National Park
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Chiaksan
Chiaksan (North eastern region)Chiaksan National Park, covering 182㎢, was designated as the 16th national park in Korea in 1984, the park attracts many visitors throughout the year because of its natural beauty and easy accessibility from Seoul. Odaesan Durobong (1,422m) stretches to the south and the main peak Birobong of this mountain rises up (1,563.4m). Durojireung which has Gyeobangsan (1,577m) is neighboring three districts, Hongcheon-gun Seoseok-myeon, Hoingseong-gun Dunnae-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun Bongpyeong-myeon in Gangwon-do. Taegisan (1,261m) the highest peak runs to the southwest from Kkageun-jae, Geomdujae, Jugnimsan (641m), Pungchwisan (699m) to Birobong (1,288m) of Chiaksan. With Birobong as a central figure, there is Hongseong-gun in the east, Wonju-si in the west. There are several high peaks more than 1,000m high such as Namdaebong (1,181m), and Maehwasan (1,084m) with beautiful valleys between them. Chiaksan has beautiful scenic figure, and the physical aspect of a mountain is very steep. With these characteristics, there are old fortresses, temples and relics in the park hold legends attracting many visitors. The main west ridgeline is very steep and the east is relatively slow slope. Especially, the north ridgeline from Guryongsa temple to Birobong is famous for its steepness. Likewise, Chiaksan is well known for having magnificent and steep slopes together with dense forests, curious rocky cliffs, beautiful falls and valleys. In addtion Guryong valley, Bugok valley, Geumdae valley, Sinseondae Rock, Guryong-so pond, Seryeom Falls, and Sangwonsa temple are among the famous spots for the visitors. The park is a home to rare species of birds such as grey-headed woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker and broad-billed roller, and 700 species of trees. Sangwonsa temple built on a flat stone floor is situated at the highest place Namdaebong (1,181m) in the country. Cool water runs down from the crack of a rock and there is a cliff 40m high right in front of the temple. The origin of the temple is not exactly known but considering the pagodas and relics assumed to be built during the period of Silla. There is a pagoda in front of sermon hall, adding taste of the temple.
