Guknip Hoemunsan Natural Recreation Forest

This natural recreation forest is located in Anjeong-ri, Gurim-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, and is managed by the Korea National Arboretum under the Korea Forest Service. Hoemunsan Mountain was a stage for the anti-Japanese armed struggle led by righteous armies under Choi Ik-hyeon, Im Byeong-chan, and Yang Yun-suk, and along with Jirisan Mountain, it served as a base for partisans before and after the Korean War, providing the setting for Lee Tae's novel 'Nambugun' (The Southern Army). A natural recreation forest has been established below Janggunbong Peak (elevation 780m) on the northwest side of Hoemunsan Mountain, and a forest bath area has been created on the mid-slope where Noryeong Academy, a former training ground for partisan leaders, once stood. Spanning 2,876,000㎡ (870,000 pyeong), this natural recreation forest is noted for its outstanding scenery and historical significance, attracting many tourists on weekends. At the entrance of the recreation forest stands Noryeongmun Gate, built like a fortress wall. Beside it is a waterfall, and above a 30-meter-long cloud bridge, an observatory offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The easiest route to the main peak of Hoemunsan Mountain starts from Anjeong-ri, taking about 3 hours along a 5.5km rugged rocky path, with roads opened through dense forests to make the ascent easier. The main tree species include naturally occurring oaks such as Mongolian oak, sawtooth oak, cork oak, and Japanese emperor oak, along with maple, mountain cherry, and distributed species like royal azalea, akebia, and sumac, offering beautiful flowers and autumn foliage in spring and fall. Birds such as orioles, oriental turtle doves, water rails, hazel grouse, and copper pheasants also inhabit the area. The recreation forest features educational facilities like the Bimok Park and Partisan Command Post, sports facilities including a water playground, fitness equipment, and a volleyball court, as well as shelters, pavilions, a multipurpose plaza, walking trails, hiking trails, and a suspension bridge. Nearby tourist attractions include Naejangsan National Park, Gangcheonsan County Park, Chuwolsan Mountain, Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Damyangho Lake, and Okjeongho Lake Saseondae National Tourist Site.