Gayasan National Park

The Gayasan National Park which is also known as Kayasan Mountain National park is one of the most notable national parks in South Korea. It was established in the year 1966 and covers about 80000 square kilometres. There are plenty of places in South Korea that are untouched by even the Korean inhabitants and still remain one of the tourist spots. Jirisan National Park is one of a kind. The South Korean Tourism Adventure, Tracking, Hacking and Climbing has taken urgent steps to promote these national parks.

Gayasan National Park

The Gayasan National Park Located in the deep inlands of south Korea, Gayasan was designated as the 9th national park in Korea in 1972. Gayasan was well-known as one of the 10 most beautiful spots in the East Sea area and as one of the eight scenic wonders of the Joseon dynasty. The total area of the park is 77Km it borders hapcheon-gun and Geochang-gun of Gyeongsangnam-do, and Seongju-gun of Gyeongsangbuk do. The Gayasan National Park highest point is split into two peaks, named Sangwangbong (1,430 m) and Chilbulbong (1,433 m).

Though Chilbulbong is slightly higher (by 3 meters), Sangwangbong is more well-known and usually listed as the primary peak. For all purposes, they can be considered a single peak. The lower part of the park is dominated by pines, especially around Haeinsa and on the road leading up to the temple. Deciduous trees are also common. In Autumn, the bright crimson of the maples and the yellow of the gingko trees sets the mountain ablaze, making Gayasan one of the top parks for visits during the fall season. The park also contains the beautiful Hongnyudong Valley, Yongmun Falls, and two impressive standing images of the Buddha on the mountain.

Kayasan Mountain National park

Gayasan National Park is a small park, but blessed with wonderful moderate-level day-hikes. The ascent to Sangwangbong takes about 2 hours from Haeinsa, winding up through lush forest along the river. As hikes go, it's not a steep climb, but rises quite gently most of the way until the final 30 minutes. At that point, the trail breaks out of the trees and amazing views of the valleys and ridges can be seen (if the weather allows it). The trails are well-maintained and well-marked. From Sangwangbong, you can hike over to Chilbulbong in about 15 minutes. As always, to enjoy your hike the most, it's best to start early while the light is still spectacular and before the mountains are flooded by mobs of yappy tourists.