Exploring Pohang: A Hike Through Naeyeonsan Mountain and its Twelve Waterfalls
Pohang Trip
One of the Eight Scenic Sites of North Gyeongsang Province
Naeyeonsan Mountain and its Twelve Waterfalls
Confucius said, "The wise enjoy water, the benevolent enjoy mountains." I, however, don't particularly enjoy either. Yet, in Pohang, I discovered a mountain I think I'll be visiting often.
Introducing Naeyeonsan Mountain and Bogyeongsa Temple
The mountain I visited was Naeyeonsan Mountain in Pohang. I parked at the Bogyeongsa Temple parking lot. Although the parking lot was large, it was difficult to find an empty spot because so many people were visiting.
After passing restaurants and shops, a short walk towards Bogyeongsa Temple reveals artificial ponds on the left. They appeared to be recently constructed.
As I hiked up the mountain, I wondered if these ponds were created using water flowing down from Naeyeonsan Mountain.
I arrived at the Iljumun Gate of Naeyeonsan Mountain's Bogyeongsa Temple. There were more people than I expected.
There was a guide about Naeyeonsan Mountain and its twelve waterfalls. I thought I would see all twelve waterfalls on the way up, but that didn't happen.
After passing through the Haetalmun Gate and walking a little further, you arrive at Bogyeongsa Temple, which is said to be a filming location for the dramas 'The Great King's Dream' and 'Nam 部軍'. I decided to hike up Naeyeonsan Mountain first.
I chose the path to the left of Bogyeongsa Temple. There was a Forest of Healing on the left. It didn't seem very large.
I headed up towards the Naeyeonsan waterfalls. As I climbed, I noticed a waterway on the right with clear water flowing down rapidly, while the valley on the left was dry.
I soon understood why. The water was being diverted midway up the valley into the waterway, bypassing the natural stream. I'm not sure of the exact reason for diverting the water, but I suspect it's to supply the ponds at the entrance.
Further up, the valley looked normal again. Large, oddly shaped rocks and small waterfalls created a refreshing sound of rushing water.
I even saw a squirrel. In the mountains around the city, I usually see chipmunks, so I was happy and delighted to see a squirrel again after a long time.
About 1.7km from Bogyeongsa Temple was Sangsaeng Falls. It looked like there was a considerable amount of water, probably because it had been raining.
There was a seemingly shallow pool in front of the waterfall, where I briefly washed my hands before continuing. The path continued above Sangsaeng Falls.
A little further up from Sangsaeng Falls was Bohyeon Falls, but it wasn't easily visible. The third waterfall is Sambo Falls. It's a bit off the hiking trail, so you have to go down a narrow path to see it.
I arrived at a fork in the road to Yeonsan Falls. First, I saw a rock with a hole in it and two streams of water.
The surrounding oddly shaped rocks created a picturesque scene. The water volume was abundant, and the water appeared deep. I saw a suspension bridge above the waterfall, so I decided to go there.
It was the Yeonsan Suspension Bridge. There were many people below, but not as many here.
Crossing the bridge, I saw people inside, and it was a waterfall where you could get right next to the falling water.
This was the closest I've been to a waterfall since Sojeongbang Falls in Jeju Island. The sound of the powerful waterfall was refreshing.
There were signs for Mureung Falls, Gwaneum Falls, etc., but there were so many waterfalls, large and small, that I couldn't be sure which was which. While descending, I saw a sign for Sogang Geumgang Observatory 400m below Yeonsan Falls, so I decided to go there.
A little further up, there was a Gat Buddha, a Medicine Buddha wearing a hat. The Sogang Geumgang Observatory was said to be 600m away, but I was already exhausted, so it was a really difficult climb.
I finally arrived at the Sogang Geumgang Observatory. However, it was an observatory with a floor made of wire mesh on a cliff. Being a coward, I couldn't bring myself to step any further onto the observatory.
Looking ahead, I saw a secret view reminiscent of Zhangjiajie in China, albeit on a much smaller scale.
On top of the steep cliff was Seonildae. Naeyeonsan Mountain is said to be one of the Eight Scenic Sites of North Gyeongsang Province, and it was truly a beautiful mountain. Although it was difficult, I'm glad I came all the way up here.
Descending, I looked around the Cheonwangmun Gate, the five-story stone pagoda, the Daewoongjeon Hall, and the bell pavilion of Bogyeongsa Temple before returning to the parking lot.
Naeyeonsan Mountain was so impressive that it will remain in my memory among the mountains I've visited so far. It's a pity I didn't see all twelve waterfalls, but the mountain scenery and waterfalls I saw today were enough to prove that it deserves to be one of the Eight Scenic Sites of North Gyeongsang Province.
I will come back to see the rest of the waterfalls next time.
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