo waterfall are among the most popular sights in Outer Seorak, and they are not far from Seorak-dong. Baekdamsa Temple and the Daeseungpokpo Waterfall are among the most famous sights in Inner Seorak, but they are not easily accessible, requiring considerable hiking. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Sinheungsa Temple is the oldest Seon (Zen in Japanese) Buddhist temple in Korea , and perhaps even the world. It was originally founded in 653 by Jajangyulsa, a revered monk of the ancient Silla Kingdom . The small but historic temple, just a short walk from the park's main entrance, marks the beginning of the trail up the mountain to Gyejoam. Located in about as picturesque a location as one could hope to find, Gyejoam offers one of the best views of Daecheongbong. It is located at the base of Ulsanbawi and extends into a natural cave. Ulsanbawi, literally meaning Ulsan Rock, is a huge hunk of rock that is so named because of a legend that says a god carrying it to Mt. Geumgangsan from Ulsan , a town near the southern end of the peninsula, dropped it when he heard that Mt. Geumgangsan already had 12,000 peaks. It is actually a spectacular outcropping of granite, quartz and mica that rises to an altitude of 873 meters and has a circumference of 4 kilometers. Its six granite peaks and rugged cliffs are spectacular to see. Nearby Gyejoam is Heundeulbawi, Tottering Rock, a large round boulder sitting so precariously on a cliff that it looks as if it would roll off at the slightest touch. However, it only rocks slightly when pushed and it rocks the same amount whether one person or a group of people pushes it. Another trail from Seorak-dong follows a stream up a beautiful, heavily wooded gorge to Biseondae promontory, Flying Fairy Peak , a huge, slanting rock over which the stream flows. The 40-meter-high Biryongpokpo, or Flying Dragon Waterfall is at the top of a lovely gorge below the Hwachaebong Peak . As its name suggests, it looks like a flying dragon. The pool at its base is extremely deep and ideal for swimming. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Inner Seorak is less accessible than Outer Seorak and has fewer tourist sites but it offers boundless hiking pleasure and memorable scenery. There are numerous trails of various length and difficulty ranging from several hours to several days that lead through Inner Seorak, across the ridges into Outer Seorak. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Baekdamsa Temple is one of Inner Seorak's few cultural assets. It is located in the secluded Baekdam Valley , where a stream originating in Gayadong Valley and one from the Gugokdam Pool converge. It was built in 647 by Jajangyulsa, the revered Silla monk who also founded Sinheungsa Temple . It was first called Hangyesa Temple but later renamed Baekdamsa Temple , Temple with One Hundred Pools, because there are 100 pools of water between it and Daecheongbong. It is a strenuous 8.5-kilometer hike from the main entrance to the valley and no cars are permitted beyond the entrance. Daeseungpokpo waterfall is located at Jangsudae. With a height of 88 meters, it is one of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Korea . Nearby is the Ongnyutang waterfall where, according to legend, a heavenly being fleeing from a monster that attacked it at Daeseungpokpo Waterfall was saved by a thunderbolt hurled by the gods. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Other popular attractions in Mt. Seoraksan include Cheonbuldong, Valley with One Thousand Buddhas, where the elements have shaped rocky outcroppings into shapes that resemble human and animal forms; Osaek, Five Color Spring, which is famous for its iron-rich water; and Gwongeumseong, a mountaintop fortress. Visiting these or any of the other tourist sites provides an opportunity to soak up the extraordinary beauty of Mt. Seoraksan . | ||
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| + | end information service paste | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
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Image:Korea-Seoraksan-Buddha-Statue-01.jpg|Large Budda statue at main entrance to Seoraksan National Park. | Image:Korea-Seoraksan-Buddha-Statue-01.jpg|Large Budda statue at main entrance to Seoraksan National Park. | ||
Image:Buddist_Temple_Seoraksan.JPG|Temple in Seoraksan National Park. | Image:Buddist_Temple_Seoraksan.JPG|Temple in Seoraksan National Park. | ||
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Image:Ulsanbawi.jpg|Ulsanbawi, Seoraksan. | Image:Ulsanbawi.jpg|Ulsanbawi, Seoraksan. | ||
Image:Korea_biseondae.jpg|비선대 | Image:Korea_biseondae.jpg|비선대 | ||
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Image:Sorak4.jpg | Image:Sorak4.jpg | ||
Image:Sorak5.jpg | Image:Sorak5.jpg | ||
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Image:Sorak_buddha2.jpg | Image:Sorak_buddha2.jpg | ||
Image:Sorak_ulsan.jpg | Image:Sorak_ulsan.jpg | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 14:41, 3 December 2007
| Seoraksan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Korean Name | |
| Hangul | 설악산 |
| Hanja | 雪嶽山 |
| Revised Romanization | Seoraksan |
| McCune-Reischauer | Seoraksan |
| Elevation: | 1,708 meters (5,603 feet) |
| Coordinates: | 37°45′N 128°29′E |
| Location: | South Korea |
| First ascent: | ??? |
| Easiest route: | hike, scramble |
Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea, after the Hallasan volcano on Jeju Island and Jirisan in Gyeongsang Province. It is the highest mountain in the Taebaek mountain range, which often considered the backbone of the Korean peninsula. Many people say that Seoraksan is the most beautiful place in Korea.
Mt. Seoraksan Nature Reserve
Seoraksan is located in a national park near the city of Sokcho, within the Gangwon province in eastern South Korea. The Daechongbong Peak of Seoraksan reaches 1,708 meters (5,603 feet).
The national park attracts many national and international tourists all year round, but the main season for the Seoraksan national park is autumn. The autumn colors in the area are considered amongst the most beautiful in Korea. The red and yellow forest is interrupted by rocks and small mountain streams flow amidst this. During the rainy season in summer – especially after a typhoon – these streams can swell.
Perhaps the most visited part of the mountain is the main entrance valley to the National Park, fifteen minutes drive from Seokcho city. The valley runs west to east with a paved road leading up to the park's entrance gate. This valley contains many beautiful sites and is well worth a day visit.
Natural Features
The Yukdam waterfall and the Biryeong waterfall are located on the left side of the valley, about a forty minute walk from the main car park. Ulsanbawi is a rock formation in the Seoraksan national park. The shape of Ulsanbawi is unique in the area. To reach the rocks you need to follow a hiking path and climb over 800 steps. On the way there, there are two temples and a spherical rock (Heundeulbawi) which is located on top of a larger rock. This rock is about 5 meters (16 feet) high and can be moved with some effort. Thousands of people have already tried to push down Heundeulbawi, but nobody gets further than waggling the rock. According to the legend Ulsanbawi comes from the city of Ulsan in the south east of Korea. As Kumgangsan was built, Ulsanbawi walked to the north as the representative of the city. Unfortunately Ulsanbawi arrived too late and there was no more room. Ulsanbawi was ashamed and slowly trudged back to the south. One evening the rock went to sleep in the Seorak area. Ulsanbawi felt it was so beautiful around there that it decided to stay for good.
At the end of the main valley is Biseondae, a rock platform in a stream. Above the stream is a difficult to reach cave, which offers amazing views of the surrounding rock formations.
Apart from the colors of the mountainous forest, the shapes of the rocks are attractive. A bit further away from the entrance is the Cheonbuldong valley. The name (Cheonbuldong) means 1000 Buddhas. Not much imagination is needed to see naturally built Buddha statues in the rocks that dominate the forest.
Gwongeumseong are high rocks, to the south of Sogongwon. It takes 8 minutes to travel to Gwongeumseong (12km), by cable car. From the cable station, you can catch a magnificent view of the Ulsanbawi rock formations.
At the top, East Sea and Sokcho city can be seen at a glance. Looking west, you will see an exquisite cliffs, such as Gongnyongneungseon (Dragon Ridge line), Cheonhwadae, Madeungnyeong, and Jeohangnyeong. Gwongeumseong is named after two men, Mr. Kim and Kwon, who built it to hide themselves from war.
Seoraksan's Temples
Sinheungsa Temple.
Sinheungsa, sometimes spelled Shinheungsa, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is situated on the slopes of Seoraksan. The temple was first constructed to the east of Norumok in the 6th year of Queen Jindeok (652)of Silla Dynasty, by Jajang, a great Buddhist Master who studied Buddhism in Tang China and then founded many temples during the Silla period. Jajang originally built the temple with a nine-story pagoda to enshrine the sarira of Buddha, and gave it the name Hyangseongsa, which was later changed to Sinheungsa. It burned to the ground in 699, and was rebuilt by Uisang. It burned again in 1645. Visitors can also see the attached temples, Gyejoam, Naewonam, Anyangam and Geumganggul(cave). Sinheungsa is the headquarters temple for 40 branch temples in the northern part of Gangwondo province.
begin National Park paste—Daniel 19:44, 6 August 2007 (UTC)
[1] Seoraksan National Park, in Gangwon-do, 398.53 km².
Baekdamsa Temple A monk named Jajangyulsa built Baekdamsa, one of the representative temples of Nae(Inner) Seorak. It was named "Hangyesa" during the reign of Queen Jindeok (647) of Silla. However, its name was changed several times, and it was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire. Baekdamsa was named during the rein of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. The temple gained widespread fame because Han Yongun, a prominent poet, decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood in this temple.
end import National Park Service—Daniel 19:44, 6 August 2007 (UTC)
end National Park paste
Information Service Past
Ask a Korean to name the most beautiful place in Korea and that person will no doubt say Mt. Seoraksan. It is arguably the area most beloved by Koreans. With its high craggy peaks, boulder-strewn streams of crystal clear water, large waterfalls, unusual rock formations, and forests of pine and hardwood, it is certainly one of the most beautiful places Korea has to offer, any time of year. In Korea spring, summer, autumn and winter have climatic conditions that clearly distinguish them from each other, and no where is this more visible than Mt. Seoraksan. In spring, its slopes become a riot of various shades of pink, purple, white and yellow with the flowering of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and forsythia. In summer, it is lush with vegetation of every shade of green imaginable and its valleys are filled with the sound of rushing streams and thundering waterfalls. In autumn, it is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors as nature changes the foliage to various shades of red, yellow and gold. In winter, it becomes white from its peaks down to its hills and its streams and waterfalls are hushed and still, all is serene. Unlike most mountains, Mt. Seoraksan does not rise gradually from foothills; it rears up abruptly from the coastal plain, a weathered wall of granite and gneiss topped by serrated peaks that time and the elements have carved into fantastic forms resembling the battlements and towers of a fortress, its ramparts half-veiled in fog. Thick mists often drift around and between its peaks, blurring their outlines and smudging the forests into images like from an old ink painting. Indeed, Mt. Seoraksan looks a lot like the classic Korean ink paintings of craggy mountains wreathed in mist. That is because it is part of the southernmost extension of the source of all those paintings: the legendary Mt. Geumgangsan, or Diamond Mountains, most of which lie north of the border between the two halves of Korea. However, Mt. Seoraksan is not a lone peak. It is actually a series of peaks in the mid-section of the Taebaeksan range that forms the spine of the Korean Peninsula from north to south. It stretches along the east coast of the peninsula and penetrates deep inland. The mountain has gone by many names including Mt. Seolbongsan, Snow Peak Mountain, and Mt. Seolsan, Snow Mountain, but modern Koreans call it Mt. Seoraksan, Snow Rock Mountain. Contrary to these appellations, the mountain is not snow-capped year-round. It got its name because of the outstanding beauty of its winter landscapes and because of the outcroppings of white rocks that give it a snowy appearance when there is no snow. According to an ancient record, the mountain got its name because snow begins to fall there at the time of the harvest moon festival and does not melt completely until the summer solstice. Another record says that it was named for the snow-white boulders that form its peaks. Daecheongbong, Great Green Peak, is Mt. Seoraksan's main peak. It rises to 1,708 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Taebaeksan range, and the third highest in South Korea after Mt. Hallasan, a 1,950-meter-high volcanic mountain on the island of Jeju-do, and the 1,915-meter-high Mt. Jirisan straddling the border of the three provinces of Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. Because of the mountain's scenic beauty and rare flora and fauna, a 163.4-square-kilometer area around Daecheongbong was designated a natural monument in 1965. The area was expanded and made a national park in 1970. The park now encompasses 354.6 square kilometers of land and has 28 peaks, 58 valleys, 9 hills, 2 hot springs, 2 mineral springs and 15 grandiose rock formations as well as 12 Buddhist temples and hermitages. The forests of Mt. Seoraksan are luxurious. They are a mix of deciduous broad-leaved trees with alpine plants and conifers at high elevations near the mountain ridges. They contain a great variety of flora that provide a habitat for many different animals. Daecheongbong itself is especially noteworthy as a sanctuary for high-altitude plant life.
There are about 939 different species of plants, 25 species of mammals including the Asian black bear, musk deer, mountain goat, sable, and antelope, 90 species of birds including two rare species of woodpecker, 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 360 species of insects, and 40 species of freshwater fish living in the national park. Although flora and fauna estimates made by different studies vary considerably, the park is nonetheless an extremely important area from an ecological perspective. In fact, the variety and rarity of the mountain's flora and fauna prompted UNESCO to designate Mt. Seoraksan National Park and some adjacent areas a Biosphere Reserve on August 12, 1982 in order to protect them. In April 1983, a monument was set up in a small park within the national park to commemorate UNESCO's important declaration.
The national park is divided into Outer Seorak and Inner Seorak, or Oeseorak and Naeseorak, by the ridges that extend north and south from Daecheongbong. Outer Seorak is closest to the sea and Inner Seorak is the farthest inland. Inner Seorak has a more continental type of climate and smooth slopes and thus supports a lush growth of vegetation. Outer Seorak, however, is characterized by a maritime climate and steep slopes, and hence, has less flora and fauna.
The best way to see the park and its many sights is to hike the many trails that crisscross Mt. Seoraksan like a spider's web. But one does not have to hike far to get a taste of what the park has to offer. Many of the main spots of interest are within an hour or two from the main entrance to the park, which is in Outer Seorak, near the main tourist village of Seorak-dong .
Outer Seorak is considered the most scenic area because of its craggy peaks. It is also the most accessible. Sinheungsa Temple and its Gyejoam Hermitage, the Ulsanbawi and Heundeulbawi rocks, Biseondae promontory, and Biryongpokpo waterfall are among the most popular sights in Outer Seorak, and they are not far from Seorak-dong. Baekdamsa Temple and the Daeseungpokpo Waterfall are among the most famous sights in Inner Seorak, but they are not easily accessible, requiring considerable hiking.
Sinheungsa Temple is the oldest Seon (Zen in Japanese) Buddhist temple in Korea , and perhaps even the world. It was originally founded in 653 by Jajangyulsa, a revered monk of the ancient Silla Kingdom . The small but historic temple, just a short walk from the park's main entrance, marks the beginning of the trail up the mountain to Gyejoam. Located in about as picturesque a location as one could hope to find, Gyejoam offers one of the best views of Daecheongbong. It is located at the base of Ulsanbawi and extends into a natural cave. Ulsanbawi, literally meaning Ulsan Rock, is a huge hunk of rock that is so named because of a legend that says a god carrying it to Mt. Geumgangsan from Ulsan , a town near the southern end of the peninsula, dropped it when he heard that Mt. Geumgangsan already had 12,000 peaks. It is actually a spectacular outcropping of granite, quartz and mica that rises to an altitude of 873 meters and has a circumference of 4 kilometers. Its six granite peaks and rugged cliffs are spectacular to see. Nearby Gyejoam is Heundeulbawi, Tottering Rock, a large round boulder sitting so precariously on a cliff that it looks as if it would roll off at the slightest touch. However, it only rocks slightly when pushed and it rocks the same amount whether one person or a group of people pushes it. Another trail from Seorak-dong follows a stream up a beautiful, heavily wooded gorge to Biseondae promontory, Flying Fairy Peak , a huge, slanting rock over which the stream flows. The 40-meter-high Biryongpokpo, or Flying Dragon Waterfall is at the top of a lovely gorge below the Hwachaebong Peak . As its name suggests, it looks like a flying dragon. The pool at its base is extremely deep and ideal for swimming.
Inner Seorak is less accessible than Outer Seorak and has fewer tourist sites but it offers boundless hiking pleasure and memorable scenery. There are numerous trails of various length and difficulty ranging from several hours to several days that lead through Inner Seorak, across the ridges into Outer Seorak.
Baekdamsa Temple is one of Inner Seorak's few cultural assets. It is located in the secluded Baekdam Valley , where a stream originating in Gayadong Valley and one from the Gugokdam Pool converge. It was built in 647 by Jajangyulsa, the revered Silla monk who also founded Sinheungsa Temple . It was first called Hangyesa Temple but later renamed Baekdamsa Temple , Temple with One Hundred Pools, because there are 100 pools of water between it and Daecheongbong. It is a strenuous 8.5-kilometer hike from the main entrance to the valley and no cars are permitted beyond the entrance. Daeseungpokpo waterfall is located at Jangsudae. With a height of 88 meters, it is one of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Korea . Nearby is the Ongnyutang waterfall where, according to legend, a heavenly being fleeing from a monster that attacked it at Daeseungpokpo Waterfall was saved by a thunderbolt hurled by the gods.
Other popular attractions in Mt. Seoraksan include Cheonbuldong, Valley with One Thousand Buddhas, where the elements have shaped rocky outcroppings into shapes that resemble human and animal forms; Osaek, Five Color Spring, which is famous for its iron-rich water; and Gwongeumseong, a mountaintop fortress. Visiting these or any of the other tourist sites provides an opportunity to soak up the extraordinary beauty of Mt. Seoraksan .
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See also
- Mt. Seoraksan Nature Reserve
- List of Korea-related topics
- List of mountains in Korea
- Geography of South Korea
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Yoo, Ki-Joon. 1996. Land spectrum model (LSM) based on resource values and recreation oppurtunities for the Korean National Park system a GIS-based case study in Sorak Mountain National Park, Korea. OCLC: 35689149
Seoraksan Gallery
Location of Seoraksan]]
- Korea-Seoraksan-Buddha-Statue-01.jpg
Large Budda statue at main entrance to Seoraksan National Park.
Temple in Seoraksan National Park.
- Ulsanbawi.jpg
Ulsanbawi, Seoraksan.
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