National Park
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Gyeryongsan
Gyeryonggsan (Central western region)Gyeryongsan was designated as a national park in 1968. Gyeryongsan lying near to Daejeon, Gongju, and Nonsan is nestled between the Charyeong and Noryeong ranges. It has aligning lower peak, which create a scenic masterpiece. Gyeryong means rooster and dragon because its peaks line up and resemble a dragon wearing the crown of a rooster. The entire area extends to 65㎢, and it has several peaks such as Cheonhwangbong (845.1m), Yeoncheonbong(738.7m), Sujeong-bong (675m), Sambulbong (775.1m). They create beautiful scenic figures. The streams flowing through the dense forest and the spectacular waterfalls attract many people. Historically, Gyeryongsan was considered to be a holy mountain and it had an integral part of important rituals, and got attention from the government of each period in Korea's history.
According to Pungsujiri (the theory of division based on topography) Gyeryongsan was once considered as a suitable capital of Joseon. Sindoan was nominated as one of the capital candidates. The topography book 'Jeonggamnok' written after Imjin and Byungja wars fore told that the next capital of the Dynasty would be Sindoan near Gyeryongsan. Therefore, Sindoan Gyeryong-san was considered an ideal area according to the people's religious wishes since the middle of the Joseon Dynasty.
From the Cheonhwangbong which is center of Guryongsan, four tempels sit in four directions, Donghaksa in the East, Gapsa in the West, Sinwonsa in the south and Guryongsa is in the north which only the site remains. The park has diverse wild lives such as the raccoon dog, the badger, wild boar, and a type of Japanese apricot. It is renowned for its Gyeryong eight elements of beautiful scenery: the Cheonhwangbong sunrise; Sambulbong snow flowers; Yeoncheonbong sunset; Gwaneumbong clouds; Donghaksa valley tender green; Gapsa valley maples; foggy Eunseon waterfall ; and the Nammae-tap bright moon - all harmonizing with the rocks to create beautiful scenery.
