Mt. Jiri is the largest and most beautiful mountain in Korea. It was the first to be designated as a Korean National Park. Dulegil (Jiri Road), connecting the mountain’s environs, attracts many isitors as a symbol of humanity, introspection, and pilgrimage. Many cultural assets are dotted throughout the mountain region, many regarded as equals of National Treasures. These elements of heritage emain because the mountain was one of the birthplaces of Buddhist culture in Korea. Large and small festivals are held throughout the year, including the Mt. Jiri Gorosoe Yaksu Fesitval and the Baraebong Royal Azalea Festival.

Mt. Naejang is exceptionally beautiful throughout the entire year. Autumnal tints completely paint the mountain red during fall, including Naejang Temple. The red and yellow leaves that stretch out below the cliffs at Seoraebong Peak will take your breath away. The Bija nutmeg forest blanketed in snow during the cold winter creates an elegant atmosphere perfect for the season. For this reason, the ountain is called Mt. Geumgang of Honam, and was selected as one of the eight most beautiful places in Korea. The highlight is the view of the whole mountain from Yeonjabong Peak, reached by cable car.

Mt. Deogyu is a mountain of affluence. It boasts 33 beautiful scenic points, including a view of its lush forests. The best sightseeing spot is Muju Gucheondong, which extends 28 km from ajetongmun to Baekryeon Temple poised halfway up the north face of Mt. Deogyu. Crystal-clear water flows down Gucheondong Valley, sparkling like sunshine reflecting off a mirror. The valley has a succession of rugged, rocky cliffs and rapids. Each sight is associated with many legends.

Mt. Mai, in Jinan, earned its name for its shape, resembling a horse raising its two ears. Mt. Mai features the gilt of nature where many mysterious natural phenomena can be observed that defy scientific explanation. There are some 80 stone towers built on native rock that do not collapse even in powerful storms. If you prepare a bowl of freshly drawn water and place it in either the Mt. Mai area, unsu Temple, or Cheonhwang Gate in the winter, a frozen pillar reaches up to the sky from its center. Mt. Mai is a rare ritual site in the Honam area that hosts a religious ceremony dedicated to the mountain pirit, and is home to prayers for national prosperity and welfare in the spring and autumn.

Mt. Seonun in Gochang has many visitors throughout the year. Camellia in spring, Crepe Myrtle at Daeungjun Hall in Seonun Temple in the summer, Cluster-Amaryllis in autunm, and gentle snowfall in mid-winter are sights to see. In particular, the Dongbaeknamusup Camellia Forest Road Natural Monument has been selected as the most beautiful road in Korea in the spring. The mountain is also known as ‘Mt. Dosol’. ‘Seonun’ refers to Zen mediation in the clouds, while ‘Dosol’ refers to Dosolcheongung Palace, the dwelling place of Maitreya. The mountain is considered to have a lot of holy energy. Old Seonun Temple holds many meaningful cultural assets stemming from its long history.

Mt. Moak can be climbed easily. Geumsan Temple, the head temple of the maitreya faith, was established here in antiquity. By the late Joseon era, Gang Jeung-san promoted his philosophy in Daewon Temple, and established the Jeungsan-gyo religion. Many other new religions were also established at Mt. Moaksan, and famous Buddhist temples such as Geunsan, Daewon, Gwisin, and Suwang can be found here.

Mt. Daedun in Wanju, has many different stories about the origins of its name, it also has many stories behind many of its sites. It is where the Ugeumchi battle occurred during the Japanese incursions of Korea from 1592 to 1598 occurred. Japanese troops came to Jeonju from Geumsan were fought. It also is where the Donghak Peasant Army was fought here the Ugeumchi battle. Also it is the last fight with Japanese army in the late-Joseon era. Mt. Daedun has a splendid view, with magnificent terrain centered on its highest peak, Macheondae. It harmonizes well with dozens of large, unusually shaped rocks and outcropings, such as Wanggwanbawi rock on Maebong Peak.

Mt. Jirisan’s deep gorges are beautiful in every corner. The cool and chilling water streaming from the Piagol, Bamsagol, and Baekmudong Valleys flows over 10km. Buril, Guryong, Chilseon, and Ganaeso Falls exhibit a pure and primal view of nature. Silbidan Falls in Bamsagol Valley in particular, was selected as a mustsee site in Korea by ‘CNN GO’, sister company of CNN and Asian culture media.

Mujugucheondong Valley has a succession of diverse and unique rock outcroppings differing in color and shape. The water that runs through its virgin forests creates many waterfalls and cascades. It has 33 beautiful sights, including Haksodae, where an old pine tree once stood where cranes nested; Cheongeumdae Cliff, where the sounds of flowing water are reminiscent of the sounds of traditional geomungo or gayageum (Korean instruments); Wolhwatan, where the view of the waterfall reflects the moonlight is simply magnificent; and Bipadam, where the fairies played the Korean bipa mandolin.

Driving through the Byeonsan Peninsula along the Yellow Sea, you will see peaceful harbors and rugged cliffs, cozy beaches and seashore rocks, fishing villages and harbors glowing in the sunset, and adjacent mountaintops magically appearing and disappearing. The magnificent views will take your breath away as they appear around the curves of the road. Byeonsan Peninsula is the only national park with a vast ocean as well as dense forests, deep gorges, and fertile plains. The peninsula is separated by Mt. Waebyeon adjacent to the Yellow Sea, and Mt. Naebyeon in the interior. Mt. Waebyeon extends to Gosapo Songnim Beach and Jeokbyeok River and has a coastal road connecting Mohang and Gomso. This beautiful mountain was hailed as the ‘road desired to walk the most’ by writers.

Climbing Mt. Daegak of Sinsi Island connected to the Saemangeum Embankment, leads to a panoramic view of the Gogunsan Islands, including Seonyu and Munyeo. The Gogunsan Islands are scattered like stars, with 16 inhabited and 47 uninhabited islands. Islands on the open sea are clustered together like siblings. Visitors seeking something special visit Buan’s Ha Island, which joins the land just twice a month, at the beginning, when the seawater ebbs away, revealing vast mudflats, and again fifteen days later. Visitors also enjoy visiting Wido Island, thought to be the basis for ‘Yul-do’ in the “Tale of Hong Gil-Dong.”