Naejangsan-kungnip-kongwon Things to Do Tips by victorwkf

Persimmon Trees and Fruits

When you are at Naejangsan National Park and surrounding areas, you will notice many Persimmon Trees and with persimmon fruits on them. This temperate climate of this place is ideal for growing Persimmon Trees and other fruits and vegetables (you will see some farms while walking from Naejangsan tourist village to the Naejang Reservoir and Donghak Revolution Monument.

Torreya Forest

Torreya is a genus of conifers trees which four are native to eastern Asia and the other two native to North America. There is a Torreya forest at Naejangsan National Park along the path from Wonjeonam Hermitage to Baengnyeonam Hermitage. In order for tourists to enjoy the forest, wooden walkways and stairs have been built.

Geumseon Waterfalls

When you are going up to Sinseonbong Peak or Kkachibong Peak, you will pass by a short detour which will take you to Geumseon Waterfalls. Once you reach there, there are metal steps which will lead you up the waterfalls. However, do not expect it to be a big waterfall. In fact during the dryer seasons such as autumn, there is very little water and it looks more like a stream.

Yonggul Cave

Near to Geumseon Waterfalls (while you make your way up Sinseonbong Peak or Kkachibong Peak) is the Yonggul Cave. In order to reach this cave, you have to climb quite a lot of steep metal stairs (see photo) but the nice view of the mountains are probably worth it. Next to the cave is an information signboard where you will learn more about the history of this cave.

Flowers at Naejangsan National Park

While you are trekking in Naejangsan National Park during spring to autumn, you will be able to see some wild flowers, especially on higher altitude near the mountain peaks. These wildflowers are not very big, so you may need to be observant to spot them. one of the most common wildflowers here is the daisy which comes in 2-3 different colours.

Seoraebong Peak (north face)

One of the most prominent peaks of Naejangsan National Park is Seoraebong Peak (624 metres) because of its beautiful rocky peak. You can actually trek all the way up from the south face of this mountain and then descend on the north face (or vice versa). The north face of Seoraebong Peak is just next to the Naejang Reservoir as well as the famous Donghak Revolution Monument. There is an entrance to the national park here together wirh a small ticket booth. Take note that climbing Seoraebong Peak is rather strenous so physical training is required. Please see tip on south face of Seoraebong Peak.

Seoraebong Peak (south face)

The south face of Seoraebong Peak is inside the National Park itself and the Baengnyeonam Hermitage is built on the south face slope of this mountain. There are very good views of the south face of this mountain when you are at the cablecar station and viewing pavillon on the opposite mountain (Yeonjabong Peak). Best season to view Seoraebong south face is during the peak of autumn with the colourful trees, but this is the peak season so be prepared for the huge crowds.

Munpildae Rock

Munpildae Rock is a rock which the Buddhist priests prayed. This rock is located on Yeonjabong Peak between the cablecar station and viewing pavillion. In fact, it is an easy walk from the cablecar station (about a few minutes) to reach the Munpildae Rock.

Viewing pavillion near cablecar station

When you take the cablecar up to Yeonjabong Peak, you must take a short and easy walk to a viewing pavillion at a cliff with great views of the surrounding mountains. This pavillion has 2-3 storeys and the best view is on the top where there are benches for you to sit as well as binoculars (you need to pay). There is also an information board to tell you the names of the various mountains and hermitages which you can see from here.

Photos of the surrounding mountains taken from this viewing pavillion are at the travelogue section of this VT page.

Naejangsan Pond and Wuhwajeong Pavillion

Before reaching the main park area of Naejangsan National Park, you will see a beautiful pond with the Wuhwajeong Pavillion. The best time to visit this pond is early in the morning when the water is still and you can see stunning reflections of the mountains (see travelogue section of this VT page for more photos). There is a bridge where you can walk and have good views of the pond, pavillion and surroundings). You can also go to the pavillion in the middle of the pond, but this involves walking on stones jutting out of the pond and this can be dangerous.

Website: http://english.tour2korea.com/03Sightseeing/DestinationsByRegions/Depth04.asp?sight=Sightseeing&sightseeing_id=214&ADDRESS_1=36071&ADDRESS_2=34362&kon