South Korea's first national park (1967).
The main peak of the Cheongwangbong massif ("Top of the Heavenly King") - 1915 m - is the highest mountain in the continent of South Korea (only Mount Hallasan on the island of Jeju-do is higher).
There are 10 famous Buddhist temples on the territory of the Jirisan Mountains National Park, including Ssangesa, one of the main temples of the Chogye school, about 20 peaks and gorges, which make up the 10 Wonders of the Jirisan Mountains. In addition, in these mountains you can see the virgin forest and wild animals, thanks to which, Jirisan is considered the holy mountains. In addition to numerous species of animals and plants, tea and medicinal herbs are grown here.
(route: Surak Waterfall, observation platform on one of the 3 main peaks of the mountain - Nogodan, Ssangesa Buddhist monastery; the route involves movement by car and small pedestrian crossings not related to trekking)
Located in the Hadong province of South Gyeongsang, on the slopes of the Jirisan Mountains - the most majestic mountains of the mainland of South Korea, the largest national park.
The monastery was founded in 722 by two students of master Yisan - Sambop and Tebi. They say that the place of construction of the temple was suggested to them by a mountain spirit in the form of a tiger. Unfortunately, during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century, the monastery was completely destroyed; most of the modern buildings and structures of the monastery belong to the 17th century.
Not far from the temple is the famous historical Hwagye Changtho market, where we can get acquainted and enjoy, if desired, the products of two provinces - Gyeongsang and Jeolla.