Celebrated Mountains of Korea Series (2nd) - October 18, 2005


The second series of Celebrated Mountains of Korea introduces Mt. Jirisan, the grand mountain at the southern end of the Baekdu mountain range, which originates from Mt. Baekdusan in North Korea.

Mount Jirisan possesses the largest single mountain area in South Korea, spanning over 471.758㎢ in North and South Jeolla provinces and South Gyeongsang province. Even without having to mention its 10 most impressive scenes viewed from different spots on the mountain, including sunrise from Cheonwangbong peak, clouds from Nogodan, sunset from Banyabong peak, royal azaleas at Seseok, the moon from Byeoksoryeong, autumn leaves in Piagol Valley, the enchanting scenery at Yeonhabong peak, Buril Falls, Chilseon ravine, the clear water of the Seomjingang River, Mt. Jirisan is deeply rooted in the hearts of Koreans as a sacred mountain

Baraebong Peak
Late April every year, Baraebong Peak of Mt. Jirisan proudly displays strong pink tints of royal azalea. The royal azaleas blossom along the mountain ridge from the peak down to Pallangchi, creating groups of blossoms which are as neat as if trimmed by people. The groups of royal azaleas were created by sheep grazing in the 70s, as they ate the sprouts of trees and left those of the royal azalea, which were poisonous

Ikki Falls
The Baemsagol Valley has falls with untouched natural beauty. The falls flow against a wall of tiered rocks covered with moss as smooth as silk. The appearance gave the nickname of “silken thread falls” to Ikki Falls, which amazes viewers with its beauty.

Piagol Valley
Piagol valley is a valley over a stream stretching 40-ri from Yeon-gok temple, at the upper stream of Yeon-gok stream. By mid-October, the valley clothes itself with spectacular, colorful leaves that only nature can create. Piagol valley maple leaves are known for their three reds, as they give red tints to the mountain, the stream and the people.

Cheonwangbong Peak
Cheonwangbong Peak, the highest peak of Mt. Jirisan at 1,915m above sea level, commands a magnificent view of an endless sea of clouds. The west rock wall of the peak has characters for "cheon-ju" engraved, which means a pillar that supports the sky. The peak is known to have the best scenery of the top 10 beauty spots at Mt. Jirisan. The sun rising from the clouds is such an impressive sight that it is said that it is granted only to people whose ancestors for three generations have done virtuous deeds.