National Park
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Deokyusan
Deokyusan (South western region)On the way down to Jirisan from Sobaeksan, there is Deogyusan. It is considered the most generous and magnanimous mountain. Deogyu-san is the representative mountain which divides Yeongnam and Honam province, and it is the source of Geumgang River. Designated as the 10th National Park in 1975, and covers total area of 232㎢. The mountain is famous for Gucheondong valley that ranges from Rajetongmun Gate in Muju to Baengnyeonsa temple. There are numerous waterfalls, and rocky cliffs and streams at every turn. The valleys and the forests both become deeper and thicker, the further you climb up to the slope. At the top, visitors find themselves standing on the clouds as they watch Gayasan far away to the east, Naejangsan and Unjangsan to the west, Jirisan to the south, and Gyeryongsan and Songnisan to the north. The mountains and hills breaking through clouds from the top hold visitors spellbound. During spring, the Deogyusan ranges are filled with royal azalea blossom creating picturesque scene. In summer, under the shade of the trees, day lilies are in full bloom. Maples in autumn the yew and Gusang trees( Korean fir) in the winter create a peculiar beauty with the snow-covered scenery. 2,000 species of rare fauna and animals dwell in Deogyusan, with otters and Geumgangmochi, as well as elk and weasels. The Jeoksangsanseong fortress is a cultural relic from the Joseon Dynasty era. The park provides a huge campsite enough to accommodate more than ten thousand people at a time. Muju resort opened in 1990 boasts of leisure facilities complex, and has become a well-known ski resort.
