Cheontaesan Mountain: A Thrilling Hike Through Granite Peaks and Ancient History
[Cheontaesan Mountain]
Located on the border between Nugyo-ri, Yangsan-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk Province and Hwawon-ri, Jewon-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam Province,
Cheontaesan Mountain stands at an altitude of 715m. Its granite ridges and diverse trees blend beautifully with the clear water of the valleys,
creating scenery as stunning as that of Seoraksan Mountain. It is sometimes called 'Seoraksan of Chungbuk' and is listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Korea.
The famed Yangsan Palgyeong (Eight Scenic Views of Yangsan) begins with Yeongguksa Temple on Cheontaesan Mountain, and numerous cultural relics add to its mystique.
Cheontaesan Mountain offers four hiking trails, and the highlight of hiking here is the exhilarating experience of traversing its vertiginous rocky ridges.
Climbing the 75m rock face with ropes is a unique thrill that Cheontaesan Mountain offers.
While not particularly tall or large, the mountain is scattered with oddly shaped rocks, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the thrill of rugged rock climbing.
Listening to the clear sound of the water flowing through Cheontae Dongcheon at the entrance of Cheontaesan Mountain, you will pass Jinju Falls and Samdan Falls (formerly Yongchu Falls) before reaching the entrance of Yeongguksa Temple.
A little further along the path, you can admire the magnificent form of the Yeongguksa Temple Ginkgo Tree, which has stood guard over the mountain for over 1,000 years.
The tree is 31m tall with a circumference of about 11m, and one of its branches has taken root in the ground, growing like an independent tree. The hiking trails diverge beneath this ginkgo tree, and the summit is about a 1 hour and 30-minute climb from Yeongguksa Temple.
From the summit, you can see Seodaesan Mountain to the west and Seongjusan Mountain and Deogyusan Mountain beyond to the south.
Yeongguksa Temple was founded by Monk Wongak in the 8th year of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. Legend has it that King Hyoso led his court here to take refuge. There is Okseaebong Peak and Yukjogol Valley associated with this legend.
During the reign of King Munjong of Goryeo, State Preceptor Daegak renamed the temple Gukcheongsa. King Gongmin took refuge here during the Red Turban Invasions, praying for national peace and security, and renamed it Yeongguksa Temple after overcoming the national crisis.
Today, it serves as a historical education site for youth.
[Hiking Overview]
1. Hiking Date:
August 22, 2015 (Saturday), solo hike with an acquaintance, Yeongguksa Temple ~ Cheontaesan Mountain ~ Yeongguksa Temple (round trip)
2. Hiking Course:
Yeongguksa Temple Parking Lot - Cheontaesan Mountain Trail - Cheontaesan Mountain Valley - Samsin Halmae Rock - Yeongguksa Temple Three-Tiered Waterfall - Yeongguksa Temple -
Course A - 75m Slab - Cheontaesan Mountain (714.7m) - Course D (Ridge/Easy Path) - Rocky Ridge - Observation Rock (Rest Stop) -
Namgogae Pass - Yeongguksa Temple - Shark Rock - Yeongguksa Temple Mangtapbong Three-Story Stone Pagoda - Jinju Falls -
Yeongguksa Temple Parking Lot (7.2Km, 4 hours 16 minutes, including 48 minutes of rest)
3. Hiking Information:
The 75m steep slab course was impressive, the rocky ridges and scenery were wonderful.
Post-hike meal: Dongdongju (rice wine) at a restaurant near the parking lot entrance, purchased shiitake mushrooms and Okcheon grapes.
Parked in the Yeongguksa Temple parking lot and started climbing along the Cheontaesan Mountain trail.
The valley appears.
Samsin Halmeom (Grandmother Spirit) Rock.
Yeongguksa Temple Three-tiered Waterfall (formerly known as Yongchu Waterfall).
The Iljumun Gate of Yeongguksa Temple is visible.
Yeongguksa Temple
Yeongguksa Temple Ginkgo Tree
Yeongguksa Temple Parking Lot
The real hike begins.
Rocky Ridge Rope Section
The length and slope of the rope are impressive.
Long line of ropes.
Climbing the long ropes.
The slope is very steep.
A detour is also in place for safety.
Climbing the ropes is thrilling in itself.
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