Mt. Wolchul National Park

Mt. Wolchul National Park
The Sobaek mountain range stretches out toward the sea off Mokpo. From there Mt. Wolchul protrudes from level ground in the form of a monadnock. It is a national park with Cheonhwang Peak (809m) at the center. The entire mountain is filled with so many fantastic rocks and stones that it can be called an exhibition hall for "collector quality" rocks.

It is the birthplace of Dr. Wangin of Baekje and Doseonguksa at the end of the Silla Dynasty and called the 'Sogeumgang (little Mt. Geumgang) of Jeolla Province. Also, with Cheonhwang Peak at the center, there is graceful Muwisa Temple to the south, and Dogapsa Temple to the west. There are many cultural properties such as Haetalmun (deliverance gate of Dogapsa Temple, National Treasure #50), and Maaeyeoraejwasang (image of a seated Buddha carved on a cliff). Walking 5km past Dogapsa Temple at the entrance to Mt. Wolchul, there is Gujeongbong Peak resembling 9 jars where legend has it that a dragon used to live there because there is a constant supply of water in it. About 500m below is Maeyeoraejwasang (the image of a seated Buddha carved on a cliff), which is National Treasure #144.

Climbing to the top of Mt. Wolchul, there is a flat rock on which 300 people can sit at the same time. The girder bridge of Mt. Wolchul is another attraction. This bridge is the longest girder bridge in Korea, ever built at the elevation of 120m. It is 52m long and 0.6m wide. In the valley halfway up the mountain to the left of Saja Peak there is a waterfall that cascades in 7 steps. This is the Chilchi Falls. The field of pampas grass in Miwangjae found on the way down to Dogapsa Temple and Muwisa Temple becomes a scenic masterpiece in the fall.

In particular, the beauty of the sunset against the backdrop of the West Sea is beyond description. Throughout the year the park offers diverse and unique appearances. During spring the azaleas and royal azaleas bloom in all their glory, and in summer the cool waterfall with its morning fog that wafts over Cheonhwang Peak create a strikingly enchanting scene. In autumn the panorama of change continues with the tinge of rich autumn hues that rapture viewers, and in winter pristine snow and wintry serenity awaits the footprints of visitors.