Odaesan National Park

Odaesan National Park, designated as the 11th national park in Korea, is renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage. With gorgeous scenery comparable to Geumgangsan Mountain, it has earned the nickname “Little Geumgangsan Mountain” (小金剛). Starting with Birobong Peak at 1,563 meters above sea level, the range includes Dongdaesan Peak, Durobong Peak, Sangwangbong Peak, and Horyeongbong Peaks, lined up like a natural backdrop, creating a magnificent view.

The entrance features an accessible 2-km fir tree forest path that people of all ages can enjoy. Walking along this refreshing trail lined with towering fir trees, you’ll feel invigorated by the pure, fresh air.

As you continue along the forest path, you’ll reach the Iljumun Gate of Woljeongsa Temple, the head temple of the 14th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Founded in the 12th year of Queen Seondeok’s reign during the Silla Dynasty, Woljeongsa Temple boasts a thousand-year history and houses numerous cultural treasures, including the Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda and the Wooden Seated Child Manjusrī statue. Odaesan Mountain has long been regarded as a center of Buddhist culture, preserving historic Buddhist sites such as Sangwonsa Temple, Jeokmyeolbogung Hall, Bukdaesa Temple, Jungdaesa Temple, and Seodaesa Temple, along with significant sites like the Odaesansago National History Archives.

Odaesan National Park is a sacred site for Korean Manjusri worship and a historic place that once housed the Odaesansago National History Archives, where the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” were stored. This weekend, why not spend some time at Odaesan National Park, where you can experience the beauty of nature and the spirit of history?