Gayasan National Park (Baekundong District)

Gayasan, located 27 km from Seongju-eup, has been renowned as one of Korea's Eight Scenic Spots since ancient times. It was designated a national park in 1972, and its main peak, Chilbulbong, stands at 1,433 m above sea level. It lies on the borders of Seongju-gun, Hapcheon-gun, and Geochang-gun. In this area, Seongju-gun's Suryun-myeon, the mountain's topography unfolds in ever-changing forms. Following the Gayasan Circular Road from Suryun-myeon to Gayasan, one encounters a magnificent sight of dark red rocky cliffs piercing the sky. At the summit of the main peak is Ubijeong (Cow Nose Well), which is said never to dry up even during droughts, and on the mountainside is the Standing Stone Buddha (Treasure No. 222). In addition, there are many outstanding scenic spots, such as the famous Yongmun (Dragon Gate) Waterfall in a valley about 2 km west of Haeinsa Temple. The most famous places in Gayasan National Park are Haeinsa Temple and Hongnyudong Valley, which forms its entrance. Haeinsa Temple, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks (National Treasure No. 52), is located at the foot of the mountain about 4 km up Hongnyudong Valley. Along this section, there are sequentially Mureunggyo Bridge at the entrance, Nongsanjeong Pavilion, Jesiseok Rock, Bunokpok Waterfall, Jewoldam Pond, Hoeseonam Rock, Nakwhadam Pond, and Cheopseokdae Rock Terrace. Nongsanjeong and Jesiseok are relics associated with Choe Chi-won of the Silla Dynasty, who lived in seclusion here for ten thousand years. Nongsanjeong is a shrine where he is said to have played Go, and Jesiseok is a flat rock inscribed with his poem about farming in the mountains. Additionally, the cliffs and rocks forming the valley, clear water, and dense old pine trees create a spectacular landscape. Besides Haeinsa Temple, there are 12 hermitages, and the area produces abundant pine nuts, pine mushrooms, and wild vegetables.