Wolchulsan National ParkClaimed by the owner

Wolchulsan National Park sits at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, spanning Gangjin and Yeongam counties in South Jeolla Province. Its name means "moon-rising mountain," and it is centered on Cheonhwangbong peak, which rises to about 810 meters (sources give 808.7m and 810.7m) and is the highest point in Gangjin County. At 41 square kilometers, it is the smallest national park in South Korea, but it is dense with oddly shaped rock formations, earning it the nickname "exhibition hall of curious stones" and the alternate name "Sogeumgang of Honam."

Rock Peaks and Temples

The park's rock outcrops form a screen-like ridge around Cheonhwangbong. Muwisa temple stands to the south of the peak and Dogapsa temple to the west. Several National Treasures are located within the park, including Dogapsa's Haetalmun gate, Muwisa's Geungnakjeon hall, and a large rock-carved seated Buddha (maaeyeoraejwasang). About 5 km past Dogapsa, the trail reaches Gujeongbong, a peak with nine basin-shaped hollows that always hold water and are associated in legend with a dragon; roughly 500 meters below it is the rock-carved Buddha. The mountain is also cited as the birthplace of the Baekje-era scholar Wang In and the late-Silla monk Doseon.

Cloud Bridge and Seasonal Scenery

Wolchulsan's best-known man-made feature is the Cloud Bridge (Gureumdari), a suspension bridge built at a height of about 120 meters connecting two peaks. Other notable spots include Chilchi Falls and the silver reed fields of Miwangjae, which appear in autumn. Near Geumneung Gyeongpodae in the southern valley are the quiet remains of Wollamsaji temple site and a brick-style stone pagoda. The mountain's scenery changes with the seasons, from azaleas in spring to snow cover in winter.