Woraksan

The summit, Yeongbong, is one enormous block of rock rising out of the ridge. Stand on top and you look north over the winding arms of Chungju Lake and Cheongpung Lake. Woraksan sits midway along the Baekdudaegan range between Sobaeksan and Songnisan, spanning Jecheon, Chungju and Danyang in North Chungcheong and Mungyeong in North Gyeongsang. On 31 December 1984 it became Korea's 17th national park.

History: a mountain of ancient rites

Old records say the Silla kingdom called it Wolhyeongsan and held state rites here. Sources differ on the height of the summit: 1,097 m or 1,094 m. Yeongbong was long seen as a sacred peak, which is why it was also known as Guksabong. In Deokju Valley on the southern side, legend says that Princess Deokju, sister of Silla's last crown prince, took refuge here when the kingdom fell. The southern slopes also guarded an important north–south route and had military value.

What to see

• Yeongbong: the rock summit and goal of most hikes. Evergreen Korean pines, an open sky in every direction and the view over Chungju Lake are the reward.
• Deokjusa and its rock-carved Buddha: legend says Princess Deokju had her own likeness carved into the cliff, though the style points to the large Buddhas of the early Goryeo period. The original temple was destroyed in the Korean War, and today's buildings stand a short way from the old site.
• Deokjusanseong Fortress: stone walls built in several rings around Deokjusa. Five lines of wall survive, each from a different period, so you can compare building techniques.
• Songgye Valley: a valley of about 7 km along the west side of the mountain. Its eight famous spots include Wolgwang Falls, Haksodae, Jayeondae, Waryongdae, Palangso, Mangpokdae and Sugyeongdae. Wolgwang Falls drops about 30 m in three tiers.
• Akeobong (Crocodile Peak): a viewpoint where the ridges running into Chungju Lake look like a pack of crocodiles slipping into the water. It used to be off-limits, but a timber boardwalk trail now makes it an official route.

Good to know

The national park is home to around 1,200 plant species and a wide range of animals, 16 of them endangered. With its rocky peaks and deep valleys, Woraksan is sometimes compared to a small Geumgangsan.

Nearby

• Chungju Lake: the large reservoir formed when the Chungju Dam was completed in the 1980s, wrapping around the northern foot of Woraksan. The Worak ferry landing gives a close view of the water.
• Mireuk-ri temple site and Songgye Valley: the Mireuk-ri temple site lies south of Songgye Valley and fits easily into a drive along the valley.
• Mungyeong Saejae: south of Woraksan, the old mountain pass between the southeast and Seoul, with an earthen path through three Joseon-era gates.

Tripto tips

• Check closures: some trails close during forest-fire season or for rest periods. Check the Woraksan office of the Korea National Park Service before setting off. There is no entrance fee.
• Choosing a route: the Yeongbong climb takes at least half a day, a full day for many hikers. For an easier outing, combine Deokjusa, the fortress and Songgye Valley.
• When to go: in summer people come for the cold water of Songgye Valley, in autumn for the foliage above the lake. On some early mornings a sea of cloud fills the lake valley.
• Staying over: campsites include Deokju, Datdonjae, Songgye and Yongha.