National Park
 |
 |
 |
Odaesan
Odaesan (North eastern region)Odaesan has a smooth ridgeline that connects its five peaks. Spanning 304㎢, it is blessed with beautiful armful trees in every valley, whereas most mountains in the region are rocky. The park embraces Birobong (1,563m), the highest and other peaks of more than 1,000m high. Durobong, Dongdaesan, Noinbong, Sohwangbyeongsan, and Maebong which all run through Baekdudaegan have slow slopes that invite visitors to climb. To the east, you can see Noinbong (1,338m) and the beautiful Sogeumgang underneath. Neighboring Gangneung and Pyeongchang-gun, the park was designated as a National Park in 1975. At the entrance of the mountain along with both sides of the road, one can spot over 100 years old fir trees, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Odaesan displays the beauty of Korean mountains with gentle ridges spreading out like a folding screen. Starting from Noinbong, Sogeumgang in the east, it was named after Geumgangsan where the beautiful rocky cliffs resemble a crane spreading its wings. Odaesan boasts its diverse range of flora and fauna. The main flora are about 860 alpine species including Nuncheuk-baek (thuja) tree, the yew tree group, the Mongolian oak tree group in Dongdaesan, royal azalea and Geumgangchorong. With 25 species of mammal including the Loren wild boar and the Korean roe deer, 85 species of birds, such as the great spotted woodpecker and mandarin duck, as well as 1,124 species of insects and 31 species of fresh water fish, this national park is called a warehouse of ecosystem along with Jirisan and Hallasan. The park also has many cultural remnants, and national and local treasures. Sangwonsa and Woljeongsa are among the most frequented temples by tourists in the park. The most hiking course to take is from Sangwonsa temple to Birobong, or from Woljeongsa temple to Dongdaesan.
