Manggaeksan: A Mountain Steeped in the Legend of Kim Bok-seon

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Sinpyeong-myeon is usually a place people visit to explore the Sinpyeong Market and its surroundings. However, while looking at a map of Sinpyeong-myeon, I found a perfect spot for a light autumn hike: Manggaeksan Mountain.

I hesitated at first because there wasn't much information available about Manggaeksan, but then I came across a fascinating legend. The story of Kim Bok-seon, a legendary figure born in Sinpyeong-hyeon during the Joseon Dynasty, was intriguing.

Before climbing Manggaeksan, I visited the 'Manggaeksan and Kim Bok-seon Memorial Rock.' This memorial rock is a recent addition to Sinpyeong-myeon, having had its unveiling ceremony in 2024.

The story of Manggaeksan and Kim Bok-seon is detailed on the rock. Additionally, the names of those who contributed to the establishment of the memorial rock are recorded like a hall of fame.

Kim Bok-seon, though of humble birth, was said to be well-versed in astronomy, geography, and the principles of Yin and Yang, possessing the insight to foresee the future. It is even said that he predicted the outbreak of the Imjin War.

Legend has it that he associated with famous figures like Yulgok Yi I and Tojeong Yi Ji-ham, and the mountain was named Manggaeksan, meaning 'the mountain where he met and saw off guests,' referring to those two notable individuals.

Before ascending Manggaeksan, I briefly stopped by 'Manggaekjeong Pavilion.' Manggaeksan has a relatively low elevation. Around Manggaeksan, there are village scenes and attractions like Manggaekjeong, making it a great place to enjoy the autumn scenery.

There is ample parking space at the entrance of Manggaekjeong.

According to the map, Manggaekjeong is located before heading to Manggaeksan, which is why I visited it. Manggaekjeong is a type of traditional archery range, but it wasn't in the direction of the hiking trail I was looking for.

To reach the entrance of Manggaeksan, come to the NH-OIL Sinpyeong Agricultural Cooperative Gas Station at the intersection south of Manggaekjeong. Based on the gas station, there is a small hill towards the Sinpyeong-ri apartment complex at the 10 o'clock direction, but this is not the way to Manggaeksan.

Find the entrance to the hiking trail in the 2 o'clock direction with the gas station behind you.

Then, you will find the entrance to the Manggaeksan hiking trail. Although it is closed by a blue iron gate, you can go up along the path to the left. You can also see insect repellent installed by Dangjin City, indicating that this is a hiking trail.

I walked up Manggaeksan, which has a very low difficulty level, along a gentle uphill path in the northeast direction. It is a mountain that even beginners can easily hike. Manggaeksan has been a beloved mountain by the residents of Sinpyeong-myeon for a long time.

Locals or those who are from this area say they climbed Manggaeksan a lot when they were young. There's always a mountain like that, isn't there? A small mountain that feels like a friend in the area where we lived as children, or where we live now!

The slope is gentle, but the surrounding scenery is quite beautiful. The hiking trail itself is also relatively flat because it is not a rocky mountain. However, it is recommended to wear hiking shoes and avoid hiking when it rains or snows, or when the sun sets quickly these days, for a safe hike.

After finding the hiking trail to Manggaeksan south of Manggaekjeong, I was able to discover the monument of the Manggaekjeong archery range, which I hadn't seen when I came. A round trip from the Sinpyeong-myeon Community Service Center and Sinpyeong Market to Manggaeksan is also a good walking course.

It was a rewarding day to safely visit Manggaeksan, which has relatively few reviews. I hope this is helpful to those who want to climb Manggaeksan.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224095659686

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