Gibaeksan

Gibaeksan (1331m) forms the boundary between Hamyang and Geochang-gun and is also called Jiusan. Around Gibaeksan, the Jiuchen flows, forming valleys with abundant water volume due to many large and small rock beds and pools. Along the main hiking trails to Gibaeksan, there are Yongchusa Temple, Yongchu Valley, and Yongchu Waterfall. The area around Simwonjeong features a harmony of rocks and old pine trees. Gibaeksan has many large and small valleys and beautiful natural landscapes in between. From Simwonjeong to Yongchu Waterfall, the mountain is majestic with surrounding odd-shaped rocks and cliffs, and the reed field on the ridge stretching about 3km from the summit to Geumwonsan is spectacular. The representative hiking route to Gibaeksan starts from the Iljumun Gate of Yongchusa Temple in Anui, following the northern ridge to the summit of Gibaeksan. For the descent, it is advisable to go to Geumwonsan and then descend via Sumangnyeong to Yongchu Valley. However, the distance to Geumwonsan exceeds 3km, and the course descending through Yunancheong Valley after passing Geumwonsan is quite a detour. If time is limited, you can choose one of several descent routes on either side of the ridge. It was designated as Hamyang County Park in 1983, and a natural recreation forest, the first of its kind in Korea, has been established in the upper part of Yongchu Valley, attracting many visitors.