Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea

Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea lies in South Jeolla province. Designated as a national park in 1988, Wolchulsan National Park is South Korea's smallest. The park derives its name from Wolchulsan or Mt. Wolchul in Gangjin and Yeongam counties. The peak, Chonwhangbong, rises 808.7 meters. There are also 3 national treasures and a number of local cultural properties in the park.


Features of Wolchulsan National Park in South Korea
  • The word 'Wolchulsan' means 'mountain where the moon rises' and the beautiful natural landscape rightly deserves the name. 
  • Wolchulsan is well known for its rocky terrain and spectacular rock formations.
  • If you walk for about 20 minutes past the National Park's parking lot and Dogapsa Temple, you will find the entrance to Mt. Wolchulsan. 
  • The Gujeolbong Peak is located about 5 km. from the gate and it is shaped like 9 large pots.
  • The Maaeyeoraejwasang, the sitting Buddha statue which is designated as National Treasure No. 144 is located further down about 500 meters. 
  • The path past the statue to the top is carpeted with lush green forests.
  • At the top of Mt. Wolchulsan, there is a large flat granite rock where about 300 people can sit at once.
  • If you stare down from here, you can have a great view of Mt. Wolchulsan.
  • Cross the arched bridge coming down from the top. The bridge is 120 meters high, 52 meters long and 6 meters wide. 
  • To the left of Sajabong Peak, around the middle of the mountain, there is a waterfall cascading down into the valley as seven separate falls on top of each other. This is called Chilchi Waterfall. 
  • On the way down to Dogapsa and Muwisa Temples, there is a reeds field by the road that becomes exquisitely beautiful in the fall. 
  • Don't miss the sunset view.
  • You can take a bus to Yeongam, the nearest city in order to reach the park.