EXODUS DMC

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National Park


Jirisan

Jirisan (Southwestern region)
Designated as South Korea's first national park in 1967, Mt. Jiri caters to hoards of hikers every day. It is also the nation's largest national park (excluding marine parks), with mountain ranges spanning 472§´ across South Gyeongsang Province and North and South Jeolla Provinces. Standing 1,915 meters high, Mt. Jiri has fickle, unpredictable weather, and forecasts of a clear blue sky cannot be guaranteed. Mt. Jiri has traditionally been considered one of the Three God Mountains, along with Mt. Halla and Mt. Geumgang, and it was believed that one had to cultivate virtue over three generations to see the New Year sun here. As rare as it is to see the sunrise there, it is known to be breathtakingly beautiful. Jiri means ¡°perceive the knowledge,¡± and it was thought that a hike in the area would make a wise man out of a fool. Mt. Jiri's main peak, Cheonwangbong (1,915m), is the second highest mountaintop in South Korea. Cheonwangbong extends 26Km west to Nogodan peak (1,507m). Jirisan National Park embraces other high peaks such as Jeseokbong (1,806m), Banyabong (1,732m) and Nogodan etc, and the the valleys of Baemsagol, Chilseon, Daewonsa, boasting excellent views of the impressive waterfalls. Mt. Jiri is also home to many temples such as Hwaeomsa, Ssanggyesa, Yeongoksa, Daewonsa, Silsangsa and large creeks, including Chilseongyegok, and numerous other bodies of water and mountain peaks that have yet to be named. The crystal clear creeks are top summer vacation spots. Various hiking trails are available. Popular choices include one-day courses and overnight itineraries that include spending the night in mountain shelters or villas. With a vertical mountain path through Namwon to Silsangsa temple, it is the highest latitude of all mountain paths in Korea, providing a spectacular view of the autumn leaves. Piagol valley, considered one of the most beautiful places in Mountain Jirisan, holds a Crimson Leaves Festival every year. A Confucian schlor of Joseon kingdom, Jo Shik has said "People who have not seen the red-tinted leaves in Piagol, dare not to say they know red-tinted leaves".