Detail

As the last installment in the Celebrated Mountains of Korea Series, Mt. Geumgangsan located in the waist of the Baekdu Mountain range, is introduced. Covering Goseong, Tongcheon and Geumgang counties in Gangwon-do province, Mt. Geumgangsan is 1,639m high and extends 530 km2 in a total area. Called Mt. Geumgangsan in the spring, Mt. Bongnaesan in the summer, Mt. Poongaksan in the autumn, and Mt. Gaegolsan in the winter, Mt. Geumgangsan serves as habitat to a wide variety of flora and fauna such as Hanabusaya asiatica (Nakai) Nakai, Pentactina rupicola Nakai, Asiatic Black Bear, Least Weasel, and many others. Outer Geumgangsan Within Mt. Geumgangsan, the western side of the Naemoojaeryeong Ridge is called “Inner Geumgangsan” and the eastern side, “Outer Geumgangsan,” respectively. “Outer Geumgangsan,” where mountain peaks that form steep slopes and precipitous walls of rocks well complement each other, projecting a masculine and solemn atmosphere. Oak trees and various southern-lineage plants thrive here. Sangpaldam Pools In Outer Geumgangsan, Sangpaldam Pools unfold above the Guryong Falls, comprising 8 ponds that twine around the majestic Satgatbong (bamboo hat-shaped mountain top). Legend has it that eight fairies descended from the sky to bathe. The indigo blue water harmonizes with the clouds presenting a splendid sight. Manmulsang District Representing a collection of precipitous walls made of stratified and strangely shaped rocks, Manmulsang is regarded as the best of the superb views offered by Mt. Geumgangsan. This area is named Manmulsang, as it looks like a collection of all things under the sun. Rocks of all shapes soar toward the sky, creating a spectacular and profound view. Gwimyeonam Rock To the northwest of Samseonam Rock in Outer Geumgangsan, an oddly shaped rock rises high into the sky. With the shape resembling a head, mouth, neck, shoulder and other body parts, its silhouette resembles a goblin. Around the 40m-high Gwimyeonam Rock, many mountain peaks such as Uuibong Peak and Sejibong Peak stretch around like a wall.