Gangcheonsan County Park

Gangcheonsan, boasting its grandeur in the area of Cheonggye-ri 996beonji, Paldeok-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, is a proud mountain with outstanding beauty, surrounded by rock faces on all sides. It forms small valleys divided into southern and northern slopes, like a folding screen, centered around three mountains: Wangjabong (alt. 583.7m), Gwangdeoksan Seonnyeobong (alt. 578m), and Sanseongsan Yeondaebong (alt. 603m). It was called Gangcheon because clear, pure water springs and flows over solid bedrock in every valley, and all the surrounding mountains were named Gangcheonsan. It is said to have been called Yongcheonsan (Dragon Spring Mountain) in the past, named after the shape of two dragons ascending to the sky with their tails raised.<br /><br />From the Noryeong Mountain Range, Chuwolsan connects to Gwangdeoksan and Yongcheonsan, and as the guardian mountain of Gangcheon, Sanseongsan (where two dragons run from the eastern sky to the western sky) has two dragons running side by side eastward for dozens of li. Within it are numerous peaks, including named ones like Yeondaebong, Undaebong, Suryeongbong, Cheonjabong, Gitdaebong, Wangjabong, Gyeonjebong, Songrakbong, and others. Truly, a thousand peaks, ten thousand ravines, strange rocks, and bizarre stones present myriad forms, and the dense natural forests, as if boasting of antiquity, create waves of wind. Between these two mountains lies a deep valley stretching dozens of li. Named valleys include Yeondae Valley, Seonnyeo Valley (Jeobuje-gol), Wondeung Valley (Yongdaeam-gol), Buntong-gol, Jijeok-gol, Somok-gol, Samin-dae Valley (Hwanguje-gol), Giuje-gol, Senyang-gol, Multong-gol, Chodang-gol, Ujak-gol, Dongmak-gol, Geumgang Valley (Tapsang-gol), Seungbang-gol, Byeondu-gol, and others. The clear water originating and flowing from every valley joins the Jungcheon Stream, and the sound of water hitting rocks and stones echoes through the valley as it enters Gangcheon Lake.<br /><br />When spring comes to the stream, pussy willows bloom, and when forsythia and azaleas are in full bloom, mountain cherry blossoms are at their peak on every peak. Along the valley path stretching over 15 li, clear, pure water flows ceaselessly between pebbles. Whether due to its coldness or clarity, Gangcheon water is said to not grow moss, offering a cool respite from the summer heat. Gangcheonsan, with an abundance of undergrowth and maple trees, features seven types of maples, and the small maples and small squirrels add to the autumn atmosphere. The multiple narrow paths, neither steep nor dangerous, are popular with families, friends, and couples. It is also ideal for hikers who love and cherish mountains. When white snow flurries and icicles form, and Gangcheon is blanketed in snow, the scenery attracts artists seeking to capture a painting of snow flowers. Thus, as the four seasons of Gangcheonsan each show different faces, they excite and refresh the hearts of visitors.