Gapjangsan Mountain

Gapjangsan Mountain, located in Nakdong-myeon, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is 806m high and is one of the ridges of the Sobaek Mountains, where the Baekdudaegan rises from Jurassic granite. Sangju's three peaks are Yeonak Gapjangsan, Noak Noeumsan (725m), and Seokak Cheonbongsan (435m), with Gapjangsan being the most famous. It is said that its spiritual energy is clear and bright, and prayers or rituals held here during floods or droughts are quickly answered. King Chungnyeol of Goryeo, while resting at Seungjangsa Temple, called it the best mountain in Yeongnam, hence the name Gapjangsan, which is also derived from the temple Gapjangsa. Gapjangsan originates from the spring Guryongyeon at 670m northeast of the summit, extending east to Jangcheon and Seonsan Musugol Valley, west to Byeongseongcheon (also called Namcheon or Icheon), south to Santaebaekijae, and north to Seonggolgogae. The mountain is gentle and beautiful, with the temple Gapjangsa near the summit, and features such as Sangsabawi, Baekgilbawi, Sirubong, Barammun, and Naongbawi scattered around. It is close to downtown Sangju, making it a popular weekend resting spot for citizens, with various hiking trails developed. A common course starts from Yongheungsa Temple parking lot, passes through Yongheungsa Temple or a forest road, goes through Gapjangsa Temple grounds, and ascends to the summit. The mountain is covered with various native plants and undergrowth, with the sheer cliff Baekgilbawi to the east, a peculiar rock shaped like an upside-down rice steamer called Sirubong to the south, and the Nakdong River meandering to the east. At the summit of Gapjangsan is Gapjangsa Temple, and on the mountainside, Yongheungsa Temple and rest facilities (restaurants, parking lots, etc.) welcome visitors to the deep mountain valleys. The total trail length is 7.6km, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.