Juwangsan National Park

Korea has three majors Rocky Mountains, namely Seoraksan Mountain, Wolchulsan Mountain, and Juwangsan Mountain, which was designated as the 12th national park. Located in Cheongsong-gun and Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Juwangsan National Park spans a unique area rich in history and natural beauty.

Formed by lava flows that solidified around seventy million years ago, Juwangsan National Park offers a unique landscape. Its natural attractions include valleys like Jubanggyegok Valley, Jeolgolgyegok Valley, waterfalls such as Yongchu Falls, Jenggu Falls, Dalgi Falls, and caves including Yeonhwagul Cave, Mujanggul Cave, and Juwanggul Cave. Besides, the mountain features many uniquely shaped rock formations and peaks, making the hike up both scenic and enjoyable.

Giam Cliff, an iconic symbol of Juwangsan Mountain, rises majestically at the park’s entrance, resembling a tall monument. According to legend, during the Silla Dynasty, a man named Zhu Do fled from the Tang Dynasty after a failed rebellion and claimed to be Zhu Wang. When his deception was uncovered, the Tang Dynasty requested Silla’s help to capture him. General Mailseong of Silla apprehended Zhu Do in the Juwanggul Cave and marked the victory by planting a flag on the most visible boulder, now known as Giam Cliff, the symbol of Juwangsan Mountain.

Juwangsan National Park, with its majestic Giam Cliff and accessible trails, is especially popular in autumn, drawing around 70% of its annual visitors during the fall foliage season. With 70% of visitors coming in the fall, Juwangsan's autumn beauty is widely renowned. There are various trails to enjoy, including the 6.8 km Jubangcheon course that takes about three hours, the 12.5 km Jeolgol course taking six hours, and the 9.4 km Janggunbong course taking five hours. Choose a trail that suits your pace and immerse yourself in the stunning autumn beauty of Juwangsan Mountain!